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01-05-2017 | Chest

Volume-based quantification using dual-energy computed tomography in the differentiation of thymic epithelial tumours: an initial experience

Authors: Suyon Chang, Jin Hur, Dong Jin Im, Young Joo Suh, Yoo Jin Hong, Hye-Jeong Lee, Young Jin Kim, Kyunghwa Han, Dae Joon Kim, Chang Young Lee, Ha Young Shin, Byoung Wook Choi

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in differentiating between low- and high-risk thymomas and thymic carcinomas.

Materials

Our institutional review board approved this study, and patients provided informed consent. We prospectively enrolled 37 patients (20 males, mean age: 55.6 years) with thymic epithelial tumour. All patients underwent DECT. For quantitative analysis, two reviewers measured the following tumour parameters: CT attenuation value in contrast Hounsfield units (CHU), iodine-related HU and iodine concentration (mg/ml). Pathological results confirmed the final diagnosis.

Results

Of the 37 thymic tumours, 23 (62.2 %) were low-risk thymomas, five (13.5 %) were high-risk thymomas and nine (24.3 %) were thymic carcinomas. According to quantitative analysis, iodine-related HU and iodine concentration were significantly different among low-risk thymomas, high-risk thymomas and thymic carcinomas (median: 29.78 HU vs. 14.55 HU vs. 19.95 HU, p = 0.001 and 1.92 mg/ml vs. 0.99 mg/ml vs. 1.18 mg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

DECT using a quantitative analytical method based on iodine concentration measurement can be used to differentiate among thymic epithelial tumours using single-phase scanning.

Key Points

• IHU and IC were lower in high-risk thymomas/carcinomas than in low-risk thymomas

• IHU and IC were lower in advanced-stage thymomas than in early-stage thymomas

• Dual-energy CT helps differentiate among thymic epithelial tumours.

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Title: Volume-based quantification using dual-energy computed tomography in the differentiation of thymic epithelial tumours: an initial experience
Authors: Suyon Chang
Jin Hur
Dong Jin Im
Young Joo Suh
Yoo Jin Hong
Hye-Jeong Lee
Young Jin Kim
Kyunghwa Han
Dae Joon Kim
Chang Young Lee
Ha Young Shin
Byoung Wook Choi
Publication date: 01-05-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4542-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Volume-based quantification using dual-energy computed tomography in the differentiation of thymic epithelial tumours: an initial experience

Abstract

Objectives

Materials

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Materials

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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