Non-contrast estimation of diffuse myocardial fibrosis with dual energy CT: A phantom study

BackgroundEstimation of diffuse myocardial fibrosis, substrate for adverse events such as heart failure and arrhythmias in patients with various cardiac disorders, is presently done by histopathology or cardiac magnetic resonance. We sought to develop a non-contrast method to estimate the amount of diffuse myocardial fibrosis leveraging dual energy computed tomography (DECT) in phantoms and a suitable small animal model.Methods and ResultsPhantoms consisted of homogenized bovine myocardium with varying amounts of Type 1 collagen. Fifteen mice underwent sham surgery, no procedure, or transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 5 or 8 weeks to produce moderate or severe fibrosis, respectively. Phantoms and ex vivo mouse hearts were imaged on a single source, DECT scanner equipped with kVp switching. Monochromatic images were reconstructed at 40–140 keV. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on mean myocardial CT numbers derived from single energy (70 keV) images as well as images reconstructed across multiple energies. Classification of myocardial fibrosis severity as low, moderate or severe was more often correct using the multi-energy CT/LDA approach vs. single energy CT/LDA in both phantoms (80.0% vs. 70.0%) and mice (93.3% vs. 33.3%).ConclusionsDECT myocardial imaging with multi-energy analysis better classifies myocardial fibrosis severity compared to a single energy-based approach. Non-contrast DECT can accurately and non-invasively estimate the extent of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in phantom and animal models. These data support further evaluation of this approach for in vivo myocardial fibrosis estimation.     

单次对比增强双源CT双能量心脏成像的初步应用研究

目的评价单次对比增强双源CT双能量心脏成像的可行性和初步应用。方法30例受检者行双源CT双能量心脏成像,分别有6例病人于1周内进行了DSA或SPECT检查。2名有经验的影像诊断医师对所有冠状动脉影像质量和碘图进行分段评分,并对冠状动脉狭窄节段与碘图分布情况进行对照分析。结果冠状动脉成像可诊断率为100%（300/300）,影像质量评分均值为4.68±0.57。30例病人中8例共10个节段发现壁冠状动脉,12例共32个节段冠状动脉发现粥样硬化性斑块,其中20个节段狭窄≥50%,12个节段狭窄≤50%;3例病人的双能量CT（DECT）冠状动脉成像与DSA所见一致。融合碘图有15例共37个节段发现灌注异常,其中28个节段供血支冠状动脉狭窄,9个节段未见冠状动脉狭窄（其中3个节段SPECT检查为阴性）。结论心率合适的情况下,单次对比增强双源CT双能量成像可获得优良的冠状动脉和心肌灌注影像,有一定的临床应用潜力,但尚需深入研究。     

Estimation of myocardial fibrosis in humans with dual energy CT

BackgroundThe current clinical standard for in vivo imaging of myocardial fibrosis is contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We sought to validate a novel non-contrast dual energy computed tomography (DECT) method to estimate myocardial fibrosis in patients undergoing CMR with contrast.MethodsAll subjects underwent non-contrast, prospectively-triggered cardiac DECT on a single source scanner with interleaved acquisition between tube voltages of 80 and 140 kVp. Monochromatic images were reconstructed at 11 energies spanning 40–140 keV; a region of interest (ROI) was drawn in the mid-inferoseptal segment, recording mean attenuation value in the ROI, at each energy level. Comparison was made to data from single energy (70 keV) image data. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed to compare the predictive capability of single vs. multi-energy inferoseptal segment CT attenuation on myocardial fibrosis by both visually assessed LGE (absent/present fibrosis) and CMR T1 mapping-derived myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV).ResultsThe multi-energy CT/LDA approach performed better than a single energy approach to discriminate among LGE-CMR classes of present/absence myocardial fibrosis severity, demonstrating correct classification rates of 89% and 71%, respectively. The multi-energy CT/LDA approach also performed better in correctly discriminating normal from elevated ECV, doing so in 89% of patients vs. correct distinction of normal/elevated ECV in only 70% using the single energy approach.ConclusionsNon-contrast cardiac DECT with multi-energy analysis better classifies myocardial fibrosis and extracellular volume compared to what is feasible with non-contrast single energy cardiac CT. These data support further evaluation of this approach to noninvasively assess myocardial fibrosis.     

Soft tissue discrimination ex vivo by dual energy computed tomography

Purpose

Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) may provide additional information about the chemical composition of tissues compared to examination with a single X-ray energy. The aim of this in vitro study was to test whether combining two energies may significantly improve the detection of soft tissue components commonly present in arterial plaques.

Methods

Tissue samples of myocardial and psoas muscle, venous and arterial thrombus as well as fat from different locations were scanned using a SOMATOM Definition Dual Source CT system (Siemens AG, Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) with simultaneous tube voltages of 140 and 80 kV. The attenuation (Hounsfield units, HU) at 80 and 140 kV was measured in representative regions of interest, and the association between measured HU values and tissue types was tested with logistic regression.

Results

The combination of two energy levels (80 and 140 kV) significantly improved (p < 0.001) the ability to correctly classify venous thrombus vs arterial thrombus, myocardium or psoas; arterial thrombus vs myocardium or psoas; myocardium vs psoas; as well as the differentiation between fat tissue from various locations. Single energy alone was sufficient for distinguishing fat from other tissues.

Conclusion

DECT offers significantly improved in vitro differentiation between soft tissues occurring in plaques. If this corresponds to better tissue discrimination in vivo needs to be clarified in future studies.     

Role of dual energy computed tomography in management of different renal stones

Aim and objectives

To evaluate the role of dual energy computed tomography in renal stones.

Evaluation of the dual vascular supply patterns in ground-glass nodules with a dynamic volume computed tomography

BACKGROUNDIn recent years, the detection rate of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) has been improved dramatically due to the popularization of low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening with high-resolution CT technique. This presents challenges for the characterization and management of the GGNs, which depends on a thorough investigation and sufficient diagnostic knowledge of the GGNs. In most diagnostic studies of the GGNs, morphological manifestations are used to differentiate benignancy and malignancy. In contrast, few studies are dedicated to the assessment of the hemodynamics, i.e., perfusion parameters of the GGNs. AIMTo assess the dual vascular supply patterns of GGNs on different histopathology and opacities.METHODSForty-seven GGNs from 47 patients were prospectively included and underwent the dynamic volume CT. Histopathologic diagnoses were obtained within two weeks after the CT examination. Blood flow from the bronchial artery [bronchial flow (BF)] and pulmonary artery [pulmonary flow (PF)] as well as the perfusion index (PI) = [PF/(PF + BF)] were obtained using first-pass dual-input CT perfusion analysis and compared respectively between different histopathology and lesion types (pure or mixed GGNs) and correlated with the attenuation values of the lesions using one-way ANOVA, student’s t test and Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTSOf the 47 GGNs (mean diameter, 8.17 mm; range, 5.3-12.7 mm), 30 (64%) were carcinoma, 6 (13%) were atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 11 (23%) were organizing pneumonia. All perfusion parameters (BF, PF and PI) demonstrated no significant difference among the three conditions (all P > 0.05). The PFs were higher than the BFs in all the three conditions (all P < 0.001). Of the 30 GGN carcinomas, 14 showed mixed GGNs and 16 pure GGNs with a higher PI in the latter (P < 0.01). Of the 17 benign GGNs, 4 showed mixed GGNs and 13 pure GGNs with no significant difference of the PI between the GGN types (P = 0.21). A negative correlation (r = -0.76, P < 0.001) was demonstrated between the CT attenuation values and the PIs in the 30 GGN carcinomas. CONCLUSIONThe GGNs are perfused dominantly by the PF regardless of its histopathology while the weight of the BF in the GGN carcinomas increases gradually during the progress of its opacification.     

Attenuation-based characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaque: Comparison of dual source and dual energy CT with single-source CT and histopathology

Objective

To compare different CT acquisition techniques regarding for attenuation-based characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaques using histopathology as the standard of reference.

Materials and methods

In a post mortem study 17 human hearts were studied with dual-source CT (DSCT) and dual energy CT (DECT) mode on a DSCT as well as with 16-slice single-source CT (SSCT). At autopsy, atherosclerotic lesions were cut at 5 μm sections. Histopathologic classification of the plaques according to the American Heart Association (AHA) criteria was performed by two pathologists. Attenuation values of all plaques were measured in DSCT, DECT and SSCT studies, respectively and classified based on attenuation according to modified AHA criteria.

Results

58 coronary plaques were identified at autopsy. Regardless of the CT technique only 52/58 plaques were found at CT (sensitivity = 89.6%). There was no significant difference between the mean attenuation values of different plaque types between DSCT, DECT, and SSCT: type IV: 11 HU/8 HU/19 HU; type Va: 44 HU/45 HU/52 HU; type Vb: 1088 HU/966 HU/1079 HU). The sensitivity for correct classification varied depending on the plaque type (type II = 0%, type III = 0%, type IV = 43%, type Va = 58%, Vb = 97%).

Conclusion

Independent of the used acquisition technique, SSCT, DSCT and DECT show similar results for attenuation-based characterization of atherosclerotic coronary plaques.     

Comparison of dual photon and dual energy X-ray bone densitometers in a clinic setting

In clinical practice, decisions must be made about whether and how to convert to newer technologies. To address this issue, two separate studies were conducted. We evaluated the relationships between results of lumbar spine measurements using two dual photon absorptiometry (DPA1 and DPA2) instruments and one dual energy X-ray (DXA) instrument with the same subjects (49 volunteers), and also in 65 patients who were measured on the DPA1 and DXA machines. Second, we measured the lumbar spine and the proximal femur in three groups of 12 female volunteers three times on one instrument within 1 week. We purposely simulated a busy clinic setting with different technologists, older radioactive sources, and a heterogeneous patient group. The comparison study indicated a significant difference between the mean bone density values reported by the machines, but the results were highly correlated (R ² = 0.89–0.96). The short-term precision errors (coefficients of variation) differed among the instruments, ranging from 1.3% (DXA of the spine) to 5.1% (DPA1 of the spine), and in the femoral neck, 2.3% and 2.4% (DXA and DPA1, respectively) versus 3.5% by DPA2. This study emphasizes the differences between instruments, the potential for greater error in busy clinic environments, and the apparent superiority of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry under these less than ideal conditions.     

Diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography angiography for myocardial infarction

AIM:To investigate diagnostic accuracy of high,low and mixed voltage dual energy computed tomography(DECT) for detection of prior myocardial infarction(MI).METHODS:Twenty-four consecutive patients(88% male,mean age 65 ± 11 years old) with clinically documented prior MI(> 6 mo) were prospectively recruited to undergo late phase DECT for characterization of their MI.Computed tomography(CT) examinations were performed using a dual source CT system(64-slice Definition or 128-slice Definition FLASH,Siemens Healthcare) with initial first pass and 10 min late phase image acquisitions.Using the 17-segment model,regional systolic function was analyzed using first pass CT as normal or abnormal(hypokinetic,akinetic,dyskinetic).Regions with abnormal systolic function were identified as infarct segments.Late phase DE scans were reconstructed into:140 kVp,100 kVp,mixed(120 kVp) images and iodine-only datasets.Using the same 17-segment model,each dataset was evaluated for possible(grade 2) or definite(grade 3) late phase myocardial enhancement abnormalities.Logistic regression for correlated data was used to compare reconstructions in terms of the accuracy for detecting infarct segments using late myocardial hyperenhancement scores.RESULTS:All patients reported prior history of documented myocardial infarction,with most occurring more than 5 years prior(n = 18;75% of cohort).Fiftyfive of 408(13%) segments demonstrated abnormal wall motion and were classified as infarct.The remaining 353 segments were classified as non-infarcted segments.A total of 1692 segments were analyzed for late phase enhancement abnormalities,with 91(5.5%) segments not interpretable due to artifact.Combined grades 2 and 3 compared to grade 3 only enhancement abnormalities demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity and similar specificity for detection of infarct segments for all reconstructions evaluated.Evaluation of different voltage acquisitions demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance for the 100 kVp reconstruction which had higher diagnostic accuracy(87%;95%CI:80%-90%),sensitivity(86%-93%;95%CI:54%-78%) and specificity(90%;95%CI:86%-93%) compared to the other reconstructions.For sensitivity,there were significant differences noted between 100 kVp vs 140 kVp(P<0.0005),100 kVp vs mixed(P<0.0001),and 100 kVp vs iodine only(P<0.005) using combined grade 2 and grade 3 perfusion abnormalities.For specificity,there were significant differences noted between 100 kVp vs 140 kVp(P<0.005),and 100 kVp vs mixed(P<0.01) using combined grades 2 and 3 perfusion abnormalities.CONCLUSION:Low voltage acquisition CT,100 kVp in this study,demonstrates superior diagnostic performance when compared to higher and mixed voltage acquisitions for detection of prior MI.     

Imaging of acute pulmonary embolism using a dual energy CT system with rapid kVp switching: Initial results

Purpose

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is considered as clinical gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Whereas conventional CTPA only offers anatomic information, dual energy CT (DECT) provides functional information on blood volume as surrogate of perfusion by assessing the pulmonary iodine distribution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of lung perfusion imaging using a single-tube DECT scanner with rapid kVp switching.

Materials and methods

Fourteen patients with suspicion of acute PE underwent DECT. Two experienced radiologists assessed the CTPA images and lung perfusion maps regarding the presence of PE. The image quality was rated using a semi-quantitative 5-point scale: 1 (=excellent) to 5 (=non-diagnostic). Iodine concentrations were quantified by a ROI analysis.

Results

Seventy perfusion defects were identified in 266 lung segments: 13 (19%) were rated as consistent with PE. Five patients had signs of PE at CTPA. All patients with occlusive clots were correctly identified by DECT perfusion maps. On a per patient basis the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 88.9%, respectively, while on a per segment basis it was 40.0% and 97.6%, respectively. None of the patients with a homogeneous perfusion map had an abnormal CTPA. The overall image quality of the perfusion maps was rated with a mean score of 2.6 ± 0.6. There was a significant ventrodorsal gradient of the median iodine concentrations (1.1 mg/cm³ vs. 1.7 mg/cm³).

Conclusion

Lung perfusion imaging on a DE CT-system with fast kVp-switching is feasible. DECT might be a helpful adjunct to assess the clinical severity of PE.     

双源 CT 灌注成像对急性胰腺炎严重程度的诊断价值

目的：探讨双源 CT 灌注成像在分析急性胰腺炎(AP)严重程度中的诊断价值。方法应用西门子双源 CT 对60例患者行胰腺 CT 灌注成像,包括正常组,轻症急性胰腺炎(MAP)组及重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)组各20例。使用西门子 MMWP 工作站后处理软件分别测量血流量(BF)、血容量(BV)、毛细血管表面通透性(PS)及平均通过时间(MTT)。分析 CT 灌注值在 AP 诊断和分析严重程度中的作用。结果 MAP 组、SAP 组的胰腺灌注参数 BF、BV 值较正常组显著降低(P <0.01),MAP 组的 BF、BV 值显著高于 SAP 组(P <0.01)。MAP 组、SAP 组的 PS 值显著高于正常组(P <0.01),MTT 各组间差异无统计学意义,但≥45岁组MAP 及 SAP 组 MTT 值明显高于正常组(P <0.05)。结论(1)CT 灌注参数 BF、BV 值在分析有无 AP 及 AP 严重程度中有诊断价值。(2)CT 灌注参数 PS 值可以作为判断是否存在 AP 的指标。(3)CT 灌注参数 MTT 值在大龄组(≥45岁)对诊断 AP 具有辅助参考意义。     

Dual energy CTA of the supraaortic arteries: Technical improvements with a novel dual source CT system

Objectives

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a well-accepted imaging modality to evaluate the supraaortic vessels. Initial reports have suggested that dual energy CTA (DE-CTA) can enhance diagnosis by creating bone-free data sets, which can be visualized in 3D, but a number of limitations of this technique have also been addressed. We sought to describe the performance of DE-CTA of the supraaortic vessels with a novel dual source CT system with special emphasis on image quality and post-processing related artifacts.

Materials and methods

Thirty-three patients underwent carotid CT angiography on a second generation dual source CT system. Simultaneous acquisitions of 100 and 140 kV data sets in arterial phase were performed. Two examiners evaluated overall bone suppression with a 3-point scale (1 = poor; 3 = excellent) and image quality regarding integrity of the vessel lumen of different vessel segments (n = 26) with a 5-point scale (1 = poor; 5 = excellent), CTA source data served as the reference.

Results

Excellent bone suppression could be achieved in the head and neck. Only minor bone remnants occurred, mean score for bone removal was 2.9. Mean score for vessel integrity was 4.3. Eight hundred fifty-seven vessel segments could be evaluated. Six hundred thirty-five segments (74%) showed no lumen alteration, 65 segments (7.6%) lumen alterations <10%, 27 segments (3.1%) lumen alterations >10% resulting in a total luminal reduction <50%, 17 segments (2%) lumen alterations of more than 10% resulting in a total luminal reduction >50%, and 113 segments (13.2%) showed a gap in the vessel course (100% total lumen reduction). Artificial gaps of the vessel lumen occurred in 28 vessel segments due to artifacts caused by dental hardware and in all but one (65) ophthalmic arteries.

Conclusions

Excellent bone suppression could be achieved, DE imaging with 100 and 140 kV lead to improved image quality and vessel integrity in the shoulder region than previously reported. The ophthalmic artery still cannot be adequately visualized.     

双能量CT虚拟单能谱成像技术在脑动脉瘤夹闭术后评估中的应用

_目的：以常规颅脑 CTA 为对照,研究双能量 CT 单能谱成像用于颅内动脉瘤颈夹闭术后评估的最佳能量范围。方法：对36例患者40组双能量数据进行回顾性分析。采用双能量单能谱软件在60～100 keV 之间每隔10 keV 值进行单能量图像重组,平均加权120 kV 为常规 CTA 图像,共6组图像。分别测量每组图像伪影影响最重的脑组织和血管CT 值,评估线束硬化伪影和血管对比度,并对单能量和 CTA 图像质量进行主观评价。结果：60～100 keV 之间单能量图像的动脉瘤夹金属伪影分别为（116．9±73．0）、（72．4±37．3）、（49．8±27．0）、（34．8±20．7）和（26．7±18．2）HU。常规CTA 图像的硬化伪影（62．5±31．6）HU 与70～80 keV 单能量图像差异无统计学意义（P＞0．05）,80～100 keV 的单能量图像硬化伪影低于常规 CTA。60～100 keV 单能量图像的血管对比度分别为（301．9±74．9）、（217．6±54．2）、（163．8±41．8）、（126．9±34．2）和（103．1±46．1）HU,常规 CTA 的血管对比度（183．5±48．8）HU 与70～80 keV 单能量图像差异无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。60～100 keV 和常规 CTA 图像质量为优和良的比例分别为20．0％、47．5％、85％、35％、15％、65％。结论：双能量 CT 成像用于颅内动脉瘤颈夹闭术后患者评估的最佳能量范围是70～80 keV,80 keV 有望成为最佳单能量成像点。     

双能量CT在肺肿瘤诊断及治疗中的研究进展

双能量CT(DECT)成像相较于传统CT成像对肺肿瘤的诊治具有独特优势。DECT可以提供不同物质定量信息,并通过多参数和定量参数分析,可提高肺结节的良恶性鉴别及肺肿瘤分型诊断的准确率,评估肺肿瘤的分级、分期,对肺肿瘤放化疗后效果及治疗后复发率等提供有效信息。能谱CT参数与预测因子的相关性,可为临床的靶向治疗提供方向。就DECT对肺肿瘤的诊断及治疗的研究进展予以综述。     

双源CT双能量碘图评价主动脉病变肾灌注水平

目的:探讨双源CT双能量成像碘图评价主动脉病变患者肾灌注水平的临床应用价值.方法:10例主动脉病变患者行CT血管成像(CTA)后行双能量扫描,应用Liver VNC程序,重建肾灌注碘图,测量双肾实质正常灌注及低灌注感兴趣区的CT值、碘浓度、对比增强率及脂肪分类.结果:10例受检者CTA共扫描20侧肾脏,其中6侧灌注异常减低.双能量碘图检查结果与CTA一致;肾脏低灌注区的碘浓度和对比增强率低于对照侧,差异有统计学意义(t=5.08,P＜0.05;t=4.16,P＜0.05);0.5融合图像低灌注区CT值低于对照侧,差异有统计学意义(t=6.20,P＜0.05);肾低灌注区与对照侧的脂肪分类差异无统计学意义(t=1.94,P=0.08).结论:应用双能量碘图可直观显示肾灌注水平,测量感兴趣区CT值、碘浓度和对比增强率等定量指标可反映肾灌注水平,与CTA联合应用有助于准确评价主动脉病变患者的肾灌注水平.     

双能量CT头颈部血管减影成像的效果评价及临床应用

目的：评价双能量CT在头颈部血管减影中自动去骨的效果及其临床应用价值。方法：52例临床怀疑头颈部血管疾病的患者随机分为2组,分别进行双能量CT血管减影成像和常规CT血管减影成像,分别用双能量处理软件和Neuro-DSA软件自动完成去骨,采用容积重建（VR）、最大密度投影（MIP）、多平面重组（MPR）等多种后处理方法,由两位经验丰富的放射科医生采用双盲法评价两种减影方法的去骨效果,并进行比较;同时结合非减影数据,观察血管病变情况。结果：双能量CT血管减影成像和常规CT血管减影成像的容积CT剂量指数（CTDIvol）分别为（20.5635±0.00977）mGy和（25.5746±0.55827）mGy,两者有显著性差异。两种方法对于颈动脉、椎动脉及整体头颈部血管的满意显示率分别为87.8%,68.0%,83.0%和93.5%,91.8%,92.6%,其中对于颈动脉的显示无明显差异,但双能量CT血管减影对部分椎动脉的减影效果较常规CT血管减影差,主要集中在椎动脉近颅底的部分。另外,双能量CT血管减影成像还发现了多处血管病变,临床符合率为100%。结论：相比头颈部常规CT血管减影,双能量CT血管减影辐射剂量更低,能够有效的去除绝大多数骨骼,为头颈部血管疾病的诊断提供了一种新的无创性检查方法。     

正常肝脏双源CT双能量扫描碘含量及能谱曲线测量的研究

目的 探讨正常肝脏碘含量及能谱曲线特征,建立正常肝脏碘含量及能谱曲线斜率参考值.方法 对133例非器质性病变患者行双源CT双能量增强扫描,将扫描获得的数据上传至工作站进行后处理及分析,测量肝脏、腹主动脉含碘值,并计算标化含碘值(NIC)及能谱曲线斜率.结果 正常肝脏在门脉期的NIC值及能谱曲线斜率分别为0.44±0.0...     

双源CT双能量肺灌注成像评估COPD研究进展

慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)是以各种原因引起的肺实质和小气道损伤而导致慢性不可逆的气道阻塞、呼吸阻力增加以及肺功能不全为共同特征的肺疾病。目前肺功能检查、肺核素灌注显像和MR灌注成像评估COPD均不能高分辨力显示肺解剖影像。而双源CT双能量肺实质灌注成像能够显示肺的解剖及灌注功能信息,可对肺气肿的部位与灌注缺损区精确配准,虚拟平扫影像可辨别COPD的类型及肺气肿的数量和大小,这对于COPD早期诊断、治疗及预后评估具有重要意义。就双源CT双能量肺灌注成像技术原理及其在COPD中的研究进展予以综述。     

低剂量与常规剂量对比剂双能量肺灌注图像质量对比分析

目的:探讨对比剂剂量对双源CT双能量肺灌注成像质量的影响.方法:疑肺动脉栓塞患者行双源CT双能量肺灌注扫描,30例使用低剂量(0.7ml/kg)对比剂,30例使用常规剂量对比剂(1.5ml/kg),注射速率均为4.5ml/s.扫描后同时获得肺动脉CTA及肺灌注图像.测量左、右叶肺动脉干及各肺叶动脉增强后的CT值,对比分析两组间增强后的CT值.判断肺灌注图像质量并分级,比较两组的肺灌注图像质量差异.结果:低剂量组与常规剂量组左、右叶肺动脉干及各肺叶动脉增强后的CT值无明显差异(P＞0.05).肺段及亚段肺动脉图像清晰显示.低剂量组肺灌注图像大部分信号均匀(26/30),常规剂量组肺灌注图像大部分信号均匀(24/30).常规剂量组上腔静脉、右心房高密度对比剂所致灌注伪影明显多于低剂量组(48:10).结论:低剂量与常规剂量双能量肺灌注成像的肺动脉图像质量无明显差异,降低对比剂剂量可以减少双能量肺灌注图像的伪影.     

Quantitative dual energy CT measurements in rabbit VX2 liver tumors: Comparison to perfusion CT measurements and histopathological findings

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between quantitative dual energy CT and perfusion CT measurements in rabbit VX2 liver tumors.

Materials and methods

This study was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee at our institution. Nine rabbits with VX2 liver tumors underwent contrast-enhanced dual energy CT and perfusion CT. CT attenuation for the tumors and normal liver parenchyma and tumor-to-liver ratio were obtained at the 140 kVp, 80 kVp, average weighted images and dual energy CT iodine maps. Quantitative parameters for the viable tumor and adjacent liver were measured with perfusion CT. The correlation between the enhancement values of the tumor in iodine maps and perfusion CT parameters of each tumor was analyzed. Radiation dose from dual energy CT and perfusion CT was measured.

Results

Enhancement values for the tumor were higher than that for normal liver parenchyma at the hepatic arterial phase (P < 0.05). The highest tumor-to-liver ratio was obtained in hepatic arterial phase iodine map. Hepatic blood flow of the tumor was higher than that for adjacent liver (P < 0.05). Enhancement values of hepatic tumors in the iodine maps positively correlated with permeability of capillary vessel surface (r = 0.913, P < 0.001), hepatic blood flow (r = 0.512, P = 0.010), and hepatic blood volume (r = 0.464, P = 0.022) at the hepatic arterial phases. The effective radiation dose from perfusion CT was higher than that from DECT (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The enhancement values for viable tumor tissues measured in iodine maps were well correlated to perfusion CT measurements in rabbit VX2 liver tumors. Compared with perfusion CT, dual energy CT of the liver required a lower radiation dose.