IQON CT混合O-MAR技术实现颅底硬化束数据重建的可行性探讨

目的 比较头部双能CT光谱探测器获得的虚拟单能图像与常规多能CT扫描获得的混合能量图像的差异,在不影响图像质量条件下,得到抑制线束硬化伪影(BHAS)的最优keV值。方法 回顾性搜集采用光谱探测扫描仪(IQon Spectral CT)在40～140 keV范围进行扫描的70例患者,利用IQon CT每隔20 keV获得一次图像,共得到6组的不同单一能量图像,采用定性及定量分析法与常规CT混合能量图像分别比较。结果 定量分析法：keV越升高,O-MAR的信噪比(SNR)与对比噪声比(CNR)在额颞叶皮层和白质与第四脑室均升高,在枕叶灰白质区SNR与CNR呈现下降趋势,所有伪影指数(AI)均一致性降低,在同一keV能级参数设置下,NO-MAR组AI均低于O-MAR组,在80 keV出现数据的阈值平台期(P<0.01);同一keV的能级水平设置下,额颞叶与小脑半球及桥脑SNR的值O-MAR高于NO-MAR(P<0.01),当40～140 keV在第四脑室的SNR的值O-MAR高于NO-MAR,但100～140 keV无统计学差异(P>0.05),在枕叶皮层的SNR值在12...     

光谱CT显示左结肠动脉的最佳虚拟单能量

目的:探讨双层探测器光谱CT显示左结肠动脉(LCA)的最佳虚拟单能量,旨在为腹腔镜直肠癌根治术前评估LCA提供帮助。方法:回顾性分析在本院行腹部CT血管成像(CTA)扫描的100例患者的影像学资料,将动脉期原始图像重组成混合能量图像以及基于能谱的间隔10 keV的40～70 keV的单能量图像。对5组图像LCA的CT值、信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)、图像噪声以及图像质量评分进行比较。结果:40～70 keV组单能量图像LCA的CT值、噪声、CNR、SNR随着能级的升高呈递减趋势。常规混合能量图像组及40～70 keV单能量图像组两两比较,各组间CT值、SNR、CNR、噪声差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。40 keV组图像LCA的CT值、CNR、SNR均高于其他组,噪声低于常规混合能量图像组。两名影像科医师图像质量主观评价的一致性良好(0.40≤Kappa值<0.75),各组间图像主观评分差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.001)。40 keV组图像主观评分最高,40～70 keV组单能量图像质量均高于常规混合能量图像。结论:40 keV为显示LCA的最佳虚拟单...     

双层探测器光谱CT评估肢体骨肉瘤髓内浸润范围的价值

目的确定双层探测器光谱CT虚拟单能量图像(VMI)显示骨肉瘤的图像质量最佳的keV值, 探讨其评估骨肉瘤髓内浸润范围的价值。方法回顾性分析2021年8月至2022年8月首都医科大学附属北京积水潭医院经病理证实的57例长骨普通型骨肉瘤患者的资料, 保肢术前完成光谱CT增强检查, 术后获得瘤段截除标本。通过光谱CT增强检查获得常规120 kVp图像和40、50、60、70、80 keV的VMI, 测量肿瘤CT值、图像噪声, 计算信噪比(SNR)和对比噪声比(CNR), 采用Friedman检验比较6组CT图像质量的客观评价指标, 获得最佳keV值。在最佳keV的VMI上和瘤段截除标本上测量骨肉瘤髓内边界至相邻关节面的最大距离, 采用Wilcoxon秩和检验比较CT测量值与标本测量值的差异, 采用Spearman相关分析评价二者之间的相关性。结果 40～80 keV VMI和120 kVp常规CT图像间的肿瘤CT值、图像噪声、SNR、CNR的总体差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。40和50 keV VMI的肿瘤CT值、SNR、CNR均高于120 kVp常规CT图像(P<0.00...     

CT能谱成像用于减少锁骨下对比剂伪影的临床研究

目的:寻找CT能谱成像的最佳能量点以减少肺部增强CT扫描锁骨下腋静脉和锁骨下静脉对比剂伪影,并改善图像质量。方法:共66名病人接受能谱CT扫描。一次能谱成像获得12组图像:140kVp混合能量图像和11组单能量图像(40～140keV)。比较混合能量和单能量图像在肺部增强CT动脉期的伪影区噪声、信噪比(SNR)、对比噪声比(CNR)和平均线束硬化伪影指数(BHAs)。BHAs是感兴趣区和背景区噪声平方差的平方根。结果:与常规混合能量组相比,120keV可最大程度地减少硬化伪影(P=0.000),同时SNR、CNR明显减小,导致软组织对比度明显减低。70keV可以减小硬化伪影(P=0.042),且SNR、CNR最高,优于混合能量图像和其他单能量图像,而伪影区噪声减低,图像质量最好。结论:在肺部增强扫描中,120keV去除对比剂硬化伪影的能力优于混合能量图像及其他单能量图像,但是组织对比度较差,可以结合70keV图像共同进行诊断。     

双层探测器光谱CT肠系膜上动脉成像：虚拟单能级图像与常规图像质量对比

【摘要】目的：对比双层探测器光谱CT不同keV单能级图像（VMIs）及常规扫描图像上肠系膜上动脉（SMA）的图像质量,旨在优化SMA的CT图像质量。方法：回顾性分析我院腹部CT增强图像105例。利用专用工作站在40~200keV水平生成17个单能级VMIs（间隔10keV）,比较常规图像和VMIs图像上SMA的信噪比（SNR）、对比噪声比（CNR）、图像噪声、图像质量评分（信号强度、边缘锐利度）和SMA分支数。采用Pearson相关分析以及Wilcoxon符号秩检验进行统计分析。结果：随着能级水平的提高,SNR和CNR均显著降低（r值分别为－0.891和－0.810,P值均＜0.001）;40keV单能级图像上SMA的SNR和CNR最高,且均显著高于常规图像（分别为20.00±12.08 vs. 10.61±3.39、65.65±17.34 vs. 18.14±4.88,P值均＜0.001）。40keV单能级图像上SMA的图像质量评分和分支数也显著高于常规图像（4.99±0.10 vs. 4.69±0.67,14.39±5.70 vs. 6.35±3.05,P值均＜0.001）。结论：双层探测器光谱CT腹部增强检查中,40keV单能级图像上肠系膜上动脉的成像质量显著高于常规图像。     

双能CT二代能谱成像技术对肠系膜下动脉显示的优化

目的探讨双能CT二代能谱成像(monoenergetic plus,Mono+)技术在肠系膜下动脉(inferior mesenteric artery,IMA)显示中的价值。方法选取行全腹部双能量CT增强检查的患者共146例。通过后处理获得常规120 kVp和40 keV、50 keV、60 keV、70 keV、80 keV、90 keV单能量能级图像,分别对上述7组图像显示IMA的图像质量进行客观定量分析(包括CT值、信噪比、对比噪声比)及主观总体评分(包括图像清晰度和图像锐利度)。采用单因素方差分析和Kruskal-Walls H检验进行统计学分析。结果IMA图像质量客观评估对比噪声比(contrast to noise ratio,CNR):7组图像中40 keV单能级图像最高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。IMA图像质量客观评估信噪比(Signal to noise ratio,SNR):常规120 kVp图像最高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。IMA图像质量主观评估:40 keV单能级图像主观总体评分显著高于其他6组图像,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论双能CTMono+40 keV单能级图像可以明显优化IMA的显示。     

能谱CT GSI与MARS在减除脊柱金属植入物椎管内伪影效果的研究比较

目的研究能谱成像技术(gemstone spectral imaging,GSI)和多种伪影去除系统(multi artifact reductionsystem,MARS)在减除脊柱金属植入物椎管内伪影方面的临床价值,获得图像质量最佳的单能量图像。方法选取本院15例脊柱金属植入物患者,行能谱CT的GSI扫描及单能量加MARS技术重组,每隔10 keV分别获得40～140 keV共11组单能量图像及11组单能量加MARS图像,每组图像分别选取伪影最重层面(A)和无伪影层面(B)的两幅图像,行感兴趣区(ROI)与邻近脂肪组织CT值和噪声(SD)值的测定,分别记录为CT1、CT2和SD1、SD2,计算对比噪声比(contrast noise ratio,CNR)值,SD值比较采用配对资料t检验。结果 40～140 keV 11组单能量图像中,110 keV单能量图像组,A、B两层面SD值分别为54.12±8.35和34.77±3.50,两者之间差异没有统计学意义(t=2.32,P>0.05),其他10组P值均<0.05,两者差异有统计学意义;40～140 keV 11组单能量加MARS图像中,各组A、B两层面SD值之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),不同keV单能量图像中,GSI能谱成像的70 keV图像脊柱椎管内组织与邻近脂肪组织CNR最佳(CNR=9.2±5.07);110 keV+MARS的图像金属植入物伪影有不同程度的消除,但产生一定的图像失真。结论 110 keV单能量图像在减除脊柱金属植入物椎管内伪影方面的效果最佳,110 keV单能量图像优于110 keV+MARS图像,70 keV图像虽然CNR最佳,但噪声明显高于110 keV图像,不利于临床诊断。     

光谱CT对头颈部金属植入物伪影的去除作用：一项基于人仿真模体的研究

目的 探究基于光谱CT虚拟单能图像(VMI)和矫正金属伪影去除技术(OMAR)对头颈部不同部位不同金属植入物伪影的去除作用。方法 采用CIRS人仿真模体分别构建脊柱固定术后模型、金属假牙填充术模型、脑动脉瘤栓塞模型。并以金属不锈钢或者金属钛分别替代等效组织。利用Philips光谱CT分别扫描无金属植入物、金属不锈钢植入物、金属钛植入物条件下的三个部位模型。分别重组出60 keV、80 keV、100 keV、120 keV、140 keV、160 keV、180 keV以及120 kVp下的非OMAR图像和OMAR图像。测量金属植入物旁感兴趣区(ROI)内的CT值和SD值,并计算伪影指数(AI)和信噪比(SNR)。绘制出非OMAR和OMAR的各扫描条件下的AI值柱状图,以及SNR值变化表格,采用配对样本t检验比较差异。两个以上变量采用方差分析F检验进行比较。结果 在颈部脊柱金属植入物模型中,金属钛造成的金属伪影最严重,特别是在VMI₆₀时AI值为160.103,SNR值为1.851;当能级为100 keV时,结合OMAR后AI值为4.689,SNR值为6.471。...     

双能量CT单能谱成像技术在颅内动脉瘤夹闭术后的应用

目的 探讨Flash双能量CT单能谱成像技术去除颅内金属伪影用于颅内动脉瘤术后的临床应用价值.方法 对40例颅内动脉瘤术后复查的患者使用Flash双源CT双能量扫描,并以10 keV为间隔重组16组单能量图像.通过比较混合组和各keV组图像的客观指标伪影指数(AI)、对比噪声比(CNR)以及主观图像质量评分(4分法),寻找单能谱去金属伪影最佳的keV.结果 AI在120 keV时达最小,CNR在90 keV时最大,120 keV之后的单能谱图像的主观评分之间无明显差异.利用单能谱软件获得最佳单能量成像条件为90～ 120 keV,其图像均能满足诊断.结论 双能量单能谱成像技术能够有效去除金属伪影,清晰显示颅内动脉瘤术后的细微结构.     

能谱CT单能量技术联合ASIR及ASIR-V改善胸部增强CT图像质量的研究

目的探讨应用能谱CT最佳单能量成像联合ASIR及ASIR-V重建技术对胸部CT增强扫描动脉期图像质量的优化。方法搜集行胸部增强能谱CT检查的62例患者资料,使用能谱GSI模式进行扫描并重建,在传统重建模式(FBP)重建下,以间隔10 keV为一组重建出40~140 keV的11组单能量(MONO)图像,与140 kVp混合能量(QC)图像共组成12组图像。对12组图像的CNR、BHA采用单因素方差分析进行统计,并采用秩和检验分析其主观评分。得出能谱CT成像中伪影较小且图像质量较高的单能量图像。将其单能量图像分别与30%、50%、70%水平的ASIR及ASIR-V进行重建,得到6组新重建模式下的单能量图像,将其与FBP重建下QC及此单能量图像共组成8组图像并使用较前相同的统计学方法对其主观及客观评价进行分析比较。结果在FBP重建下,80 keV图像的CNR值为7.7±2.0,与QC图像无统计学差异(P>0.05);血管处的BHA值为44.4±22.0,低于QC图像(P<0.05);图像质量主观评分为4.50±0.62,与QC图像无差异(P>0.05);伪影主观评分为2.45±0.62,低于QC图像(P<0.05);具有较低的伪影水平并保持了较好的图像质量。因此选取80 keV做为最佳单能量值进行下一步研究。80 keV联合50%ASIR-V的CNR值为13.9±4.3,高于QC图像(P<0.05);BHA值与其他组差异无统计学意义;图像质量主观评分为4.90±0.298,高于其他组(P<0.05)。结论与常规胸部增强扫描动脉期图像相比,能谱CT 80 keV单能量联合50%ASIR-V图像能够减低对比剂硬化伪影,同时提高图像质量,可常规应用于胸部CT增强扫描。     

Virtual Monoenergetic Spectral Detector CT for Preoperative CT Angiography in Liver Donors

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in pre-operative CT angiography of potential donors for living donor adult liver transplantation (LDALT), and to determine the optimal energy level to maximize vascular signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR and CNR, respectively).Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated 29 CT angiography studies performed preoperatively in potential liver donors on a spectral detector CT scanner. All studies included arterial, early venous, and delayed venous phase imaging. Conventional polyenergetic images were generated for each patient, as well as virtual monoenergetic images in 10 keV increments from 40 –100 keV. Arteries (aorta and celiac, superior mesenteric, common hepatic, right and left hepatic arteries) were assessed on arterial phase images; portal venous system branches (splenic, superior mesenteric, main, right, and left portal veins) on early venous phase images; and hepatic veins on late venous phase images. Vascular attenuation, background parenchymal attenuation, and noise were measured on each set of virtual monoenergetic and conventional images.ResultsBackground hepatic and vascular noise decreased with increasing keV, with the lowest noise at 100 keV. Vascular SNR and CNR increased with decreasing keV and were highest at 40 keV, with statistical significance compared with conventional ( P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn preoperative CT angiography for potential liver donors, the optimal keV for assessing the vasculature to improve SNR and CNR is 40 keV. Use of low keV VMI in LDALT CT protocols may facilitate detection of vascular anatomical variants that can impact surgical planning.     

双层探测器光谱CT单能量成像联合个性化注射方案在颅脑CT血管成像中的应用研究

目的:探讨双层探测器光谱CT单能量成像联合个性化对比剂注射方案在颅脑CT血管成像（CTA）中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2020年8月至11月在华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院采用双层探测器光谱CT和个性化对比剂注射方案行颅脑CTA检查的76例患者的影像资料。对基于双层探测器光谱CT数据重建生成的120 kVp混合迭...     

Low dose contrast CT for transcatheter aortic valve replacement assessment: Results from the prospective SPECTACULAR study (spectral CT assessment prior to TAVR)

BackgroundComputed tomographic angiography (CTA) based planning for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is essential for reduction of periprocedural complications. Spectral CT based imaging provides several advantages, including better contrast/signal to noise ratio and increased soft tissue contrast, permitting better delineation of contrast filled structures at lower doses of iodinated contrast media. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the initial feasibility of a low dose iodinated contrast protocol, utilizing monoenergetic 40 keV reconstruction, using a dual-layer CT scanner (DLCT) for CTA in patients undergoing TAVR planning.Methods116 consecutive TAVR patients underwent a gated chest and a non-gated CTA of the abdomen and pelvis. 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) were reconstructed and compared with conventional polychromatic images (CI). The proximal aorta and access vessels were scored for image quality by independent experienced cardiovascular imagers.ResultsProximal aortic image quality as assessed by signal to noise (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR), were significantly better with 40 keV VMI relative to CI (SNR 14.65 ± 7.37 vs 44.16 ± 22.39, p < 0.001; CNR 15.84 ± 9.93 vs 59.8 ± 40.83, p < 0.001). Aortic root dimensions were comparable between the two approaches with a bias towards higher measurements at 40 keV (Bland Altman). SNR and CNR in all access vessel segments at 40 keV were substantially better (p < 0.001 for all peripheral access vessel segments) with comparable image quality.Conclusion40 keV VMI with low dose contrast dose spectral imaging is feasible for comprehensive preprocedural evaluation of access vessels and measurements of aortic root dimensions in patients undergoing TAVR.     

Optimized energy of spectral coronary CT angiography for coronary plaque detection and quantification

BackgroundTo optimize spectral coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for quantification of coronary artery plaque components.Materials and methodsFifty-one subjects were prospectively enrolled (88.2% male) (NCT02740699). Dual energy coronary CTA was performed at 90/Sn150 kVp using a 3rd generation dual-source CT scanner (SOMATOM Force, Siemens Healthcare). Dual energy images were reconstructed with a) linear mixed blending of 90 and Sn150 kVp data, b) virtual monoenergetic algorithm from 40 to 150 keV (at 10- keV intervals), and c) noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic algorithm from 40 to 150 keV. Image noise, iodine signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for calcified and non-calcified plaque were measured. Qualitative readings of image quality were performed. Semi-automated software (QAngioCT, Medis) was used to quantify coronary plaque. Linear mixed-models that account for within-subject correlation of plaques were used to compare the results.Results100–150 keV noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic images had lower image noise than linear mixed images (all P < 0.05). The highest iodine SNR was achieved in 40 keV noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic images (33.3 ± 0.6 vs 23.3 ± 0.7 for linear mixed images, P < 0.001). 40–70 keV noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic images and 70 keV virtual monoenergetic images had superior coronary plaque CNR versus linear mixed images (all P < 0.01) with a maximum improvement of 20.1% and 22.7% for calcified plaque and non-calcified plaque (38.8 ± 2.2 vs 32.3 ± 2.3 and 17.3 ± 1.3 vs 14.1 ± 1.4, respectively). Using 90/Sn150 kVp linear mixed images as a reference, the plaque quantity was similar for 70 keV noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic images whereas low keV images (e.g. 40 keV) yielded significantly higher coronary plaque volumes (all P < 0.001).ConclusionSpectral coronary CTA with low energy (40–70 keV) post-processing can improve the CNR of coronary plaque components. However, low energies (such as 40 keV) resulted in different absolute volumes of coronary plaque compared to “conventional” mixed 90/Sn150 kVp images.     

Virtual Monochromatic Image Quality from Dual-Layer Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for Detecting Brain Tumors

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) obtained using dual-layer dual-energy CT (DL-DECT) for evaluating brain tumors.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included 32 patients with brain tumors who had undergone non-contrast head CT using DL-DECT. Among them, 15 had glioblastoma (GBM), 7 had malignant lymphoma, 5 had high-grade glioma other than GBM, 3 had low-grade glioma, and 2 had metastatic tumors. Conventional polychromatic images and VMIs (40–200 keV at 10 keV intervals) were generated. We compared CT attenuation, image noise, contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between tumor and white matter (WM) or grey matter (GM) between VMIs showing the highest CNR (optimized VMI) and conventional CT images using the paired t test. Two radiologists subjectively assessed the contrast, margin, noise, artifact, and diagnostic confidence of optimized VMIs and conventional images on a 4-point scale.ResultsThe image noise of VMIs at all energy levels tested was significantly lower than that of conventional CT images (p < 0.05). The 40-keV VMIs yielded the best CNR. Furthermore, both contrast and CNR between the tumor and WM were significantly higher in the 40 keV images than in the conventional CT images (p < 0.001); however, the contrast and CNR between tumor and GM were not significantly different (p = 0.47 and p = 0.31, respectively). The subjective scores assigned to contrast, margin, and diagnostic confidence were significantly higher for 40 keV images than for conventional CT images (p < 0.01).ConclusionIn head CT for patients with brain tumors, compared with conventional CT images, 40 keV VMIs from DL-DECT yielded superior tumor contrast and diagnostic confidence, especially for brain tumors located in the WM.     

Dual energy computed tomography: simulated monoenergetic and material-selective imaging

A dual beam-quality technique was used to reduce the beam hardening artifact in CT and to obtain separate images of osseous and soft-tissue structures in phantom and clinical CT studies. Recordings were made with pulsed low and high kVp spectra with the Somatom DR2. Conventional polyenergetic and simulated monoenergetic images were reconstructed from the measurements. In the monoenergetic images the beam hardening artifacts were 60-90% lower than in the high kVp polyenergetic images whereas the noise was of the same order of magnitude in the two types. Noise in the monoenergetic images was lowest around 70-80 keV both in body and skull examinations although the contrast in the monoenergetic image was rather independent of energy.     

HDCT能谱技术提高肝脏门静脉血管成像质量的可行性研究

目的探讨能谱技术在提高CT门静脉成像质量方面的价值。资料与方法 21例可疑肝脏病变的患者,采用能谱扫描模式行动脉期、门静脉期扫描后,运用能谱分析软件获得最佳对比信噪比单能图像和70 keV单能图像。测量传统(混合能量,QC)图像和70 keV单能图像、最佳对比信噪比单能图像中门静脉的信号噪声比(SNR)和对比噪声比(CNR),并对三组图像行容积再现(VR)、最大密度投影法(MIP)重组,采用双盲法对重组质量进行评估。对三组图像的数据行单因素方差分析。结果混合能量图像、70 keV单能图像、最佳CNR的单能图像同层对比,发现最佳CNR的单能图像的SNR、CNR大于混合能量图像和70 keV单能图像,差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01)。最佳CNR的单能图像的VR、MIP重组图像对门静脉分支的显示级别优于混合能量图像和70 keV单能图像,差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论最佳CNR的单能图像可以提高CT门静脉成像(CTPV)门静脉分支的显示级别和图像质量。     

双层探测器光谱CT肺动脉造影40keV虚拟单能量图像优化窗口设置研究

目的 探讨双层探测器光谱CT肺动脉造影(CTPA) 40 keV虚拟单能量图像(VMI)质量及优化窗口设置.方法 回顾性分析2020年12月至2021年5月在兰州大学第一医院Philips IQon双层探测器光谱CT上行CTPA的65例肺栓塞患者的资料.扫描后重组常规120 kVp混合能量图像(PI)、40 keV虚拟...     

Value of the dual-energy method in quantitative CT studies of the brain

Using a dual-energy (DE) method, conventional polyenergetic and monoenergetic beams were used to obtain data in phantom and clinical CT studies and to prove the benefit of this method in quantitative cranial CT. Conventional polyenergetic (85 kVp and 125 kVp) and simulated monoenergetic images were reconstructed from the measurements. The noise in the monoenergetic images was lowest at 72 kVp. The interindividual white-gray differentiation varied less in DE forms than in polyenergetic images, whereas the noise was of the same order of magnitude in both types. As can be derived from our results, DE may be clinically useful in diagnosing abnormal lucency of the white matter in newborn and premature infants.     

Value of monoenergetic low-kV dual energy CT datasets for improved image quality of CT pulmonary angiography

Purpose

High vessel attenuation and high contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) are prerequisites for high diagnostic confidence in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). This study evaluated the impact of calculated monoenergetic dual-energy (DE) CTPA datasets on vessel attenuation and CNR.

Materials and methods

50 Patients (24 men, mean age 68 ± 14 years) who underwent DE-CTPA were retrospectively included in this study. The 80 and 140-kV DE polyenergetic image data were used to calculate virtual monoenergetic image datasets in 10 kiloelectron volt (keV) increments from 40 to 120 keV. Vessel and soft tissue attenuation and image noise were measured in various regions of interest and the CNR was subsequently calculated. Differences in vessel attenuation and CNR were compared between the different monoenergetic datasets. The best monoenergetic dataset was then compared to the standard 120-kV polyenergetic dataset.

Results

Vessel attenuation and CNR of 70-keV CTPA datasets were superior to all other monoenergetic image datasets (all p < 0.05). 70-keV monoenergetic datasets provided a statistically significant 12% increase in mean vessel attenuation compared to standard 120-kV polyenergetic datasets (384 ± 117 HU vs. 342 ± 106 HU, respectively; p < 0.0001) and a statistically significant 18% increase in mean CNR (29 ± 13 vs. 24± 11 respectively; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Virtual 70-keV monoenergetic CTPA image datasets significantly increase vessel attenuation and CNR of DE-CTPA studies, suggesting that clinical application of low-keV monoenergetic reconstructions may allow a decrease in the amount of iodinated contrast required for adequate image quality in DE-CTPA examinations.