Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging of Lung Cancer: Assessment of Optimal Energy Levels. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaup, Moritz; Scholtz, Jan-Erik; Engler, Alexander; Albrecht, Moritz H.; Bauer, Ralf W.; Matthias Kerl, J.; Beeres, Martin; Lehnert, Thomas; Vogl, Thomas J.; Wichmann, Julian L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted tomography. Volume 40:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: chest -- dual-energy CT -- dual-source CT -- lung cancer -- monoenergetic; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8715

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate objective and subjective image qualities of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in dual-source dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and optimal kiloelectron-volt (keV) levels for lung cancer. Methods: Fifty-nine lung cancer patients underwent chest DECT. Images were reconstructed as VMI series at energy levels of 40, 60, 80, and 100 keV and standard linear blending (M_0.3) for comparison. Objective and subjective image qualities were assessed. Results: Lesion contrast peaked in 40-keV VMI reconstructions (2.5 ± 2.9) and 60 keV (1.9 ± 3.0), which was superior to M_0.3 (0.5 ± 2.7) for both comparisons ( P < 0.001). Compared with M_0.3, subjective ratings were highest for 60-keV VMI series regarding general image quality (4.48 vs 4.52; P = 0.74) and increased for lesion demarcation (4.07 vs 4.84; P < 0.001), superior to all other VMI series ( P < 0.001). Image sharpness was similar between both series. Image noise was rated superior in the 80-keV and M_0.3 series, followed by 60 keV. Conclusions: Virtual monoenergetic imaging reconstructions at 60-keV provided the best combination of subjective and objective image qualities in DECT of lung cancer.