TITLE:
Application of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Esophageal Cancer Patients Imaging
AUTHORS:
Shuiqing Zhuo, Xiaoling Chen, Jingping Yu, Jian Zhou, Chuanmiao Xie
KEYWORDS:
Dual-Source, Dual-Energy, Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstructions, Computed Tomography, Esophageal Cancer
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Imaging,
Vol.8 No.3,
September
26,
2018
ABSTRACT: Purpose: To
explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving
the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients. Materials and methods: 68 patients with clinically suspected esophageal cancer (all confirmed by
pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with SIEMENS Force
dual-energy CT and then dual-phase scans were performed. The venous phase
images were respectively subjected to traditional virtual monoenergetic
reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation virtual monoenergetic
reconstructions (Mono+). Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 55 keV
virtual single-energy images were obtained respectively. The signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR) of
normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions, noise and contrast
noise ratio (CNR tumor)
of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions were compared among
100 kV
images, Mono_E images
and Mono+ images. At the same time, two imaging physicians read the films and
scored the images of each group by using a 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images, SNR, SNRtumor, noise and CNRtumor were statistically
different from those of 100 kV
images and Mono_E images (P Mono+ 55 keV
images also had the highest subjective score, with statistical significance (P 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new
generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions post-processing (Mono+) could reduce image noise and improve the contrast
between esophageal cancer lesions and normal esophageal tissues, which was of
great significance to improve the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients
and improve the early detection rate of esophageal cancer.