Effect of a saline flush technique for head and neck imaging in dual-energy CT: improvement of image quality and perivenous artefact reduction using virtual monochromatic imaging

Background Metallic dental prostheses may degrade image quality on head and neck computed tomography (CT). However, there is little information available on the use of dual-energy CT (DECT) and metal artifact reduction software (MARS) in the head and neck regions to reduce metallic dental artifacts. Purpose To assess the usefulness of DECT with virtual monochromatic imaging and MARS to reduce metallic dental artifacts. Material and Methods DECT was performed using fast kilovoltage (kV)-switching between 80-kV and 140-kV in 20 patients with metallic dental prostheses. CT data were reconstructed with and without MARS, and with synthesized monochromatic energy in the range of 40–140-kiloelectron volt (keV). For quantitative analysis, the artifact index of the tongue, buccal, and parotid areas was calculated for each scan. For qualitative analysis, two radiologists evaluated 70-keV and 100-keV images with and without MARS for tongue, buccal, parotid areas, and metallic denture. The locations and characteristics of the MARS-related artifacts, if any, were also recorded. Results DECT with MARS markedly reduced metallic dental artifacts and improved image quality in the buccal area ( P < 0.001) and the tongue ( P < 0.001), but not in the parotid area. The margin and internal architecture of the metallic dentures were more clearly delineated with MARS ( P < 0.001) and in the higher-energy images than in the lower-energy images ( P = 0.042). MARS-related artifacts most commonly occurred in the deep center of the neck. Conclusion DECT with MARS can reduce metallic dental artifacts and improve delineation of the metallic prosthesis and periprosthetic region.

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Metal artefact reduction of different alloys with dual energy computed tomography (DECT)

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-81600-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anand John Vellarackal ◽

Achim Hermann Kaim

Keyword(s):

Stainless Steel ◽

Image Quality ◽

Femoral Stem ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Dual Energy Ct ◽

Bony Tissue ◽

Stem Image ◽

Metal Artefact ◽

Artefact Reduction

AbstractTo evaluate the influence of dual-energy CT (DECT) and Virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) imaging on: (1) the artefact size of geometrically identical orthopaedic implants consisting of three different compositions and (2) the image quality of the surrounding bone, three similar phantoms—each featuring one femoral stem composed of either titanium, chrome-cobalt or stainless steel surrounded by five calcium pellets (200 mg hydroxyapatite/calcium carbonate) to simulate bony tissue and one reference pellet located away from the femoral stem—were built. DECT with two sequential scans (80 kVp and 140 kVp; scan-to-scan technique) was performed, and VMS images were calculated between 40 and 190 keV. The artefact sizes were measured volumetrically by semiautomatic selection of regions of interest (ROIs), considering the VMS energies and the polychromatic spectres. Moreover, density and image noise within the pellets were measured. All three phantoms exhibit artefact size reduction as energy increases from 40 to 190 keV. Titanium exhibited a stronger reduction than chrome-cobalt and stainless steel. The artefacts were dependent on the diameter of the stem. Image quality increases with higher energies on VMS with a better depiction of surrounding structures. Monoenergetic energies 70 keV and 140 keV demonstrate superior image quality to those produced by spectral energies 80 kVp and 140 kVp.

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Dual-Energy CT in Head and Neck Imaging

Current Radiology Reports ◽

10.1007/s40134-017-0213-0 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Elise D. Roele ◽

Veronique C. M. L. Timmer ◽

Lauretta A. A. Vaassen ◽

Anna M. J. L. van Kroonenburgh ◽

A. A. Postma

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Dual Energy Ct ◽

Head And Neck Imaging

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Prospective Comparison of Reduced-Iodine-Dose Virtual Monochromatic Imaging Dataset From Dual-Energy CT Angiography With Standard-Iodine-Dose Single-Energy CT Angiography for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

American Journal of Roentgenology ◽

10.2214/ajr.15.15814 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 207 (6) ◽

pp. W125-W132 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Mukta D. Agrawal ◽

George R. Oliveira ◽

Sanjeeva P. Kalva ◽

Daniella F. Pinho ◽

Ronald S. Arellano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ◽

Aortic Aneurysm ◽

Ct Angiography ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Dual Energy Ct ◽

Virtual Monochromatic Imaging ◽

Monochromatic Imaging ◽

Prospective Comparison ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

Iodine Dose

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Advanced Computed Tomography Techniques: Overview of Dual-Energy CT

Journal of Pediatric Neurology ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1604214 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (02) ◽

pp. 061-071

Author(s):

Reza Forghani

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Material Characterization ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Energy Spectra ◽

Dual Energy Ct ◽

Tissue Analysis ◽

Organ Systems ◽

Head And Neck Imaging ◽

Potential Applications

AbstractDual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an advanced form of computed tomography (CT), in which image acquisition is performed at two different energy spectra, instead of a single-energy spectrum using conventional single-energy CT (SECT). This enables the creation of different reconstructions and quantitative spectral tissue analysis beyond what is possible with SECT. In adults, there are increasing clinical applications of DECT for all organ systems, including neuroimaging and head and neck imaging. However, there are relatively few studies evaluating applications of DECT for pediatric imaging and little to none in neuroimaging or head and neck imaging. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview and familiarize the readers with DECT. This article will review the fundamental principles behind DECT, including different DECT acquisition systems and principles of DECT material characterization. This will be followed by a review of potential applications of DECT, many based on imaging the head and neck. The objectives are to familiarize the readers with this exciting technology and hopefully serve as a primer for investigations and applications of DECT for pediatric neuro and head and neck imaging.

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Image Quality and Radiation Dose of Dual-Energy CT of the Head and Neck Compared with a Standard 120-kVp Acquisition

American Journal of Neuroradiology ◽

10.3174/ajnr.a2654 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (11) ◽

pp. 1994-1999 ◽

Cited By ~ 82

Author(s):

A.M. Tawfik ◽

J.M. Kerl ◽

A.A. Razek ◽

R.W. Bauer ◽

N.E. Nour-Eldin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Image Quality ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Dual Energy Ct

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Combined use of iterative reconstruction and monochromatic imaging in spinal fusion CT images

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/0284185116631182 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 62-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Fengdan Wang ◽

Yan Zhang ◽

Huadan Xue ◽

Wei Han ◽

Xianda Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Image Quality ◽

Spinal Fusion ◽

Iterative Reconstruction ◽

Dual Energy ◽

Image Noise ◽

Dual Energy Ct ◽

Spinal Diseases ◽

Metal Artifacts ◽

Monochromatic Imaging ◽

Combined Use

Background Spinal fusion surgery is an important procedure for treating spinal diseases and computed tomography (CT) is a critical tool for postoperative evaluation. However, CT image quality is considerably impaired by metal artifacts and image noise. Purpose To explore whether metal artifacts and image noise can be reduced by combining two technologies, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and monochromatic imaging generated by gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) dual-energy CT. Material and Methods A total of 51 patients with 318 spinal pedicle screws were prospectively scanned by dual-energy CT using fast kV-switching GSI between 80 and 140 kVp. Monochromatic GSI images at 110 keV were reconstructed either without or with various levels of ASIR (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%). The quality of five sets of images was objectively and subjectively assessed. Results With objective image quality assessment, metal artifacts decreased when increasing levels of ASIR were applied ( P < 0.001). Moreover, adding ASIR to GSI also decreased image noise ( P < 0.001) and improved the signal-to-noise ratio ( P < 0.001). The subjective image quality analysis showed good inter-reader concordance, with intra-class correlation coefficients between 0.89 and 0.99. The visualization of peri-implant soft tissue was improved at higher ASIR levels ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Combined use of ASIR and GSI decreased image noise and improved image quality in post-spinal fusion CT scans. Optimal results were achieved with ASIR levels ≥70%.

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