Low-keV Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging for Bronchial Artery Visualization on Photon-Counting Detector Computed Tomography
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aims to determine the optimal use of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) for visualizing the bronchial artery on photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT). <b>Methods:</b> We evaluated the visibility of the bronchial artery...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Diagnostics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/11/1354 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aims to determine the optimal use of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) for visualizing the bronchial artery on photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT). <b>Methods:</b> We evaluated the visibility of the bronchial artery on PCD-CT in 34 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer (twenty-eight men, six women; mean age, 70.2 years) prior to surgery. Region-of-interest measurements were taken at the right bronchial artery at the tracheal bifurcation level, mediastinal fat, and the erector spinae muscles on contrast-enhanced early-phase CT. We compared the CT attenuation of the bronchial artery, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) across VMI at 40, 50, 60, and 70 keV. Additionally, two radiologists performed a subjective image quality assessment by comparing VMI at 40, 50, and 60 keV with 70 keV, rating bronchial artery enhancement, border clarity, peripheral visibility, and image noise. <b>Results:</b> CT attenuation, image noise, and CNR significantly differed across VMI energy levels (<i>p</i> < 0.00001). Lower-keV VMI demonstrated higher CT attenuation and increased noise but also higher CNR (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Both radiologists rated bronchial artery enhancement, border clarity, and peripheral visibility higher at 40 and 50 keV than at 70 keV, with the highest scores observed at 40 keV (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Observer 1 noted slightly increased noise at 40 and 50 keV, while observer 2 observed this effect at 40 keV compared with 70 keV. <b>Conclusions:</b> Low-keV (40–50 keV) VMI on PCD-CT enhances bronchial artery visualization. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4418 |