Can virtual non-contrast imaging replace true non-contrast imaging in multiphase scanning of the neck region?

Al-Difaie, Zaid; Scheepers, Max HMC; Bouvy, Nicole D; Engelen, Sanne; Havekes, Bas; Postma, Alida A

Can virtual non-contrast imaging replace true non-contrast imaging in multiphase scanning of the neck region?

Dokumentdetails

ID

oai:pubmedcentral.nih.gov:1052...

Thema

Original Article

Autor

Al-Difaie, Zaid Scheepers, Max HMC Bouvy, Nicole D Engelen, Sanne Havekes, Bas Postma, Alida A

Langue

Editor

SAGE Publications

Kategorie

Acta Radiologica Open

Jahr

2023

Auflistungsdatum

27.11.2023

Schlüsselwörter

structures mean anatomical region non-contrast images imaging density virtual true neck tnc thyroid vnc

Metrisch

Zusammenfassung

BACKGROUND: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an advanced imaging method that enables reconstruction of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images from a contrast-enhanced acquisition.

This has the potential to reduce radiation exposure by eliminating the need for a true non-contrast (TNC) phase.

PURPOSE: The purpose is to evaluate the feasibility of VNC images in the neck region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients underwent a DECT scan as part of diagnostic workup of primary hyperparathyroidism.

VNC images were reconstructed from 30 s (arterial) and 50 s (venous) post-contrast scans.

Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in thyroid tissue, lymph node, carotid artery, jugular vein, fat, and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Mean densities of all anatomical structures were compared between VNC and TNC images.

RESULTS: For all anatomical structures except the thyroid gland, the difference in mean density between TNC and VNC images was less than 15 HU.

The mean difference in density between TNC and VNC images of the thyroid was 53.2 HU (95% CI 46.8; 59.6, p = <0.001).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an acceptable agreement in density between true non-contrast and virtual non-contrast images for most anatomical structures in the neck region.

Therefore, VNC images may have the potential to replace TNC images in the neck.

However, due to significant differences in CT density of thyroid tissue, true non-contrast imaging cannot be directly substituted by virtual non-contrast imaging when examining the thyroid and its surrounding tissue.

Al-Difaie, Zaid,Scheepers, Max HMC,Bouvy, Nicole D,Engelen, Sanne,Havekes, Bas,Postma, Alida A, 2023, Can virtual non-contrast imaging replace true non-contrast imaging in multiphase scanning of the neck region?, SAGE Publications