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.

Highlights

  • Esophageal cancer is a common fatal malignant tumor

  • The venous phase images were respectively subjected to traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+)

  • 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

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Summary

Introduction

The Chinese incidence rate of esophageal cancer ranks the fourth in the world [1]. Esophageal cancer has hidden onset and late appearing clinical symptoms. Most of the clinical patients have reached the middle and late stage, and their 5-year survival rates after treatment are very low [2]. The early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer are of great significance to the surgical resection rate of esophageal cancer lesions and the improvement of survival rate of patients. The purpose of this study is to explore the advantages of dual-source dual-energy CT new-generation virtual single-energy post-processing technology (Mono+) compared with 100 kV mixed-energy images and traditional virtual single-energy post-processing technology (Mono_E) and its significance in improving the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients

Methods
Results
Conclusion

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