Performance of virtual unenhanced images on a prototype silicon photon counting detector CT: preliminary clinical results.

Background Virtual unenhanced (VUE) images obtained by using a dual-energy CT (DECT) multimaterial decomposition algorithm hold promise for diagnostic use in the abdomen in lieu of true unenhanced (TUE) images. Purpose To assess VUE images obtained from a DECT multimaterial decomposition algorithm in patients undergoing renal mass and urinary stone evaluation. Materials and Methods In this retrospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study, DECT was performed in patients undergoing evaluation for renal mass or urinary stone. VUE images were compared quantitatively to TUE images and qualitatively assessed by four independent radiologists. Differences in attenuation between VUE and TUE images were summarized by using 95% limits of agreement. Diagnostic performance in urinary stone detection was summarized by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity. Results A total of 221 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 61 years ± 14; 129 men) with 273 renal masses were evaluated. Differences in renal mass attenuation between VUE and TUE images were within 3 HU for both enhancing masses (95% limits of agreement, -3.1 HU to 2.7 HU) and nonenhancing cysts (95% limits of agreement, -2.9 HU to 2.5 HU). Renal mass classification as enhancing mass versus nonenhancing cyst did not change (reclassification rate of enhancing masses, 0% [0 of 78]; 95% CI: 0, 5; reclassification rate of nonenhancing cysts, 0% [0 of 193]; 95% CI: 0, 2) with use of VUE in lieu of TUE images. Among 166 urinary stones evaluated, diagnostic performance of VUE images for stone detection was lower compared with that of TUE images (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.79 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.84] vs 0.93 [95% CI: 0.91, 0.95]; P < .001) due to reduced sensitivity of VUE for detection of stones 3 mm in diameter or less compared with those greater than 3 mm (sensitivity, 23% [25 of 108; 95% CI: 12, 40] vs 88% [126 of 144; 95% CI: 77, 94]; P < .001). Conclusion Compared with true unenhanced images, virtual unenhanced (VUE) images were unlikely to change renal mass classification as enhancing mass versus nonenhancing cyst. Diagnostic performance of VUE images remained suboptimal for urinary stone detection due to subtraction of stones 3 mm or less in diameter. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Sosna in this issue.

The purpose of this study was to investigate replacing unenhanced and arterial single-energy CT acquisitions after endovascular aneurysm repair with one dual-energy CT arterial acquisition. Thirty patients underwent arterial dual-energy CT (80 and 140 kVp) and venous single-energy CT (120 kVp) after endovascular aneurysm repair, and the radiation doses were compared with those of a standard triple-phase protocol. Both virtual unenhanced and arterial images were generated with dual-energy CT. Images were reviewed clinically for detection of endoleaks and evaluation of stent and calcium appearance. The aortic luminal attenuation on virtual unenhanced CT images was compared with that on previously acquired true unenhanced images. Virtual unenhanced, arterial, and venous images were compared for thrombus attenuation. Single-energy CT and dual-energy CT images were compared for noise. Replacement of two (unenhanced, arterial) of three single-energy CT acquisitions with one dual-energy CT acquisition resulted in 31% radiation dose savings. All images were clinically interpretable. Thoracic (32 +/- 2 vs 35 +/- 4 HU) and abdominal (30 +/- 3 vs 35 +/- 5 HU) aortic attenuation was similar on virtual unenhanced and true unenhanced images. Thrombus attenuation was similar on virtual unenhanced (32 +/- 6 HU), arterial phase (33 +/- 7 HU), and venous phase (34 +/- 6 HU) images. Decreased stent and calcium attenuation was observed at some locations on virtual unenhanced images. Noise in the thoracic (10 +/- 1 HU) and abdominal (12 +/- 2 HU) aorta was lower on virtual unenhanced images than on true unenhanced images (13 +/- 4 HU, 19 +/- 5 HU). Noise was comparable for dual-energy and single-energy CT (thorax, 16 +/- 2 vs 13 +/- 2 HU; abdomen, 21 +/- 3 vs 23 +/- 5 HU). Virtual unenhanced and arterial phase images derived from dual-energy CT can replace true unenhanced and arterial phase single-energy CT images in follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (except immediately after the procedure), providing comparable diagnostic information with substantial dose savings.

The aim of this study was to compare gallstones on virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images acquired with dual-energy CT (DECT). We enrolled 112 patients with right upper quadrant pain and clinically suspected acute cholecystitis or gallstone who underwent DECT--including unenhanced, arterial, and portal phases. Eighty-three gallstones with composition proven by semiquantitative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy from 45 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy (40 cholesterol gallstones from 21 patients, 43 calcium gallstones from 24 patients) were included. CT images were retrospectively evaluated for stone size, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of gallstone to bile, and visibility and density of gallstones for each image set. The visibility of each type of stone was compared with a paired t test. Both cholesterol and calcium stones measured smaller on virtual unenhanced images than on true unenhanced images, yielding a lower sensitivity of virtual unenhanced images for detecting small gallstones. Mean CNR of cholesterol stones was 2.45 ± 1.32 versus 1.67 ± 1.55 (p < 0.032) and that of calcium stones was 10.59 ± 7.15 and 14.11 ± 9.81 (p < 0.001) for virtual unenhanced and true unenhanced images, respectively. For calcium stones, two readers found 43 of 43 (100%) on true unenhanced images; one reader found 41 of 43 (95%) and the other, 37 of 43 (86%) on virtual unenhanced images. For cholesterol stones, one reader found 20 of 40 (50%) and the other 19 of 40 (47%) on true unenhanced images versus 34 of 40 (85%) and 30 of 40 (75%), respectively, on virtual unenhanced images. The visibility of cholesterol stones was higher on virtual unenhanced images, but that of calcium stones was lower. Virtual unenhanced images at DECT allow better visualization of cholesterol gallstones, but true unenhanced images allow better visualization of calcium and small gallstones.

BACKGROUND. Prior studies have provided mixed results for the ability to replace true unenhanced (TUE) images with virtual unenhanced (VUE) images when characterizing renal lesions by dual-energy CT (DECT). Detector-based dual-layer DECT (dlDECT) systems may optimize performance of VUE images for this purpose. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to compare dual-phase dlDECT examinations evaluated using VUE and TUE images in differentiating cystic and solid renal masses. METHODS. This retrospective study included 110 patients (mean age, 64.3 ± 11.8 years; 46 women, 64 men) who underwent renal-mass protocol dlDECT between July 2018 and February 2022. TUE, VUE, and nephrographic phase image sets were reconstructed. Lesions were diagnosed as solid masses by histopathology or MRI. Lesions were diagnosed as cysts by composite criteria reflecting findings from MRI, ultrasound, and the TUE and nephrographic phase images of the dlDECT examinations. One radiologist measured lesions' attenuation on all dlDECT image sets. Lesion characterization was compared between use of VUE and TUE images, including when considering enhancement of 20 HU or greater to indicate presence of a solid mass. RESULTS. The analysis included 219 lesions (33 solid masses; 186 cysts [132 simple, 20 septate, 34 hyperattenuating]). TUE and VUE attenuation were significantly different for solid masses (33.4 ± 7.1 HU vs 35.4 ± 8.6 HU, p = .002), simple cysts (10.8 ± 5.6 HU vs 7.1 ± 8.1 HU, p < .001), and hyperattenuating cysts (56.3 ± 21.0 HU vs 47.6 ± 16.3 HU, p < .001), but not septate cysts (13.6 ± 8.1 HU vs 14.0 ± 6.8 HU, p = .79). Frequency of enhancement 20 HU or greater when using TUE and VUE images was 90.9% and 90.9% in solid masses, 0.0% and 9.1% in simple cysts, 15.0% and 10.0% in septate cysts, and 11.8% and 38.2% in hyperattenuating cysts. All solid lesions were concordant in terms of enhancement 20 HU or greater when using TUE and VUE images. Twelve simple cysts and nine hyperattenuating cysts showed enhancement of 20 HU or greater when using VUE but not TUE images. CONCLUSION. Use of VUE images reliably detected enhancement in solid masses. However, VUE images underestimated attenuation of simple and hyperattenuating cysts, leading to false-positive findings of enhancement by such lesions. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings do not support replacement of TUE acquisitions with VUE images when characterizing renal lesions by dlDECT.

This study aimed to evaluate the image quality of virtual unenhanced and blending images from dual-energy CT for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 72 patients with pathologically diagnosed CRC underwent abdominal dual-energy CT, following which virtual unenhanced, linear blending, and non-linear blending images were generated by post-processing reconstruction. Both subjective and objective evaluations were conducted on these images, with signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculations conducted for organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and spleen. Virtual unenhanced images of CRC, extraserosal fat of the tumor, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, and subcutaneous fat showed a lower signal intensity than both linear and non-linear blending images (P < 0.05), while the CNR of virtual unenhanced images was higher than linear and nonlinear blending images (P < 0.05). Except for CRC lesions, the SNR of other organs in virtual unenhanced images was higher than in linear and non-linear blending images (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in subjective image scores and the number of conventional lesions between virtual unenhanced image, linear, and non-linear blending (P ≥ 0.05). The Kappa coefficients for evaluating extraserosal invasion were 0.722, 0.584, and 0.584 for virtual unenhanced, linear blending, and non-linear blending images, respectively, with corresponding accuracies of 86.1%, 79.2%, and 79.2%. Virtual unenhanced images of patients with CRC can provide high-quality images for diagnostic evaluation, potentially replacing linear blending and non-linear blending images in plain scans.

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of dual-source dual-energy CT in the evaluation of complex cystic renal masses. Seventy patients underwent contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT that included true unenhanced images acquired in single-energy mode, corticomedullary phase images acquired in dual-energy mode, and nephrographic phase images acquired in single-energy mode. Virtual unenhanced, blended weighted-average, and color-coded iodine overlay images were reconstructed. The acceptance level and image quality of virtual and true unenhanced images were evaluated. Contrast enhancement on both true unenhanced or blended weighted-average images and color-coded iodine overlay images was evaluated with both calculation in regions of interest and use of confidence level scales. Radiation dose parameters were estimated. Virtual unenhanced images of 70 lesions (97.2%) and true unenhanced images of 72 lesions (100%) were judged acceptable (p = 0.5). The mean quality score of virtual unenhanced images was 2.0 ± 0.7 and of true unenhanced images was 1.5 ± 0.5 (p < 0.001). Mean contrast enhancement measured on true unenhanced and blended weighted-average images was 45.9 ± 15.9 HU (range, 21-78 HU) and on color-coded iodine overlay images was 47.3 ± 16.8 HU (range, 22-75 HU) with no significant differences. Enhancement was excluded on color-coded iodine overlay images with a significantly (p < 0.03) higher level of confidence than it was on true unenhanced and blended weighted-average images. The mean dose reduction with use of a combined dual- and single-energy dual-phase CT protocol was 29.1% ± 11.9% (p < 0.001). Dual-source dual-energy CT is a reliable imaging technique in the evaluation of complex cystic renal masses. True unenhanced images can be replaced by virtual unenhanced images with considerable radiation dose reduction. The color-coded iodine overlay technique is a useful tool for both excluding and identifying endocystic enhancement.

To evaluate the performance of virtual non-contrast images (VNC) compared to true non-contrast (TNC) images in photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) for the evaluation of lung parenchyma and emphysema quantification. 65 (mean age 73 years; 48 male) consecutive patients who underwent a three-phase (non-contrast, arterial and venous) chest/abdomen CT on a first-generation dual-source PCD-CT were retrospectively included. Scans were performed in the multienergy (QuantumPlus) mode at 120 kV with 70 ml intravenous contrast agent at an injection rate of 4 ml s-1. VNC were reconstructed from the arterial (VNCart) and venous phase (VNCven). TNC and VNC images of the lung were assessed quantitatively by calculating the global noise index (GNI) and qualitatively by two independent, blinded readers (overall image quality and emphysema assessment). Emphysema quantification was performed using a commercially available software tool at a threshold of -950 HU for all data sets. TNC images served as reference standard for emphysema quantification. Low attenuation values (LAV) were compared in a Bland-Altman plot. GNI was similar in VNCart (103.0 ± 30.1) and VNCven (98.2 ± 22.2) as compared to TNC (100.9 ± 19.0, p = 0.546 and p = 0.272, respectively). Subjective image quality (emphysema assessment and overall image quality) was highest for TNC (p = 0.001), followed by VNCven and VNCart. Both, VNCart and VNCven showed no significant difference in emphysema quantification as compared to TNC (p = 0.409 vs. p = 0.093; respectively). Emphysema evaluation is feasible using virtual non-contrast images from PCD-CT. Emphysema quantification is feasible and accurate using VNC images in PCD-CT. Based on these findings, additional TNC scans for emphysema quantification could be omitted in the future.

To assess the effect of varying iodine flow rate (IFR) and iodine concentration on the quality of virtual unenhanced (VUE) images of the abdomen obtained with dual-energy CT. 94 subjects underwent unenhanced and triphasic contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen, including arterial phase, portal venous phase, and delayed phase using dual-energy CT. Patients were randomized into 4 groups with different IFRs or iodine concentrations. VUE images were generated at 70keV. The CT values, image noise, SNR and CNR of aorta, portal vein, liver, liver lesion, pancreatic parenchyma, spleen, erector spinae, and retroperitoneal fat were recorded. Dose-length product and effective dose for an examination with and without plain phase scan were calculated to assess the potential dose savings. Two radiologists independently assessed subjective image quality using a five-point scale. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used first to test for normal distribution. Where data conformed to a normal distribution, analysis of variance was used to compare mean HU values, image noise, SNRs and CNRs for the 4 image sets. Where data distribution was not normal, a nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis test followed by stepwise step-down comparisons) was used. The significance level for all tests was 0.01 (two-sided) to allow for type 2 errors due to multiple testing. The CT numbers (HU) of VUE images showed no significant differences between the 4 groups (p>0.05) or between different phases within the same group (p>0.05). VUE images had equal or higher SNR and CNR than true unenhanced images. VUE images received equal or lower subjective image quality scores than unenhanced images but were of acceptable quality for diagnostic use. Calculated dose-length product and estimated dose showed that the use of VUE images in place of unenhanced images would be associated with a dose saving of 25%. VUE images can replace conventional unenhanced images. VUE images are not affected by varying iodine flow rates and iodine concentrations, and diagnostic examinations could be acquired with a potential dose saving of 25%.

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether virtual unenhanced adrenal nodule attenuation values can replace true noncontrast attenuation values. Twenty-three incidentally discovered adrenal nodules (19 adenomas and four metastases) were identified in 19 patients (11 men and eight women; mean age, 65 years; age range, 38-84 years) who underwent unenhanced single-energy CT followed by contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT on the same scanner. A virtual unenhanced imaging dataset was generated from each dual-energy CT dataset. CT attenuation of each adrenal nodule was measured at the same location on virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images by three radiologists and mean values compared using the Student t test. Correlation between virtual unenhanced and true unenhanced values was determined using linear regression analysis. The mean difference and percentage of diagnostic agreement were also determined. Interreader variability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mean ± SD attenuation values for virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images were 14.7 ± 15.1 HU and 12.9 ± 13.4 HU, respectively (p = 0.2). Strong positive correlation was observed between virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images (R = 0.83-0.87). The mean difference between virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images was 1.8 ± 1.7 HU. Diagnostic agreement between virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images was 83-91% for three radiologists. No malignant nodules were misclassified as benign on virtual unenhanced images. The ICC was 0.88 and 0.96 for virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images, respectively, indicating high interreader agreement. Virtual unenhanced and true unenhanced attenuation measurements of adrenal nodules were not significantly different and showed strongly positive linear correlation. This finding resulted in substantial diagnostic agreement between virtual unenhanced images and true unenhanced images for distinguishing benign from malignant nodules.

The objective of our study was to assess the utility of dual-energy CT for characterizing renal masses using iodine overlay techniques and virtual unenhanced images and to measure the potential radiation dose reduction for two-phase kidney CT compared with a standard three-phase protocol. Sixty patients with suspected renal masses underwent dual-energy CT including true unenhanced, dual-energy corticomedullary, and dual-energy late nephrographic phase imaging. Iodine overlay and virtual unenhanced images were derived from the corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases, respectively. The CT numbers of renal masses were calculated using the iodine overlay images superimposed on the virtual unenhanced images. The overall imaging quality of the true unenhanced images and of the virtual unenhanced images was also evaluated. The effective radiation doses for dual-energy CT and for true unenhanced imaging were calculated. For overlay or enhancement values on iodine overlay images, 36 simple cysts and 10 hemorrhagic cysts had an attenuation value of less than 20 HU, whereas 21 renal cell carcinomas showed an attenuation value of 20 HU or greater. Eleven angiomyolipomas contained macroscopic fat tissue. All renal masses were accurately classified on the basis of dual-energy CT. The imaging quality of the virtual unenhanced images from the corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases was inferior to the image quality of the true unenhanced images (p < 0.01). The mean effective doses for the three-phase protocol and for true unenhanced images were 12.6 and 2.4 mSv, respectively. Our results show that dual-energy CT using iodine overlay techniques and virtual unenhanced images may be useful for characterizing renal masses.

To determine the efficacy and safety of virtual unenhanced imaging by comparing the attenuation values of virtual and true unenhanced images acquired using third-generation dual-source dual-energy computed tomography (dsDECT). Single-energy non-contrast and dual-energy arterial and venous phase images of 97 patients who underwent triphasic abdominal computed tomography (CT) were included in this retrospective study. Virtual unenhanced images were generated for the arterial (a) and venous (v) phases using two dsDECT algorithms. The attenuation values were measured on the true and virtual unenhanced images of the liver, spleen, kidney, gallbladder, paraspinal muscle, aorta, subcutaneous fat, retroperitoneal fat, and renal cysts. A statistically significant difference was observed between the attenuation values ​​of true and virtual unenhanced images for all tissues (p < 0.001-0.025), except the venous phase virtual unenhanced images of the kidney, renal cysts, and gallbladder (p = 0.061-0.325). The proportion of cases with differences of ≥ 10 Hounsfield unit (HU) in the attenuation values between the virtual and true unenhanced images ranged from 3% to 8% for renal parenchyma, renal cysts, and gallbladder using this algorithm; however, this proportion was up to 90% for adipose tissue. No significant correlation was observed between the body mass index and attenuation differences between the true and virtual unenhanced images, except for those of the aorta and paraspinal muscle. Virtual unenhanced images acquired using third-generation dsDECT cannot replace true unenhanced images in clinical practice owing to the difference between the attenuation values and variability of attenuation between true and virtual unenhanced images.

Ultrasound tomography has great potential to provide quantitative estimations of physical properties of breast tumors for accurate characterization of breast cancer. We design and manufacture a new synthetic-aperture breast ultrasound tomography system with two parallel transducer arrays. The distance of these two transducer arrays is adjustable for scanning breasts with different sizes. The ultrasound transducer arrays are translated vertically to scan the entire breast slice by slice and acquires ultrasound transmission and reflection data for whole-breast ultrasound imaging and tomographic reconstructions. We use the system to acquire patient data at the University of New Mexico Hospital for clinical studies. We present some preliminary imaging results of <i>in vivo </i>patient ultrasound data. Our preliminary clinical imaging results show promising of our breast ultrasound tomography system with two parallel transducer arrays for breast cancer imaging and characterization.

The advent of photon counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) holds the promise of radiation reduction, improved spatial resolution, and spectral data for material decomposition in pediatric abdominal radiology, but effort is required to achieve this. Consensus lacks on what a good pediatric abdominal protocol should entail, and new features and hardware require a learning curve. This investigative review addresses and investigates the key software and hardware parameters of PCD-CT by testing progressively complex phantoms. Based on these tests, a pediatric abdominal PCD-CT protocol was derived for children up to 12years, and preliminary clinical results are presented. Pediatric radiologists adopting PCD-CT can benefit from our early experience and use this review to adapt the proposed protocol to their needs.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of split-bolus portal venous phase dual-energy CT (DECT) urography in patients with hematuria. True unenhanced and split-bolus portal venous phase contrast-enhanced weighted-average images were obtained in 171 patients with hematuria. Virtual unenhanced and iodine-overlay images were reconstructed from contrast-enhanced 80-kVp and tin-filtered 140-kVp scans. Images were independently reviewed by two radiologists who were blinded to the final diagnoses in two separate reading sessions: virtual unenhanced and iodine-overlay images (single phase) in the first session and true unenhanced and contrast-enhanced weighted-average images (dual phase) in the second session (mean ± SD, 52 ± 8 days later). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of mass detection were calculated from the data of both reading sessions. The number of calculi detected on virtual unenhanced images was compared with the number detected on true unenhanced images. The difference in radiation dose between the single- and dual-phase protocols was calculated. The statistical significance was determined by ANOVA. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 98.7%, 98.9%, and 98.8%, respectively, for the single-phase approach to malignant mass detection and 98.7%, 97.9%, and 98.3%, respectively, for the dual-phase approach (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). The overall sensitivity of stone detection was 86.7% (39/45) for virtual unenhanced images. Omitting the unenhanced scan reduced the mean radiation dose from 15.4 to 6.7 mSv. The diagnostic performance of both the single- and dual-phase approaches of portal venous phase split-bolus DECT urography is equally good in patients with hematuria, and single-phase acquisition has the added benefit of radiation reduction.

Background The first clinical CT system to use photon-counting detector (PCD) technology has become available for patient care. Purpose To assess the technical performance of the PCD CT system with use of phantoms and representative participant examinations. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval and written informed consent from four participants were obtained. Technical performance of a dual-source PCD CT system was measured for standard and high-spatial-resolution (HR) collimations. Noise power spectrum, modulation transfer function, section sensitivity profile, iodine CT number accuracy in virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs), and iodine concentration accuracy were measured. Four participants were enrolled (between May 2021 and August 2021) in this prospective study and scanned using similar or lower radiation doses as their respective clinical examinations performed on the same day using energy-integrating detector (EID) CT. Image quality and findings from the participants' PCD CT and EID CT examinations were compared. Results All standard technical performance measures met accreditation and regulatory requirements. Relative to filtered back-projection reconstructions, images from iterative reconstruction had lower noise magnitude but preserved noise power spectrum shape and peak frequency. Maximum in-plane spatial resolutions of 125 and 208 µm were measured for HR and standard PCD CT scans, respectively. Minimum values for section sensitivity profile full width at half maximum measurements were 0.34 mm (0.2-mm nominal section thickness) and 0.64 mm (0.4-mm nominal section thickness) for HR and standard PCD CT scans, respectively. In a 120-kV standard PCD CT scan of a 40-cm phantom, VMI iodine CT numbers had a mean percentage error of 5.7%, and iodine concentration had root mean squared error of 0.5 mg/cm3, similar to previously reported values for EID CT. VMIs, iodine maps, and virtual noncontrast images were created for a coronary CT angiogram acquired with 66-msec temporal resolution. Participant PCD CT images showed up to 47% lower noise and/or improved spatial resolution compared with EID CT. Conclusion Technical performance of clinical photon-counting detector (PCD) CT is improved relative to that of a current state-of-the-art CT system. The dual-source PCD geometry facilitated 66-msec temporal resolution multienergy cardiac imaging. Study participant images illustrated the effect of the improved technical performance. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Willemink and Grist in this issue.