Optimization of inferior vena cava imaging quality using spectral CT virtual monoenergetic images combined with multiphase scanning
10.3760/cma.j.cn112149-20241231-00782
- VernacularTitle:光谱CT虚拟单能量图像结合多期相扫描优化下腔静脉成像图像质量的研究
- Author:
Dapeng GAO
1
;
Ziran WANG
;
Xiangchuang KONG
;
Quan CHEN
;
Tianhe YE
;
Beibei TIAN
;
Shen GUI
;
Lian YANG
Author Information
1. 华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院放射科，武汉 430022
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Tomography, X-ray computed;
Virtual monoenergetic image;
Vena cava, inferior;
Image quality
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiology
2025;59(9):990-996
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.
