Technical principles of dual source CT

During the past years, multi-detector row CT (MDCT) has evolved into clinical practice with a rapid increase of the number of detector slices. Today's 64 slice CT systems allow whole-body examinations with sub-millimeter resolution in short scan times. As an alternative to adding even more detector slices, we describe the system concept and design of a CT scanner with two X-ray tubes and two detectors (mounted on a CT gantry with a mechanical offset of 90 degrees) that has the potential to overcome limitations of conventional MDCT systems, such as temporal resolution for cardiac imaging. A dual source CT (DSCT) scanner provides temporal resolution equivalent to a quarter of the gantry rotation time, independent of the patient's heart rate (83 ms at 0.33 s rotation time). In addition to the benefits for cardiac scanning, it allows to go beyond conventional CT imaging by obtaining dual energy information if the two tubes are operated at different voltages. Furthermore, we discuss how both acquisition systems can be used to add the power reserve of two X-ray tubes for long scan ranges and obese patients. Finally, future advances of DSCT are highlighted.     

The utilization of dual source CT in imaging of polytrauma

Despite the growing role of imaging, trauma remains the leading cause of death in people below the age of 45 years in the western industrialized countries. Trauma has been touted as the largest epidemic in the 20th century. The advent of MDCT has been the greatest advance in trauma care in the last 25 years. However, there are still challenges in CT imaging of the polytrauma individual including time restraints, diagnostic errors, radiation dose effects and bridging the gap between anatomy and physiology. This article will analyze these challenges and provide possible solutions offered by the unique design of the dual source CT scanner.     

Coronary CT angiography with dual source computed tomography in 170 patients

Introduction

In preliminary studies DSCT provides robust image quality over a wide range of heart rates and excludes CAD with high accuracy.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of these results in a large, unselected and consecutive group of patients scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA).

Material and methods

170 patients (124 men, 46 women; mean age: 64 ± 9 years) with known CAD (101 patients) or suspected CAD (69 patients) scheduled for ICA were examined by coronary CTA prior to ICA. All coronary segments were assessed for image quality (1: excellent; 5: non-diagnostic). The presence of significant vessel stenosis (>50%) was calculated using ICA as standard of reference.

Results

A total of 680 vessels were analyzed. Despite of 45 arrythmic patients all analyzed coronary segments were diagnostically evaluable. Mean Agatston score equivalent was 686 (range 0-4950). ICA revealed 364 lesions with ≥50% diameter stenosis. DSCT correctly identified 336 of these lesions. 115 lesions with a diameter stenosis ≤50% were overestimated by DSCT and thus considered as false-positive findings. On a per-segment basis, sensitivity was 92%, specificity 93%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 75% and negative predictive value (NPV) 98%. On a per-vessel basis DSCT revealed a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 88%, a PPV of 78% and a NPV of 97%. On a per-patient basis sensitivity was 94%, specificity 79%, PPV 88% and NPV 90%.

Conclusions

Initial results of preliminary studies showing robust image quality and high accuracy in DSCT cardiac imaging could be approved with the present study enclosing a large consecutive population. However severe coronary calcifications and irregular heart rate still remain limiting factors for coronary CTA.Despite improved image quality and high accuracy of coronary DSCT angiography, proof of indication is necessary, due to still remaining limiting factors.     

Dose performance and image quality: dual source CT versus single source CT in cardiac CT angiography

Objective

To evaluate dose performance and image quality of 64-slice dual source CT (DSCT) in comparison to 64-slice single source CT (SSCT) in cardiac CT angiography (CTA).

Methods

100 patients examined by DSCT and 60 patients scanned by SSCT were included in this study. Objective indices such as image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio were analyzed. Subjective image quality was assessed by two cardiovascular radiologists in consensus using a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = not acceptable). Estimation of effective dose was performed on the basis of dose length product (DLP).

Results

At low heart rates (<70 bpm), image quality of SSCT was equivalent to that of DSCT (P > 0.05), but, at high heart rates (>70 bpm), DSCT provided robust image quality (P < 0.05). The average effective dose of SSCT was 9.3 ± 0.9 mSv at low heart rates (<70 bpm) while, the average estimated effective doses of DSCT were 9.1 ± 1.3 mSv, 8.3 ± 1.1 mSv, 7.9 ± 1.1 mSv, 6.9 ± 0.7 mSv, and 5.9 ± 1.3 mSv, corresponding to heart rates of 50-59 bpm, 60-69 bpm, 70-79 bpm, 80-89 bpm, and 90-100 bpm.

Conclusion

For cardiac CTA, both DSCT and SSCT can get good image quality at low heart rates (<70 bpm) with a similar radiation dose, but, at high heart rates (>70 bpm), DSCT is able to provide robust diagnostic image quality at doses far below that of SSCT.     

Adenosine-stress dynamic real-time myocardial perfusion CT and adenosine-stress first-pass dual-energy myocardial perfusion CT for the assessment of acute chest pain: Initial results

Purpose

Recent innovations in CT enable the evolution from mere morphologic imaging to dynamic and functional testing. We describe our initial experience performing myocardial stress perfusion CT in a clinical population with acute chest pain.

Methods and materials

Myocardial stress perfusion CT was performed on twenty consecutive patients (15 men, 5 women; mean age 65 ± 8 years) who presented with acute chest pain and were clinically referred for stress/rest SPECT and cardiac MRI. Prior to CT each patient was randomly assigned either to Group A or to Group B in a consecutive order (10 patients per group). Group A underwent adenosine-stress dynamic real-time myocardial perfusion CT using a novel “shuttle” mode on a 2nd generation dual-source CT. Group B underwent adenosine-stress first-pass dual-energy myocardial perfusion CT using the same CT scanner in dual-energy mode. Two experienced observers visually analyzed all CT perfusion studies. CT findings were compared with MRI and SPECT.

Results

In Group A 149/170 myocardial segments (88%) could be evaluated. Real-time perfusion CT (versus SPECT) had 86% (84%) sensitivity, 98% (92%) specificity, 94% (88%) positive predictive value, and 96% (92%) negative predictive value in comparison with perfusion MRI for the detection of myocardial perfusion defects. In Group B all myocardial segments were available for analysis. Compared with MRI, dual-energy myocardial perfusion CT (versus SPECT) had 93% (94%) sensitivity, 99% (98%) specificity, 92% (88%) positive predictive value, and 96% (94%) negative predictive value for detecting hypoperfused myocardial segments.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the clinical feasibility of myocardial perfusion CT imaging in patients with acute chest pain. Compared to MRI and SPECT both, dynamic real-time perfusion CT and first-pass dual-energy perfusion CT showed good agreement for the detection of myocardial perfusion defects.     

Virtual unenhanced second generation dual-source CT of the liver: Is it time to discard the conventional unenhanced phase?

Introduction

Dual-energy dual source CT can almost simultaneously image patients using two different tube potentials, allowing material decomposition and creation of ‘virtual unenhanced’ (VU) images from post-contrast series.

Methods

75 patients undergoing triple-phase liver CT examinations were imaged using a second generation dual-source CT machine with tube potentials 140/100 kVp. Post-processing VU series were derived from arterial and portal phases. Regions-of-interest from liver parenchyma and within fat (‘noise’ assessment) were drawn to compare VU series to conventional unenhanced (CU) series. Subjective analysis assessed image quality and the suitability of VU to replace CU series.

Results

Mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values of liver were higher in the VU series: portal 51.9 (SD = 10.29), arterial 51.1 (SD = 10.05), compared to the CU series 49.2 (SD = 9.11); P < 0.001. However, Pearson's correlation of the VU and CU series remained excellent: 0.838 (portal), 0.831 (arterial). Bland–Altman plots also showed good agreement between both VU and the CU datasets. Noise measurements were significantly lower in both VU series (P < 0.001). For subjective analysis, image quality was rated as very good/excellent in 100% of CU images, 93.3% of portal VU and 88.7% of arterial VU series. Overall, portal VU and arterial VU images were acceptable replacements for the CU series in 97.4% and 96.1%, respectively. Post-processing was noted to create a number of artefacts in VU images – knowledge of these is essential for interpretation.

Conclusions

Portal and arterial-derived VU images objectively correlate to CU images and demonstrate good image quality and acceptability. VU image sets could replace the conventional unenhanced images in the vast majority of cases, significantly reducing radiation dose.     

Dual-energy MDCT: Comparison of pulmonary artery enhancement on dedicated CT pulmonary angiography, routine and low contrast volume studies

Purpose

The aim of this study was (a) to compare arterial enhancement in simultaneously acquired high- and low-kilovoltage images; and (b) to determine whether low tube-voltage imaging would permit PE evaluation on routine chest CT studies or CTPA studies performed with a low volume of contrast media.

Materials and methods

We compared 20 CTPA studies (CTPA group), 20 routine thoracic CT studies (RT group) and 10 CTPA studies performed with reduced volume of contrast media (RC group). HU values were measured in all groups at 80 kVp and 140 kVp images in multiple pulmonary arterial segments bilaterally. The diagnostic quality of the central and peripheral vascular enhancement and the image noise were evaluated at both energies using a five-point scale.

Results

For all patients, the mean CT attenuation values were greater at 80 kVp than 140 kVp images (p < 0.001). At 80 kVp, CTPA group attenuation values were greater than RT group (p = 0.03) with a similar trend at 140 kVp (p = 0.08). At both 140 kVp and 80 kVp, CTPA group attenuation values were greater than RC group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Qualitative analysis showed that at 140 kVp CTPA studies had better global image quality scores than RT (p = 0.003) and RC (p = 0.001) groups. However, at 80 kVp, there was no significant difference of global image quality between CTPA and the other groups (p = 0.4 and p = 0.5, respectively). Although measurable image noise was greater at 80 kVp than 140 kVp (p < 0.001), qualitative analysis revealed lower image noise at 80 kVp images.

Conclusion

DECT at 80 kVp increases arterial enhancement in both CTPA and routine studies. For routine studies this results in central and peripheral enhancement quality equivalent to that of CTPA studies. Low tube-voltage imaging allows marked contrast volume reduction for CTPA. In selected cases, satisfactory lower radiation dose CT might be achievable using lower kVp imaging alone.     

Assessment of radiation exposure on a dual-source computed tomography-scanner performing coronary computed tomography-angiography

Objective

The radiation exposure of a dual-source-64-channel multi-detector-computed-tomography-scanner (Somatom-Defintion, Siemens, Germany) was assessed in a phantom-study performing coronary-CT-angiography (CTCA) in comparison to patients’ data randomly selected from routine scanning.

Methods

240 CT-acquisitions of a computed tomography dose index (CTDI)-phantom (PTW, Freiburg, Germany) were performed using a synthetically generated Electrocardiography (ECG)-signal with variable heart rates (30-180 beats per minute (bpm)). 120 measurements were acquired using continuous tube-output; 120 measurements were performed using ECG-synchronized tube-modulation. The pulsing window was set at minimum duration at 65% of the cardiac cycle between 30 and 75 bpm. From 90-180 bpm the pulsing window was set at 30-70% of the cardiac cycle. Automated pitch adaptation was always used. A comparison between phantom CTDI and two patient groups’ CTDI corresponding to the two pulsing groups was performed.

Results

Without ECG-tube-modulation CDTI-values were affected by heart-rate-changes resulting in 85.7 mGray (mGy) at 30 and 45 bpm, 65.5 mGy/60 bpm, 54.7 mGy/75 bpm, 46.5 mGy/90 bpm, 34.2 mGy/120 bpm, 27.0 mGy/150 bpm and 22.1 mGy/180 bpm equal to effective doses between 14.5 mSievert (mSv) at 30/45 bpm and 3.6 mSv at 180 bpm. Using ECG-tube-modulation these CTDI-values resulted: 32.6 mGy/30 bpm, 36.6 mGy/45 bpm, 31.4 mGy/60 bpm, 26.8 mGy/75 bpm, 23.7 mGy/90 bpm, 19.4 mGy/120 bpm, 17.2 mGy/150 bpm and 15.6 mGy/180 bpm equal to effective doses between 5.5 mSv at 30 bpm and 2.6 mSv at 180 bpm.Significant CTDI-differences were found between patients with lower/moderate and higher heart rates in comparison to the phantom CTDI-results.

Conclusions

Dual source CTCA is particularly dose efficient at high heart rates when automated pitch adaptation, especially in combination with ECG-based tube-modulation is used. However in clinical routine scanning for patients with higher heart rates and corresponding enlarged pulsing window a significant different dose resulted.     

低剂量与常规剂量对比剂双能量肺灌注图像质量对比分析

目的:探讨对比剂剂量对双源CT双能量肺灌注成像质量的影响.方法:疑肺动脉栓塞患者行双源CT双能量肺灌注扫描,30例使用低剂量(0.7ml/kg)对比剂,30例使用常规剂量对比剂(1.5ml/kg),注射速率均为4.5ml/s.扫描后同时获得肺动脉CTA及肺灌注图像.测量左、右叶肺动脉干及各肺叶动脉增强后的CT值,对比分析两组间增强后的CT值.判断肺灌注图像质量并分级,比较两组的肺灌注图像质量差异.结果:低剂量组与常规剂量组左、右叶肺动脉干及各肺叶动脉增强后的CT值无明显差异(P＞0.05).肺段及亚段肺动脉图像清晰显示.低剂量组肺灌注图像大部分信号均匀(26/30),常规剂量组肺灌注图像大部分信号均匀(24/30).常规剂量组上腔静脉、右心房高密度对比剂所致灌注伪影明显多于低剂量组(48:10).结论:低剂量与常规剂量双能量肺灌注成像的肺动脉图像质量无明显差异,降低对比剂剂量可以减少双能量肺灌注图像的伪影.     

Clinical utility of ultra high pitch dual source thoracic CT imaging of acute pulmonary embolism in the emergency department: Are we one step closer towards a non-gated triple rule out?

Objectives/Purpose

Aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the image quality and the radiation dose of an ultra high pitch CT scan for the evaluation of pulmonary embolism and visualization of cardiac structures in comparison to our institution's standard pulmonary embolism protocol.

Method and materials

The study cohort consisted of 115 consecutive patients, 57 underwent CT pulmonary angiography on a dual source 128 slice scanner (Siemens Somatom Definition FLASH) via an ultra high pitch mode (Pitch 2.8) while 58 were scanned on a dual source 64 slice scanner (Siemens Somatom Definition Dual Source) with standard pitch (Pitch 0.9). Qualitative image assessment was determined by two blinded radiologists with 3 and 15 years’ experience in chest and cardiac CT. Quantitative image assessment was determined by the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Effective radiation dose was calculated via the product of the dose length product.

Results

For the ultra high pitch protocol, 14% (8/57) were positive for pulmonary embolus compared to 13.7% (8/58) for the standard pitch group. 98.2% of the ultra high pitch scans were diagnostic for pulmonary embolus vs. 94.8% of the standard protocol. Visualization of cardiac structures was significantly improved with the ultra high pitch protocol (p < 0.0001). Significantly more lung parenchymal motion was observed on the standard protocol (p < 0.0001). The mean pulmonary vessel attenuation, SNR, and CNR were not significantly different. The mean effective dose was lower for the ultra high pitch studies (4.09 mSv ± 0.78 vs. 7.72 mSv ± 2.60, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Ultra high pitch CT imaging for pulmonary embolus is a technique which has potential to assess motion free evaluation of most cardiac structures and proximal coronary arteries at lower radiation doses.     

双源CT双能量自动减影去骨技术在颈动脉造影中的临床应用

目的 评价双源CT双能量自动减影去骨去钙化技术在颈动脉造影中的临床应用价值.方法 回顾性分析自2012年11月～2014年2月在本院就诊应用双源CT双能量颈动脉血管成像检查的患者126例,分析全部患者颈动脉双源CT双能量自动去骨去钙化技术对颈动脉的显示,并评价图像质量.其中阳性结果患者中有27例患者接受了头颈部血管造影(DSA)检查,并以DSA图像为金标准对照,评价双源CT双能量自动减影去骨去钙化技术诊断颈动脉狭窄与DSA对照的统计学意义.结果 126例患者颈动脉双能量自动去骨后,对颈总动脉(CCA)血管满意显示率为71.0％,颈内动脉颅外段(ICA-E)血管显示满意率为96.0％,颈内动脉颅内段(ICA-I)血管满意显示率为74.2％,ICA-E血管满意显示率最高,与CCA及ICA-I相比有统计学意义(P＜0.05),全部血管总满意显示率为80.4％.27例阳性患者颈动脉双能量自动去骨后与DSA对照,狭窄吻合率一致性很高(P＞0.05),尤其重度及闭塞吻合率达到95％以上.结论 双源CT双能量自动去骨去钙化技术在颈动脉成像中的应用是一种快速、有效、无创的检查新手段,获得的图像质量好,尤其在ICA-E段血管的显示几乎可以替代DSA检查.     

Dual energy CTA of the supraaortic arteries: Technical improvements with a novel dual source CT system

Objectives

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a well-accepted imaging modality to evaluate the supraaortic vessels. Initial reports have suggested that dual energy CTA (DE-CTA) can enhance diagnosis by creating bone-free data sets, which can be visualized in 3D, but a number of limitations of this technique have also been addressed. We sought to describe the performance of DE-CTA of the supraaortic vessels with a novel dual source CT system with special emphasis on image quality and post-processing related artifacts.

Materials and methods

Thirty-three patients underwent carotid CT angiography on a second generation dual source CT system. Simultaneous acquisitions of 100 and 140 kV data sets in arterial phase were performed. Two examiners evaluated overall bone suppression with a 3-point scale (1 = poor; 3 = excellent) and image quality regarding integrity of the vessel lumen of different vessel segments (n = 26) with a 5-point scale (1 = poor; 5 = excellent), CTA source data served as the reference.

Results

Excellent bone suppression could be achieved in the head and neck. Only minor bone remnants occurred, mean score for bone removal was 2.9. Mean score for vessel integrity was 4.3. Eight hundred fifty-seven vessel segments could be evaluated. Six hundred thirty-five segments (74%) showed no lumen alteration, 65 segments (7.6%) lumen alterations <10%, 27 segments (3.1%) lumen alterations >10% resulting in a total luminal reduction <50%, 17 segments (2%) lumen alterations of more than 10% resulting in a total luminal reduction >50%, and 113 segments (13.2%) showed a gap in the vessel course (100% total lumen reduction). Artificial gaps of the vessel lumen occurred in 28 vessel segments due to artifacts caused by dental hardware and in all but one (65) ophthalmic arteries.

Conclusions

Excellent bone suppression could be achieved, DE imaging with 100 and 140 kV lead to improved image quality and vessel integrity in the shoulder region than previously reported. The ophthalmic artery still cannot be adequately visualized.     

低剂量对比剂双能量肺灌注成像评估肺动脉内血栓与灌注缺损间的关系

目的:应用双源CT低剂量对比剂双能量肺灌注成像评估急性肺动脉栓塞患者血管内血栓与肺灌注缺损间的关系,以提高对肺动脉栓塞诊断的准确性。方法:随机选择无肺动脉栓塞患者的低剂量与常规剂量双能量肺灌注成像各15例,对比分析其图像质量;收集20例疑肺动脉栓塞患者行低剂量双能量肺灌注成像;同时获得肺动脉CTA及肺灌注图像。分析肺动脉内有无血栓,以及血栓的部位、数量及形态特征。用双能量肺灌注分析软件判断有无灌注缺损及缺损的部位、形态及范围。对比分析并统计肺动脉内血栓与肺灌注缺损间的关系。结果:肺动脉栓塞患者的低剂量与常规剂量双能量肺灌注成像质量无明显差异(P>0.05)。20例疑似病例中,15例诊断为肺动脉栓塞,其中13例患者肺灌注图像中出现102个肺叶、肺段、或亚段灌注缺损,4例共6个灌注缺损CTA无明确血栓;11例肺动脉CTA显示43个血栓,其中9例血栓与灌注缺损同时存在,2例CTA共5个血栓肺内无灌注缺损。75个灌注缺损与栓塞肺动脉供血范围一致,21个灌注缺损(8段、13亚段)与肺动脉供血范围无关。结论:综合分析双源CT低剂量双能量肺灌注图与CTPA,可以提高肺动脉栓塞诊断的准确性。     

双源CT双能量碘图评价主动脉病变肾灌注水平

目的:探讨双源CT双能量成像碘图评价主动脉病变患者肾灌注水平的临床应用价值.方法:10例主动脉病变患者行CT血管成像(CTA)后行双能量扫描,应用Liver VNC程序,重建肾灌注碘图,测量双肾实质正常灌注及低灌注感兴趣区的CT值、碘浓度、对比增强率及脂肪分类.结果:10例受检者CTA共扫描20侧肾脏,其中6侧灌注异常减低.双能量碘图检查结果与CTA一致;肾脏低灌注区的碘浓度和对比增强率低于对照侧,差异有统计学意义(t=5.08,P＜0.05;t=4.16,P＜0.05);0.5融合图像低灌注区CT值低于对照侧,差异有统计学意义(t=6.20,P＜0.05);肾低灌注区与对照侧的脂肪分类差异无统计学意义(t=1.94,P=0.08).结论:应用双能量碘图可直观显示肾灌注水平,测量感兴趣区CT值、碘浓度和对比增强率等定量指标可反映肾灌注水平,与CTA联合应用有助于准确评价主动脉病变患者的肾灌注水平.     

Thoracic applications of dual-source CT technology

Among the various imaging modalities available, CT has remained over time the core imaging technique for the evaluation of respiratory disorders. The recent advent of dual-source CT offers innovative approaches to investigate thoracic diseases, based on the use of one or two tubes as well as single or dual energy to scan the entire thorax. Two major options can be used in clinical practice with promising results. Dual source, single-energy scanning allows scanning of the entire thorax with ultra-high temporal resolution which opens the field of integrated cardiothoracic imaging without ECG gating as well as optimized evaluation of pediatric and adult patients with limited ability to cooperate. Dual-source, dual-energy acquisitions represent another very innovative means of investigating respiratory disorders, adding tissue characterization and functional analysis to morphological evaluation. The purpose of this review article is to provide results on preliminary experiences with the above-mentioned scanning conditions with dual-source CT and to envisage potential forthcoming applications in the field of thoracic imaging.     

Image fusion in dual energy computed tomography for detection of various anatomic structures--effect on contrast enhancement, contrast-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio and image quality

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate image fusion in dual energy computed tomography for detecting various anatomic structures based on the effect on contrast enhancement, contrast-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio and image quality.

Material and methods

Forty patients underwent a CT neck with dual energy mode (DECT under a Somatom Definition flash Dual Source CT scanner (Siemens, Forchheim, Germany)). Tube voltage: 80-kV and Sn140-kV; tube current: 110 and 290 mA s; collimation-2 × 32 × 0.6 mm. Raw data were reconstructed using a soft convolution kernel (D30f). Fused images were calculated using a spectrum of weighting factors (0.0, 0.3, 0.6 0.8 and 1.0) generating different ratios between the 80- and Sn140-kV images (e.g. factor 0.6 corresponds to 60% of their information from the 80-kV image, and 40% from the Sn140-kV image). CT values and SNRs measured in the ascending aorta, thyroid gland, fat, muscle, CSF, spinal cord, bone marrow and brain. In addition, CNR values calculated for aorta, thyroid, muscle and brain. Subjective image quality evaluated using a 5-point grading scale. Results compared using paired t-tests and nonparametric-paired Wilcoxon-Wilcox-test.

Results

Statistically significant increases in mean CT values noted in anatomic structures when increasing weighting factors used (all P ≤ 0.001). For example, mean CT values derived from the contrast enhanced aorta were 149.2 ± 12.8 Hounsfield Units (HU), 204.8 ± 14.4 HU, 267.5 ± 18.6 HU, 311.9 ± 22.3 HU, 347.3 ± 24.7 HU, when the weighting factors 0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 were used. The highest SNR and CNR values were found in materials when the weighting factor 0.6 used. The difference CNR between the weighting factors 0.6 and 0.3 was statistically significant in the contrast enhanced aorta and thyroid gland (P = 0.012 and P = 0.016, respectively). Visual image assessment for image quality showed the highest score for the data reconstructed using the weighting factor 0.6.

Conclusion

Different fusion factors used to create images in DECT cause statistically significant differences in CT value, SNR, CNR and image quality. Best results obtained using the weighting factor 0.6 for all anatomic structures used in this study.     

双能CT评估肺部血管性病变的研究进展

双能CT(DECT)依据不同能量下物质衰减特性不同进行定性和定量判断。DECT通过后处理可一次性生成碘图、虚拟平扫影像、灌注影像及虚拟单能谱影像等彩色编码影像,可以较全面地反映疾病的形态及功能变化特征。近年DECT已广泛应用于肺动脉栓塞、肺动脉高压、先天性血管发育异常、血管相关肿瘤及血管炎等肺部血管性病变的诊断、治疗及危险分层。就DECT技术原理及在肺部血管性病变中的应用进展进行综述。     

心电编辑对提高双源CT冠脉图像质量的初步研究

目的:探讨心电编辑在改善双源CT冠脉图像质量中的作用。方法:以冠脉分支为单位,回顾性分析60例心率变异过大或心律失常患者双源CT冠脉成像编辑前后的图像质量,总结不同类型的心电编辑方法。结果:60例心率变异过大或心律失常患者,心率范围为55～269次/min,平均心率(92.8±31.9)次/min,冠脉图像编辑前后的图像质量总评分分别为2.26±1.03、3.5±0.61(t=-17.85,P=0.001);表明编辑前后图像质量的评分有统计学意义,编辑后图像质量明显改善。结论:心电编辑技术可以明显改善心率变异过大或心律失常患者双源CT冠脉成像的图像质量。