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Sawamura S, Kato S, Funama Y, Oda S, Mochizuki H, Inagaki S, Takeuchi Y, Morioka T, Izumi T, Ota Y, Kawagoe H, Cheng S, Nakayama N, Fukui K, Tsutsumi T, Iwasawa T, Utsunomiya D. Evaluation of four computed tomography reconstruction algorithms using a coronary artery phantom. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:2870-2883. [PMID: 38617144 PMCID: PMC11007503 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Despite advancements in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), challenges in positive predictive value and specificity remain due to limited spatial resolution. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of 2nd generation deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) on the quantitative and qualitative image quality in coronary CTA. Methods A vessel model with stepwise non-calcified plaque was scanned using 320-detector CT. Image reconstruction was performed using four techniques: hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), DLR, and 2nd generation DLR. The luminal peak CT number, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and edge rise slope (ERS) were quantitatively evaluated via profile curve analysis. Two observers qualitatively graded the graininess, lumen sharpness, and overall lumen visibility on the basis of the degree of confidence for the stenosis severity using a five-point scale. Results The image noise with HIR, MBIR, DLR, and 2nd generation DLR was 23.0, 21.0, 16.9, and 9.5 HU, respectively. The corresponding CNR (25% stenosis) was 15.5, 15.9, 22.1, and 38.3, respectively. The corresponding ERS (25% stenosis) was 203.2, 198.6, 228.9, and 262.4 HU/mm, respectively. Among the four reconstruction methods, the 2nd generation DLR achieved the significantly highest CNR and ERS values. The score of 2nd generation DLR in all evaluation points (graininess, sharpness, and overall lumen visibility) was higher than those of the other methods (overall vessel visibility score, 2.6±0.5, 3.8±0.6, 3.7±0.5, and 4.6±0.5 with HIR, MBIR, DLR, and 2nd generation DLR, respectively). Conclusions 2nd generation DLR provided better CNR and ERS in coronary CTA than HIR, MBIR, and previous-generation DLR, leading to the highest subjective image quality in the assessment of vessel stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shungo Sawamura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shingo Kato
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Funama
- Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Seitaro Oda
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Harumi Mochizuki
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sayuri Inagaki
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuka Takeuchi
- Department of Radiology, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Morioka
- Central Radiology, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Izumi
- Central Radiology, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Ota
- Department of Radiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hironori Kawagoe
- Department of Radiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shihyao Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naoki Nakayama
- Department of Cardiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fukui
- Department of Cardiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Tsutsumi
- Research and Development Center, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tae Iwasawa
- Department of Radiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Utsunomiya
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Guimarães J, de Almeida J, Mendes PL, Ferreira MJ, Gonçalves L. Advancements in non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis: Future perspectives. J Clin Lipidol 2024; 18:e142-e152. [PMID: 38142178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of plaques in arterial walls, leading to cardiovascular diseases and high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Non-invasive imaging techniques play a crucial role in evaluating patients with suspected or established atherosclerosis. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting the need to visualize the underlying processes of plaque progression and rupture to enhance risk stratification. This review explores recent advancements in non-invasive assessment of atherosclerosis, focusing on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. These advancements provide valuable insights into the assessment and management of atherosclerosis, potentially leading to better risk stratification and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Guimarães
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José de Almeida
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Lázaro Mendes
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ferreira
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra's University, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Gonçalves
- Cardiology Department, Coimbra's Hospital and University Center, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra's University, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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