Detection of Lumbar Spine Osseous Metastases Using Dual-Energy CT: Phantom Results and Preliminary Clinical Validation

Expert Panel on Neurological Imaging, Eldaya RW, Parsons MS, Hutchins TA, Avery R, Burns J, Griffith B, Hassankhani A, Khan MA, Ng H, Raizman NM, Reitman C, Shah VN, Sliker C, Soliman H, Timpone VM, Tomaszewski CA, Yahyavi-Firouz-Abadi N, Policeni B. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Cervical Pain or Cervical Radiculopathy: 2024 Update

Cervical spine pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical care as it ranks in the top 5 causes of global years lost to disability. The economic burden of cervical pain is also significant. Imaging is at the center of diagnosis of cervical pain and its causes. However, different symptoms and potential causes of cervical pain require different initial imaging to maximize the benefit of diagnostic usefulness of imaging. In this document we address different cervical pain variants with detailed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of different modalities for addressing each specific variant. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Diagnostic performance of computed tomography-digital subtraction angiography and conventional magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating the vascularity of osseous spinal tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with hypervascular spinal tumors may have severe blood loss during tumor resection, which increases the risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, the preoperative evaluation of tumor vascularity may be challenging; moreover, the reliability of the data obtained in conventional preoperative noninvasive imaging is debatable. In this study, we compared conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subtraction computed tomography angiography (CTA) in terms of their performance in vascularity evaluation. The catheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA) technique was used as a reference standard.

METHODS

This study included 123 consecutive patients with spinal tumor who underwent subtraction CTA, catheter DSA, and subsequent surgery between October 2015 and October 2021. Data regarding qualitative and semiquantitative subtraction CTA parameters and conventional MRI signs were collected for comparison with tumor vascularity graded through catheter DSA. The diagnostic performance of qualitative CTA, quantitative CTA, and conventional MRI in assessing spinal tumor vascularity was analyzed.

RESULTS

Qualitative subtraction CTA was the best noninvasive imaging modality in terms of diagnostic performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.95). Quantitative CTA was relatively inferior (AUROC, 0.87). MRI results had low reliability (AUROC, 0.51 to 0.59). Intratumoral hemorrhage and prominent foraminal venous plexus were found to be the specific signs for hypervascularity (specificity 93.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative subtraction CTA offers the highest diagnostic value in evaluating spinal tumor vascularity, compared to quantitative CTA and MRI. Although conventional MRI may not be a reliable approach, certain MRI signs may have high specificity, which may be crucial for assessing spinal tumor vascularity.

Quantitative evaluation of the effects of dual-energy CT acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing parameters on virtual Non-Calcium (VNCa) images

PURPOSE

The appearance and associated interpretation of Virtual Non-Calcium (VNCa) images extracted from dual-energy CT (DECT) acquisitions are influenced by many parameters. This study aimed to investigate the effects of acquisition, reconstruction, and postprocessing parameters on VNCa images.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A human cadaver leg was scanned using a dual-source DECT scanner, with variations in tube current, tube voltage, reconstruction kernels, and post-processing settings (resolution, upper threshold, lower threshold, beam-hardening correction). The impact of noise was investigated by scanning the specimen five times using the same standard acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing parameters. VNCa values were measured in four different regions of interest within different bones.

RESULTS

Tube current and reconstruction kernels had no significant effect on VNCa values, with maximal standard deviations of 6.2 and 6.1 HU respectively. However, reducing the kVp difference between both tubes, reduced the spectral separation which resulted in lower VNCa values. For postprocessing parameters, variations in resolution and lower and upper thresholds as well as applying beam-hardening correction showed a large impact on VNCa values.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study improve the understanding of the impact of certain CT parameters on VNCa images. Tube voltage and post-processing settings have a large impact on VNCa values. An inappropriate choice of threshold range, resolution and incorrect use of calcium beam-hardening correction can potentially lead to false positive findings of bone marrow edema. This can furthermore impact the ability to compare results from the literature and between institutions, which emphasizes the importance of optimizing and standardizing acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing parameters for consistent VNCa imaging.

Dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal imaging: technical considerations and clinical applications

Dual-energy CT stands out as a robust and innovative imaging modality, which has shown impressive advancements and increasing applications in musculoskeletal imaging. It allows to obtain detailed images with novel insights that were once the exclusive prerogative of magnetic resonance imaging. Attenuation data obtained by using different energy spectra enable to provide unique information about tissue characterization in addition to the well-established strengths of CT in the evaluation of bony structures. To understand clearly the potential of this imaging modality, radiologists must be aware of the technical complexity of this imaging tool, the different ways to acquire images and the several algorithms that can be applied in daily clinical practice and for research. Concerning musculoskeletal imaging, dual-energy CT has gained more and more space for evaluating crystal arthropathy, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue structures, including tendons and ligaments. This article aims to analyze and discuss the role of dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal imaging, exploring technical aspects, applications and clinical implications and possible perspectives of this technique.

Thoracic Diseases: Technique and Applications of Dual-Energy CT

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is one of the most promising technological innovations made in the field of imaging in recent years. Thanks to its ability to provide quantitative and reproducible data, and to improve radiologists' confidence, especially in the less experienced, its applications are increasing in number and variety. In thoracic diseases, DECT is able to provide well-known benefits, although many recent articles have sought to investigate new perspectives. This narrative review aims to provide the reader with an overview of the applications and advantages of DECT in thoracic diseases, focusing on the most recent innovations. The research process was conducted on the databases of Pubmed and Cochrane. The article is organized according to the anatomical district: the review will focus on pleural, lung parenchymal, breast, mediastinal, lymph nodes, vascular and skeletal applications of DECT. In conclusion, considering the new potential applications and the evidence reported in the latest papers, DECT is progressively entering the daily practice of radiologists, and by reading this simple narrative review, every radiologist will know the state of the art of DECT in thoracic diseases.

Deep learning-based virtual noncalcium imaging in multiple myeloma using dual-energy CT

BACKGROUND

Dual-energy CT with virtual noncalcium (VNCa) images allows the evaluation of focal intramedullary bone marrow involvement in patients with multiple myeloma. However, current commercial VNCa techniques suffer from excessive image noise and artifacts due to material decomposition used in synthesizing VNCa images.

OBJECTIVES

In this work, we aim to improve VNCa image quality for the assessment of focal multiple myeloma, using an Artificial intelligence based Generalizable Algorithm for mulTi-Energy CT (AGATE) method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AGATE method used a custom dual-task convolutional neural network (CNN) that concurrently carries out material classification and quantification. The material classification task provided an auxiliary regularization to the material quantification task. CNN parameters were optimized using custom loss functions that involved cross-entropy, physics-informed constraints, structural redundancy in spectral and material images, and texture information in spectral images. For training data, CT phantoms (diameters 30 to 45 cm) with tissue-mimicking inserts were scanned on a third generation dual-source CT system. Scans were performed at routine dose and half of the routine dose. Small image patches (i.e., 40 × 40 pixels) of tissue-mimicking inserts with known basis material densities were extracted for training samples. Numerically simulated insert materials with various shapes increased diversity of training samples. Generalizability of AGATE was evaluated using CT images from phantoms and patients. In phantoms, material decomposition accuracy was estimated using mean-absolute-percent-error (MAPE), using physical inserts that were not used during the training. Noise power spectrum (NPS) and modulation transfer function (MTF) were compared across phantom sizes and radiation dose levels. Five patients with multiple myeloma underwent dual-energy CT, with VNCa images generated using a commercial method and AGATE. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed the VNCa images (commercial and AGATE) side-by-side using a dual-monitor display, blinded to VNCa type, rating the image quality for focal multiple myeloma lesion visualization using a 5-level Likert comparison scale (-2 = worse visualization and diagnostic confidence, -1 = worse visualization but equivalent diagnostic confidence, 0 = equivalent visualization and diagnostic confidence, 1 = improved visualization but equivalent diagnostic confidence, 2 = improved visualization and diagnostic confidence). A post hoc assignment of comparison ratings was performed to rank AGATE images in comparison to commercial ones.

RESULTS

AGATE demonstrated consistent material quantification accuracy across phantom sizes and radiation dose levels, with MAPE ranging from 0.7% to 4.4% across all testing materials. Compared to commercial VNCa images, the AGATE-synthesized VNCa images yielded considerably lower image noise (50-77% noise reduction) without compromising noise texture or spatial resolution across different phantom sizes and two radiation doses. AGATE VNCa images had markedly reduced area under NPS curves and maintained NPS peak frequency (0.7 lp/cm to 1.0 lp/cm), with similar MTF curves (50% MTF at 3.0 lp/cm). In patients, AGATE demonstrated reduced image noise and artifacts with improved delineation of focal multiple myeloma lesions (all readers comparison scores indicating improved overall diagnostic image quality [scores 1 or 2]).

CONCLUSIONS

AGATE demonstrated reduced noise and artifacts in VNCa images and ability to improve visualization of bone marrow lesions for assessing multiple myeloma.

Dual-energy CT: Technical considerations and clinical applications

Although dual-energy CT was initially described by Hounsfield in 1973, it remains underused in clinical practice. It is therefore important to emphasize the clinical benefits and limitations of this technique. Iodine mapping makes it possible to quantify the uptake of iodine, which is very important in characterizing tumors, lung perfusion, pulmonary nodules, and the tumor response to new treatments. Dual-energy CT also makes it possible to obtain virtual single-energy images and virtual images without iodinated contrast or without calcium, as well as to separate materials such as uric acid or fat and to elaborate hepatic iron overload maps. In this article, we review some of the clinical benefits and technical limitations to improve understanding of dual-energy CT and expand its use in clinical practice.

Utility of dual energy computed tomography in the evaluation of infiltrative skeletal lesions and metastasis: a literature review

Computed tomography (CT) is routinely used to diagnose and evaluate metastatic lesions in oncology. CT alone suffers from lack of sensitivity, especially for skeletal lesions in the bone marrow and lesions that have similar attenuation profiles to surrounding bone. Magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine imaging remain the gold standard in evaluating skeletal lesions. However, compared to CT, these modalities are not as widely available or suitable for all patients. Dual energy computed tomography (DECT) exploits variations in linear attenuation coefficient of materials at different photon energy levels to reconstruct images based on material composition. DECT in musculoskeletal imaging is used in the imaging of crystal arthropathy and detecting subtle fractures, but it is not broadly utilized in evaluating infiltrative skeletal lesions. Malignant skeletal lesions have different tissue and molecular compositions compared to normal bone. DECT may exploit these physical differences to delineate infiltrative skeletal lesions from surrounding bone better than conventional monoenergetic CT. Studies so far have examined the utility of DECT in evaluating skeletal metastases, multiple myeloma lesions, pathologic fractures, and performing image-guided biopsies with promising results. These studies were mostly retrospective analyses and case reports containing small samples sizes. As DECT becomes more widely used clinically and more scientific studies evaluating the performance of DECT are published, DECT may eventually become an important modality in the work-up of infiltrative skeletal lesions. It may even challenge MRI and nuclear medicine because of relatively faster scanning times and ease of access.

Dual-Energy CT Images: Pearls and Pitfalls

Dual-energy CT (DECT) is a tremendous innovation in CT technology that allows creation of numerous imaging datasets by enabling discrete acquisitions at more than one energy level. The wide range of images generated from a single DECT acquisition provides several benefits such as improved lesion detection and characterization, superior determination of material composition, reduction in the dose of iodine, and more robust quantification. Technological advances and the proliferation of various processing methods have led to the availability of diverse vendor-based DECT approaches, each with a different acquisition and image reconstruction process. The images generated from various DECT scanners differ from those from conventional single-energy CT because of differences in their acquisition techniques, material decomposition methods, image reconstruction algorithms, and postprocessing methods. DECT images such as virtual monochromatic images, material density images, and virtual unenhanced images have different imaging appearances, texture features, and quantitative capabilities. This heterogeneity creates challenges in their routine interpretation and has certain associated pitfalls. Some artifacts such as residual iodine on virtual unenhanced images and an appearance of pseudopneumatosis in a gas-distended bowel loop on material-density iodine images are specific to DECT, while others such as pseudoenhancement seen on virtual monochromatic images are also observed at single-energy CT. Recognizing the potential pitfalls associated with DECT is necessary for appropriate and accurate interpretation of the results of this increasingly important imaging tool. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2021.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy of Bone Metastasis Detection by Water-HAP Associated to Non-Contrast CT

We examined whether water-hydroxyapatite (HAP) images improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastasis compared with non-contrast CT alone. We retrospectively evaluated dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images of 83 cancer patients (bone metastasis, 31; without bone metastasis, 52) from May 2018 to June 2019. Initially, two evaluators examined for bone metastasis on conventional CT images. In the second session, both CT and CT images plus water-HAP images on DECT. The confidence of bone metastasis was scored from 1 (benign) to 5 (malignant). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values for both modalities were calculated based on true positive and negative findings. The intra-observer area under curve (AUC) for detecting bone metastasis was compared by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Kappa coefficient calculated the inter-observer agreement. In conventional CT images, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of raters 1 and 2 for the identification of bone metastases were 0.742 and 0.710, 0.981 and 0.981, 0.958 and 0.957, and 0.864 and 0.850, respectively. In water-HAP, they were 1.00 and 1.00, 0.981 and 1.00, 0.969 and 1.00, and 1.00 and 1.00, respectively. In CT, AUCs were 0.861 and 0.845 in each observer. On water-HAP images, AUCs were 0.990 and 1.00. Kappa coefficient was 0.964 for CT and 0.976 for water-HAP images. The combination of CT and water-HAP images significantly increased diagnostic accuracy for detecting bone metastasis. Water-HAP images on DECT may enable accurate initial staging, reduced radiation exposure, and cost.