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Ippolito D, Porta M, Maino C, Riva L, Ragusi M, Giandola T, Franco PN, Cangiotti C, Gandola D, De Vito A, Talei Franzesi C, Corso R. Feasibility of Low-Dose and Low-Contrast Media Volume Approach in Computed Tomography Cardiovascular Imaging Reconstructed with Model-Based Algorithm. Tomography 2024; 10:286-298. [PMID: 38393291 PMCID: PMC10891780 DOI: 10.3390/tomography10020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the dose reduction and image quality of low-dose, low-contrast media volume in computed tomography (CT) examinations reconstructed with the model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm in comparison with the hybrid iterative (HIR) one. Methods: We prospectively enrolled a total of 401 patients referred for cardiovascular CT, evaluated with a 256-MDCT scan with a low kVp (80 kVp) reconstructed with an MBIR (study group) or a standard HIR protocol (100 kVp-control group) after injection of a fixed dose of contrast medium volume. Vessel contrast enhancement and image noise were measured by placing the region of interest (ROI) in the left ventricle, ascending aorta; left, right and circumflex coronary arteries; main, right and left pulmonary arteries; aortic arch; and abdominal aorta. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were computed. Subjective image quality obtained by consensus was assessed by using a 4-point Likert scale. Radiation dose exposure was recorded. Results: HU values of the proximal tract of all coronary arteries; main, right and left pulmonary arteries; and of the aorta were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05), while the noise was significantly lower (p < 0.05). SNR and CNR values in all anatomic districts were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05). MBIR subjective image quality was significantly higher than HIR in CCTA and CTPA protocols (p < 0.05). Radiation dose was significantly lower in the study group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The MBIR algorithm combined with low-kVp can help reduce radiation dose exposure, reduce noise, and increase objective and subjective image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ippolito
- Departement of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza OMS 1, 20100 Milano, Italy;
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Marco Porta
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Cesare Maino
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Luca Riva
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Maria Ragusi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Teresa Giandola
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Paolo Niccolò Franco
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Cecilia Cangiotti
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Davide Gandola
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Andrea De Vito
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Cammillo Talei Franzesi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Rocco Corso
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.P.); (L.R.); (M.R.); (T.G.); (P.N.F.); (C.C.); (D.G.); (A.D.V.); (C.T.F.); (R.C.)
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Miyoshi K, Tanabe M, Ihara K, Tanabe M, Higashi M, Narikiyo K, Kawano Y, Inoue A, Ito K. Dual-Source Contrast-Enhanced Multiphasic CT of the Liver Using Low Voltage (70 kVp): Feasibility of a Reduced Radiation Dose and a 50% of Contrast Dose. Tomography 2023; 9:1568-1576. [PMID: 37736978 PMCID: PMC10514808 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9050125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of both a reduced radiation dose and a 50% of contrast dose in multiphasic CT of the liver with a 70 kVp protocol compared with a standard-tube-voltage protocol derived from dual-energy (DE) CT (blended DE protocol) with a full-dose contrast-agents in the same patient group. This study included 46 patients who underwent multiphasic contrast-enhanced dynamic CT of the liver with both a 70 kVp and a blended DE protocols. For quantitative analysis, median CT values for the liver, aorta, and portal vein, as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), were measured and calculated. In addition, as a qualitative analysis, the contrast effect and overall image quality of the abdominal organs were evaluated on a five-point scale. CNR and SNR of the hepatic parenchyma were not significantly different between the 70kV protocol and the Blended DE protocol in all phases. The 70 kVp protocol showed significantly better image quality compared with the blended DE protocol in the arterial phase (p = 0.035) and the equilibrium layer phase (p = 0.016). A 70 kVp CT protocol in combination with a reduced radiation dose and half-dose iodine load is feasible for multiphasic dynamic CT of the liver by maintaining the contrast enhancement effects and image quality in comparison with the blended DE CT protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Miyoshi
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tanabe
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Ihara
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masaya Tanabe
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mayumi Higashi
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Koji Narikiyo
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kawano
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Atsuo Inoue
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Ito
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan
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Lacy SC, Benjamin MM, Osman M, Syed MA, Kinno M. Low Contrast and Low kV CTA Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review. J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 31:108-115. [PMID: 37096677 PMCID: PMC10133812 DOI: 10.4250/jcvi.2022.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimizing contrast dose and radiation exposure while maintaining image quality during computed tomography angiography (CTA) for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is desirable, but not well established. This systematic review compares image quality for low contrast and low kV CTA versus conventional CTA in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR planning. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review to identify clinical studies comparing imaging strategies for patients with aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR planning. The primary outcomes of image quality as assessed by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were reported as random effects mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS We included 6 studies reporting on 353 patients. There was no difference in cardiac SNR (mean difference, -1.42; 95% CI, -5.71 to 2.88; p = 0.52), cardiac CNR (mean difference, -3.83; 95% CI, -9.98 to 2.32; p = 0.22), aortic SNR (mean difference, -0.23; 95% CI, -7.83 to 7.37; p = 0.95), aortic CNR (mean difference, -3.95; 95% CI, -12.03 to 4.13; p = 0.34), and ileofemoral SNR (mean difference, -6.09; 95% CI, -13.80 to 1.62; p = 0.12) between the low dose and conventional protocols. There was a difference in ileofemoral CNR between the low dose and conventional protocols with a mean difference of -9.26 (95% CI, -15.06 to -3.46; p = 0.002). Overall, subjective image quality was similar between the 2 protocols. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that low contrast and low kV CTA for TAVR planning provides similar image quality to conventional CTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer C. Lacy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mina M. Benjamin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Knight & Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mushabbar A. Syed
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Menhel Kinno
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
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Ko SM. Is a Low Dose Computed Tomography Angiography Protocol Feasible in Terms of Maintaining Adequate Diagnostic Image Quality for TAVR Candidates? J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 31:116-117. [PMID: 37096678 PMCID: PMC10133808 DOI: 10.4250/jcvi.2023.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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Marano R, Pontone G, Agricola E, Alushi B, Bartorelli A, Cameli M, Carrabba N, Esposito A, Faletti R, Francone M, Galea N, Golino P, Guglielmo M, Palmisano A, Petronio S, Petullà M, Pradella S, Ribichini F, Romeo F, Russo V, Scandura S, Schicchi N, Spaccarotella C, Tomai F, Indolfi C, Centonze M. Recommendations in pre-procedural imaging assessment for TAVI intervention: SIC-SIRM position paper part 2 (CT and MR angiography, standard medical reporting, future perspectives). Radiol Med 2022. [PMID: 35129758 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-021-01434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging owns a pivotal role in the preoperative assessment of patient candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), providing a wide range of crucial information to select the patients who will benefit the most and have the procedure done safely. This document has been developed by a joined group of experts of the Italian Society of Cardiology and the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology and aims to produce an updated consensus statement about the pre-procedural imaging assessment in candidate patients for TAVI intervention. The writing committee consisted of members and experts of both societies who worked jointly to develop a more integrated approach in the field of cardiac and vascular radiology. Part 2 of the document will cover CT and MR angiography, standard medical reporting, and future perspectives.
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Chatzaraki V, Kubik-Huch RA, Thali M, Niemann T. Quantifying image quality in chest computed tomography angiography: Evaluation of different contrast-to-noise ratio measurement methods. Acta Radiol 2021; 63:1353-1362. [PMID: 34647842 DOI: 10.1177/02841851211041813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-to-noise ratio is used to objectively evaluate image quality in chest computed tomography angiography (CTA). Different authors define and measure contrast-to-noise ratio using different methods. PURPOSE To summarize and evaluate the different contrast-to-noise ratio calculation formulas in the current literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review of the recent literature for studies using contrast-to-noise ratio was performed. Contrast-to-noise ratio measurement methods reported by the different authors were recorded and reproduced in three patients who underwent chest CTA in our department for exploring variations among the different measurement methods. RESULTS The search resulted in 109 articles, of which 26 were included. The studies involved 69 different measurements and overall, three different formula patterns. In all three, aorta and pulmonary arteries comprised the objects of interest in the numerator. In the denominator, standard deviation of the attenuation of the object of interest itself or of another background were used to reflect image noise. Some authors averaged the ratio values at different levels to obtain global ratio values. Using the object of interest itself for image noise calculation in the denominator compared to the usage of another background caused the most prominent variances of contrast-to-noise ratio between the two different protocols used for the reproduction of the measurements. CONCLUSION We recommend using the standard deviation of the attenuation of a background indicator as image noise rather than the object of interest itself for more reliable and comparative values. Global contrast-to-noise ratios based on averaging the values of different measurement levels should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Chatzaraki
- Institute of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Thali
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tilo Niemann
- Institute of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
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Miyoshi K, Onoda H, Tanabe M, Nakao S, Higashi M, Iida E, Okada M, Furukawa M, Ito K. Image quality in dual-source multiphasic dynamic computed tomography of the abdomen: evaluating the effects of a low tube voltage (70 kVp) in combination with contrast dose reduction. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:3755-3762. [PMID: 32382819 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the image quality of multiphasic (arterial, portal, and equilibrium phases) dynamic computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen obtained by a low tube voltage (70kVp) in combination with a half-dose iodine load using low-concentration contrast agent in high tube output dual-source CT with a standard tube voltage (120kVp) and full-dose iodine load using the same group of adult patients. METHODS Fifty-five patients who underwent both low-tube-voltage (70kVp) abdominal CT with a half-dose iodine load and standard-tube-voltage (120kVp) CT with a full-dose iodine load were analyzed. The mean CT values and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver, aorta and portal veins were quantitatively assessed. In addition, the contrast enhancement of the abdominal organs and overall image quality were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS The mean CT values and SNR of the liver parenchyma were significantly higher in 70-kVp protocol than in 120-kVp protocol in all 3 phases (p = 0.018 ~ < 0.001). Regarding the qualitative analysis, the overall image quality in the 70-kVp protocol was significantly better than in the 120-kVp protocol in all 3 phases (p < 0.001). In addition, the contrast enhancement scores of the liver parenchyma and hepatic vein in the equilibrium phase were also significantly higher in the 70-kVp protocol than in the 120-kVp protocol (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A low tube voltage (70kVp) in combination with a half-dose iodine load using a low-concentration contrast agent and an iterative reconstruction algorithm in high tube output dual-source CT may improve the contrast enhancement and image quality in multiphasic dynamic CT of the abdomen in patients under 71 kg of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Miyoshi
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hideko Onoda
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mashiro Tanabe
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Sei Nakao
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mayumi Higashi
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Etsushi Iida
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Munemasa Okada
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Matakazu Furukawa
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Ito
- Department of Radiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan.
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