The effect of the virtual monochromatic spectral imaging for the metallic artifact and the pulmonary nodule detection

This study aimed to evaluate whether dual-energy computed tomography can reduce metal artifacts and improve detection of pulmonary nodules. Twelve simulated nodules were randomly placed inside a chest phantom with a pacemaker. Then, dual-energy computed tomography was performed, and 5 virtual monoch...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of computer assisted tomography Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 707 - 711
Main Authors:	Gyobu, Tomoko, Honda, Osamu, Kawata, Yutaka, Kikuyama, Ayano, Miki, Hiromu, Yanagawa, Masahiro, Sumikawa, Hiromitsu, Koyama, Mitsuhiro, Tomiyama, Noriyuki
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-09-2013
Subjects:	Metals Phantoms, Imaging Prostheses and Implants Radiographic Image Enhancement - methods Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection - instrumentation Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection - methods Radiography, Thoracic - instrumentation Radiography, Thoracic - methods Reproducibility of Results Sensitivity and Specificity Tomography, X-Ray Computed - instrumentation Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
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Summary:	This study aimed to evaluate whether dual-energy computed tomography can reduce metal artifacts and improve detection of pulmonary nodules. Twelve simulated nodules were randomly placed inside a chest phantom with a pacemaker. Then, dual-energy computed tomography was performed, and 5 virtual monochromatic images at 40, 50, 65, 100, and 140 keV were reconstructed with 5- and 0.625-mm slice thicknesses. Two independent observers assessed the metal artifact (3-point scale from 1, none, to 3, severe) and detection of the nodule (5-point scale from 1, definitely absent, to 5, definitely present). Statistical analysis was performed with a P value of less than 0.01 (0.05/5). With both slice thicknesses, the metallic artifact increased at 40 or 50 keV and decreased at 100 or 140 keV relative to that at 65 keV (P < 0.01). The nodule detection score was not significantly different between each kiloelectron volt level with the 0.625-mm slice thickness; however, the score was significantly worse at 40 keV compared to 65 keV (P < 0.01) with the 5-mm slice thickness. High monochromatic energy images can reduce metal artifacts without a change in nodule detection score. Low monochromatic energy images increase metal artifacts and worsen nodule detection in thick slices.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 ObjectType-Article-2 ObjectType-Feature-1
ISSN:	0363-8715 1532-3145
DOI:	10.1097/RCT.0b013e31829e0164