Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the image quality and utility of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) of dual-layer spectrum computed tomography (DLSCT) in assessing preoperative T-stage for early rectal adenocarcinoma (ERA).
Methods
This retrospective study included 67 ERA patients (mean age 62 ± 11.1 years) who underwent DLSCT and MR examination. VMI 40–200 keV and poly energetic image (PEI) were reconstructed. The image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and tumor contrast of different energy levels were calculated and compared, respectively. Two radiologists independently assess the image quality of the VMIs and PEI using 5-point scales. The diagnostic accuracies of DLSCT and HR-MRI for ERA T-staging were evaluated and compared.
Results
The maximum noise was observed at VMI 40 keV, and noise at VMI 40–200 keV in the arterial and venous phases showed no significant difference (all p > 0.05). The highest SNR and CNR were obtained at VMI 40 keV, significantly greater than other energy levels and PEI (all p < 0.05). Tumor contrast was more evident than PEI at 40–100 keV in the arterial phase and at 40 keV in the venous phase (all p < 0.05). When compared with PEI, VMI 40 keV yielded the highest scores for overall image quality, tumor visibility, and tumor margin delineation, especially in the venous phase (p < 0.05). The overall diagnostic accuracy of DLSCT and HR-MRI for T-stage was 65.67 and 71.64% and showed no significant difference (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
VMI 40 keV improves image quality and accuracy in identifying lesions, providing better diagnostic information for ERA staging.
Critical relevance statement
Low-keV VMI from DLSCT can improve tumor staging accuracy for early rectal carcinoma, helping guide surgical intervention decisions, and has shed new light on the potential breakthroughs of assessing preoperative T-stage in RC.
Keypoints
• Compared with PEI, low-keV VIM derived from DLSCT, particularly at the 40 keV, significantly enhanced the objective and subjective image quality of ERA.
• Using VMI 40 keV helped increase lesion detectability, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy for ERA.
• Low-keV VMI from DLSCT has shed new light on the potential breakthroughs of assessing preoperative T-stage in RC.
Graphical Abstract
Funder
Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Youth Talent Project of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging