Simultaneous dual-contrast multi-phase liver imaging using spectral photon-counting computed tomography: a proof-of-concept study

Muenzel D, Daerr H, Proksa R, Fingerle AA, Kopp FK, Douek P, Herzen J, Pfeiffer F, Rummeny EJ, Noël PB (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

European Radiology Experimental European Society of Radiology

Book Volume: 1

Article Number: 25

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1186/s41747-017-0030-5

Abstract

Background: To assess the feasibility of dual-contrast spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) for liver imaging. Methods: We present an SPCCT in-silico study for simultaneous mapping of the complementary distribution in the liver of two contrast agents (CAs) subsequently intravenously injected: a gadolinium-based contrast agent and an iodine-based contrast agent. Four types of simulated liver lesions with a characteristic arterial and portal venous pattern (haemangioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cyst, and metastasis) are presented. A material decomposition was performed to reconstruct quantitative iodine and gadolinium maps. Finally, a multi-dimensional classification algorithm for automatic lesion detection is presented. Results: Our simulations showed that with a single-scan SPCCT and an adapted contrast injection protocol, it was possible to reconstruct contrast-enhanced images of the liver with arterial distribution of the iodine-based CA and portal venous phase of the gadolinium-based CA. The characteristic patterns of contrast enhancement were visible in all liver lesions. The approach allowed for an automatic detection and classification of liver lesions using a multi-dimensional analysis. Conclusions: Dual-contrast SPCCT should be able to visualise the characteristic arterial and portal venous enhancement with a single scan, allowing for an automatic lesion detection and characterisation, with a reduced radiation exposure.

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) Koninklijke Philips N.V. NL Netherlands (NL) Hopital Louis Pradel FR France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Muenzel, D., Daerr, H., Proksa, R., Fingerle, A.A., Kopp, F.K., Douek, P.,... Noël, P.B. (2017). Simultaneous dual-contrast multi-phase liver imaging using spectral photon-counting computed tomography: a proof-of-concept study. European Radiology Experimental, 1(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s41747-017-0030-5

MLA:

Muenzel, Daniela, et al. "Simultaneous dual-contrast multi-phase liver imaging using spectral photon-counting computed tomography: a proof-of-concept study." European Radiology Experimental 1.1 (2017).

BibTeX: Download