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Assessment of VIE image quality using helical CT angiography: in vitro phantom study
Zhonghua Sun1, John R Winder, Barry E Kelly
1Room 15J 13, School of Applied Medical Sciences and Sports Studies, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland, UK. zh.sun@ulster.ac.uk
Insights
This study quantifies how helical CT scan parameters affect stair-step artifacts and the visualization of aortic stent grafts. Optimizing these parameters can improve imaging quality for aortic stent grafting procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Helical CT angiography is crucial for evaluating aortic stent grafts.
- Stair-step artifacts can degrade image quality and hinder diagnosis.
- Virtual intravascular endoscopy aids in visualizing stent morphology and vessel anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of helical CT acquisition parameters on stair-step artifacts.
- To assess the influence of artifacts on the visualization of renal ostia and suprarenal stent morphology.
- To optimize CT system performance for aortic stent grafting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a human abdominal aorta phantom with an in situ stent graft.
- Quantified stair-step artifacts by measuring signal intensity standard deviation on surface shaded images.
- Assessed artifact influence on ostia and stent visualization by three radiologists.
Main Results:
- Helical CT acquisition parameters significantly influence stair-step artifact magnitude.
- Artifacts impact the visualization of renal ostia and suprarenal stent morphology.
- The developed methodology provides a quantitative assessment of image quality.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a method to optimize helical CT parameters for aortic stent grafting.
- Improved imaging can enhance the assessment of stent grafts and renal artery origins.
- This research contributes to better diagnostic accuracy in cardiovascular imaging.
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to quantify the effects of helical CT acquisitions parameters on the magnitude of three-dimensional stair-step artefacts, visualization of renal ostium and morphologies of suprarenal stents observed using virtual intravascular endoscopy. This was performed in a phantom of the human abdominal aorta with a stent graft in situ. Stair-step artefacts were quantified by measuring the standard deviation of signal intensity on surface shaded images and the influence of these artefacts on the visualization of arterial ostia and stent morphologies were assessed by three radiologists. The methodology may be used to optimise the CT system performance for helical CT angiography in aortic stent grafting.
