Multienergy photon-counting K-edge imaging: potential for improved luminal depiction in vascular imaging

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether spectral computed tomography (CT) has the potential to improve luminal depiction by differentiating among intravascular gadolinium-based contrast agent, calcified plaque, and stent material by using the characteristic k edge of gadolinium. A preclinical spectral CT scanner with a photon-counting detector and six energy threshold levels was used to scan a phantom vessel. A partially occluded stent was simulated by using a calcified plaque isoattenuated to a surrounding gadolinium chelate solution. The reconstructed images showed an effective isolation of the gadolinium with subsequent clear depiction of the perfused vessel lumen. The calcified plaque and the stent material are suppressed.