A study of CT monochromatic imaging for quantitative detecting hemoglobin levels

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate hemoglobin level assessment is crucial for patient management.
• Traditional biochemical assays require blood samples and time for results.
• Non-invasive imaging methods for hemoglobin quantification are highly desirable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of spectral computed tomography (CT) monoenergetic imaging in determining hemoglobin levels.
• To explore the correlation between CT values and hemoglobin concentrations in the aorta.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-five hospitalized patients underwent non-contrast chest CT using gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) mode.
• CT values of the ascending aorta were measured across a range of monoenergetic levels (40-140 keV).
• Correlations between CT values and biochemically measured hemoglobin levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A strong linear correlation was found between ascending aorta CT values and hemoglobin levels across 40-140 keV.
• The optimal correlation (r=0.633, p=0.000) occurred at a monoenergetic level of 70 keV.
• The relationship was defined by the equation: CT value = 13.015 + 0.245 × hemoglobin content.

Conclusions:

• Spectral CT monoenergetic imaging offers a viable method for the quantitative determination of hemoglobin content.
• This non-invasive approach can be applied to specific areas within the circulatory system.
• The findings support the use of spectral CT for hemoglobin assessment in clinical settings.