Dua-energy virtual noncontrast imaging in diagnosis of cervical metastasis lymph nodes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of dua-energy virtual noncontrast imaging (DVNCT) in the diagnosis of cervical metastasis lymph nodes.

From February 2014 to January 2015, 41 patients with 98 enlarged cervical lymph nodes were recruited in this study. All the enlarged lymph nodes were pathology confirmed. The patients received DVNCT and conventional noncontrast scan. The difference of average computed tomography (CT) value, signal to noise ratio, a contrast to noise ratio, image subjective assessment, and lesion detectability between virtual noncontrast imaging and conventional noncontrast scan were compared. The radiation dose of virtual noncontrast imaging and real noncontrast imaging of cervical lymph node were also compared. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for DVNCT was also evaluated.

No statistical difference of average CT value, signal to noise ratio, a contrast to noise ratio, image subjective assessment, and radiation dosage between virtual noncontrast imaging and conventional noncontrast scan were found. However, the radiation dosage of DVNCT was significant lower than that of conventional noncontrast scan (P < 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for malignant metastasis lymph node were 88.6% and 70.3% by DVNCT.

DVNCT combined with contrast imaging can provide clear images in the diagnosis of enlarged cervical lymph nodes and reduce radiation dosage.