Effect of image quality on myocardial extracellular volume quantification using cardiac computed tomography: a...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Image quality is crucial for accurate computed tomography (CT) extracellular volume (ECV) quantification.
• Understanding the impact of acquisition parameters on ECV accuracy is essential for reliable clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how image quality and CT acquisition protocols influence the accuracy of ECV quantification.
• To determine the effects of varying radiation doses and reconstruction methods on ECV measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multi-energy CT phantom with simulated blood and myocardial tissues.
• Varied radiation dose from 100% (750 mA) to 25% (190 mA) at 120 kVp.
• Performed full- and half-scan reconstructions using model-based iterative algorithms.

Main Results:

• ECV quantification showed increased variation with decreased radiation dose.
• Central image portions exhibited lower ECV variation compared to peripheral areas along the z-axis.
• No significant difference in ECV was observed between full- and half-scan reconstructions.

Conclusions:

• Excessive radiation dose reduction may compromise the stability of ECV quantification.
• Slice location influences ECV value variation, necessitating consideration during analysis.
• Optimizing CT protocols is key for accurate and reproducible ECV measurements.