Dual-energy computed tomography: Tube current settings and detection of uric acid tophi

To derive optimal scanning parameters for single-source dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the detection of urate by analyzing influence of tube current ratio (TCR) and total radiation exposure in a phantom.

Specimens with different urate concentrations in a realistic porcine bio-phantom were repeatedly imaged with sequential single-source DECT scans at 80 kVp (16.5-220 mA s) and 135 kVp (2.75-19.25 mA s). Detection index (DI - true positive minus false positive urate volume) was calculated for every possible tube current combination. Optimal tube current combinations reaching at least 85 % of the highest measured DI of all combinations without exceeding 150 % of equivalent single-energy radiation dose were identified. TCR, DLP and DI were plotted and compared.

Cubic regression analysis showed a flattening increase in the DI with increasing tube currents. Five out of the 100 tube current combinations analyzed achieved the detection target: the lowest DLP of 53.9 mGy*cm at 19.25/16.5 mAs (135/80 kVp) achieved a DI of 2.07 mL and the highest DI of 2.11 mL at a dose of 65.3 mGy*cm and 8.25/79.75 mAs. The optimal TCR is between two and four, while both, higher and lower ratios decreased DI.

A minimum tube current of the high-energy scans is needed before an acceptable overall sensitivity is achieved and before increases in low-energy exposure result in more urate detection. High TCRs above 10 are not beneficial while the optimal TCR ranges between two and four, indicating that special care has to be taken in designing a suitable DECT protocol.