[Optimal Parameters for Virtual Mono-Energetic Imaging of Liver Solid Lesions]

Objective To explore the optimal parameters for virtual mono-energetic imaging of liver solid lesions. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 60 patients undergoing contrast-enhanced spectral CT of the abdomen.The iodine concentration values of hepatic arterial phase images and the CT values of different mono-energetic images were measured.The correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation were calculated. Results The average correlation coefficients between iodine concentrations and CT values of hepatic solid lesion images at 40,45,50,55,60,65,and 70 keV were 0.996,0.995,0.993,0.989,0.978,0.970,and 0.961,respectively.The correlation coefficients at 40(P=0.007),45(P=0.022),50 keV (P=0.035)were higher than that at 55 keV,and the correlation coefficients at 40 keV(P=0.134) and 45 keV(P=0.368) had no significant differences from that at 50 keV.The coefficients of variation of the CT values at 40,45,and 50 keV were 0.146,0.154,and 0.163,respectively. Conclusion The energy of 40 keV is optimal for virtual mono-energetic imaging of liver solid lesions in the late arterial phase,which is helpful for the diagnosis of liver diseases.