Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Improves Image Quality in Dual-Low Dose Dual-Energy CT Portal Venography Compared
Chong Meng1, Xiaohan Liu1, Zhen Wang1
1Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China (C.M., X.L., Z.W., J.L., C.W., J.Y., B.S., D.Z., Z.L., X.W., K.X., Y.M.); School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China (C.M., X.L., Z.W., J.L., C.W., J.Y., B.S., D.Z., Z.L., X.W., K.X., Y.M.); Provincial Engineering Research Center for Medical Imaging and Digital Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China (C.M., X.L., Z.W., J.L., C.W., J.Y., B.S., D.Z., Z.L., X.W., K.X., Y.M.).
Background:
Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) has gained recognition as a promising technique to improve image quality in low-dose CT imaging. However, its performance in dual-energy CT portal venography (DE-CTPV), particularly under reduced contrast medium volume and radiation dose (dual-low dose) conditions, remains underexplored.
Objective:
This study aims to compare the performance of DLIR and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) in DE-CTPV, with a focus on image quality across multiple vascular segments of the portal venous (PV) system under dual-low dose protocols.
Methods:
Patients undergoing DE-CTPV were reconstructed using DLIR medium (DLIR-M) and high strength (DLIR-H) and ASIR-V (50%). Image quality was assessed both subjectively and objectively in the main portal vein (MPV), left and right portal veins (LPV, RPV), splenic vein (SV), and superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Objective metrics, including image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were calculated. Additionally, radiation dose parameters (CTDIvol, DLP, ED) and contrast medium volume were compared with data from previous studies.
Results:
In this study, the mean CTDIvol, DLP, and ED were 9.79 ± 2.13 mGy, 326.26 ± 84.58 mGy·cm, and 4.89 ± 1.27 mSv, respectively. The mean contrast medium volume was 79.5 ± 11.4 mL. DLIR-H significantly enhanced image quality across all vascular segments, achieving substantial reductions in image noise and notable increases in CNR and SNR (P < 0.05). It also received the highest subjective ratings for overall image quality, image noise, vascular edge sharpness, and diagnostic confidence compared to ASIR-V 50%. The use of 55 keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) further enhanced iodine contrast effectiveness, while DLIR effectively reduced noise, ensuring clearer and more consistent vascular delineation across all assessed vascular segments.
Conclusion:
DLIR substantially improves image quality in DE-CTPV compared with ASIR-V 50%, even when utilizing dual-low dose protocol. By providing consistent, high-quality imaging across multiple portal venous segments, DLIR may offers a safer and more reliable approach for preoperative evaluation and postoperative monitoring in liver transplantation.
More Related Videos
07:14Dual Raster-Scanning Photoacoustic Small-Animal Imager for Vascular Visualization
Published on: July 15, 2020
09:49Dual-phase Cone-beam Computed Tomography to See, Reach, and Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Drug-eluting Beads Transarterial Chemo-embolization
Published on: December 2, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging