Application of dual-energy scanning technique with dual-source CT in pulmonary mass lesions / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility of DSCT dual-energy technique in pulmonary mass lesions.Methods A total of 100 patients with pulmonary masses underwent conventional plain CT scan and dual-energy enhanced CT scan.The virtual non-contrast (VNC) images were obtained at post-processing workstation.The mean CT value,enhancement value,signal to noise ratio (SNR),image quality and radiation dose of pulmonary masses were compared between the two scan techniques using F or t test and the detectability of lesions was compared using Wilcoxon test. Results There was no statistically significant difference among VNC ( A ) ( 32.89 ± 12.58 ) HU,VNC (S) ( 30.86 ± 9.60) HU and conventional plain images (35.89 ± 9.99 ) HU in mean CT value of mass ( F =2.08,P ＞ 0.05 ).There was statistically significant difference among VNC ( A ) ( 3.29 ± 1.45 ),VNC (S) ( 3.93 ± 1.49 ) and conventional plain image (4.61 ± 1.50) in SNR ( F =6.01,P ＜ 0.05 ),which of conventional plain scan was higher than that of VNC.The enhancement value of mass in conventional enhanced scan(60.74 ± 13.9)HU and distribution of iodine from VNC (A) ( 58.26 ± 31.99 ) HU was no statistically significant difference ( t =0.48,P ＞ 0.05 ),but there was a significant difference between conventional enhanced scan (56.51 ± 17.94 ) HU and distribution of iodine from VNC (S) (52.65 ± 16.78 ) HU (t =4.45,P ＜ 0.05 ).There was no statistically significant difference among conventional plain scan ( 4.69 ± 0.06 ) and VN C ( A ) ( 4.60 ± 0.09 ),VNC (S)(4.61 ±0.11 ) in image quality at mediastinal window ( F =3.014,P ＞ 0.05 ).The appearance,size,internal features of mass (such as necrosis,calcification and cavity) were showed the same in conventional plain scan,VNC (A) and VNC (S).Of 41 patients with hilar mass,18 patients were found to have lobular and segmental perfusion decrease or defect. Perfusion defect area was found in 59 patients with peripheral lung mass. The radiation dose of dual-energy enhanced scan was lower than that of conventional scan.Conclusion The virtual non-contrast,distribution of iodine and pulmonary virtual perfusion images can be obtained by DSCT dual-energy technique in one scan,which has a potential clinical value in the thorax.