Application of Dua-energy Virtual Non-contrast Imaging in Evaluating Enlarged Cervical Lymph Nodes / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose To investigate the value of dual-source CT with dual-energy virtual non-contrast imaging in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node disease. Materials and Methods The dual-energy scan data of 126 lymph nodes from 50 patients confirmed pathologically were reviewed. The difference of average CT value, signal to noise ratio, contrast to noise ratio, image subjective assessment and lesion detectability between virtual non-contrast imaging and conventional non-contrast scan were analyzed. The radiation dose of virtual non-contrast imaging and real non-contrast imaging of cervical lymph node were also compared. Results ①The consistency of virtual plain scan combined with dual-energy contrast imaging in the diagnosis of six typical pathological types were all satisfactory (Kappa>0.7, P0.05).③ Compared with conventional enhanced scan, dual-energy phases reduced radiation dose by about 19%. Conclusion Dual-energy virtual non-contrast imaging combined with contrast imaging can provide clear images in the diagnosis of enlarged cervical lymph nodes and reduce radiation dose of subjects, thus can be expected to replace real scan.