Study of the Natural Crystalline Lens Characteristics Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography

There is a paucity of radiologic literature regarding age-related cataract, and little is known about any differences in the imaging appearance of the natural crystalline lens on computed tomography (CT) exams among different demographic groups. In this retrospective review of 198 eyes in 103 adults...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diagnostics (Basel) 2022-11, Vol.12 (11), p.2857
Main Authors: Sachs, Jeffrey R, Nahmias, Javier A, Hiatt, Kevin D, Bomar, James G, West, Thomas G, Bunch, Paul M, Benayoun, Marc D, Lack, Chris, Thompson, Atalie C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Age
Cataracts
Crystalline lens
CT imaging
Diabetes
dual-energy computed tomography
Emergency medical care
Energy
Health care
Methods
natural crystalline lens
Older people
Physiological aspects
race
Radiation
sex
Tomography
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Summary:There is a paucity of radiologic literature regarding age-related cataract, and little is known about any differences in the imaging appearance of the natural crystalline lens on computed tomography (CT) exams among different demographic groups. In this retrospective review of 198 eyes in 103 adults who underwent dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) exams of the head, regions of interest spanning 3−5 mm were placed over the center of the lens, and the x-ray attenuation of each lens was recorded in Hounsfield Units (HU) at 3 energy levels: 40 keV, 70 keV, and 190 keV. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to assess the association of clinical or demographic data with lens attenuation. The mean HU values were significantly lower for the older vs. younger group at 40 keV (GEE p-value = 0.022), but there was no significant difference at higher energy levels (p > 0.05). Mean HU values were significantly higher for females vs. males and non-whites vs. non-Hispanic whites at all 3 energy levels in bivariate and multivariable analyses (all p-value < 0.05). There was no significant association between lens attenuation and either diabetes or smoking status. The crystalline lens of females and non-whites had higher attenuation on DECT which may suggest higher density or increased concentration of materials like calcium and increased potential for cataract formation. Given the large scope of cataracts as a cause of visual impairment and the racial disparities that exist in its detection and treatment, further investigation into the role of opportunistic imaging to detect cataract formation is warranted.
ISSN:2075-4418
2075-4418
DOI:10.3390/diagnostics12112857