Multiplanar reconstructions of the thoracic spine in a photon counting dual-source CT scanner: comparison to EID-CT

• Published in: Acta radiologica (1987) 2024-09, Vol.65 (9), p.1087-1093
• Main Authors: Bette, Stefanie J, Braun, Franziska M, Luitjens, Jan H, Kaufmann, David, Decker, Josua, Becker, Judith, Scheurig-Muenkler, Christian, Kroencke, Thomas J, Schwarz, Florian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Mice; Photons; Radiation Dosage; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Thoracic Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 0284-1851; 1600-0455; 1600-0455
• DOI: 10.1177/02841851241271109

Background Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is a groundbreaking technology with promising results for visualization of small bone structures. Purpose To analyze the delineation of the thoracic spine in multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) on PCD-CT compared to energy-integrating detector (EID)-CT. Material and Methods Two euthanized mice were examined using different scanners: (i) 20-slice EID-CT and (ii) dual-source PCD-CT at various CTDIVol values. Readers evaluated the thoracic spine and selected series with best visualization among signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-matched pairs. Results SNR was significantly higher in PCD-CT reconstructions (Br68) and lower in Hr98 reconstructions compared to EID-CT. Bone detail visualization was superior in PCD-CT (especially in Hr98 reconstructions) compared to EID-CT. Conclusion MPR on a PCD-CT had a higher SNR and better bone detail visualization even at lower radiation doses compared to EID-CT. PCD-CT with bone reconstructions showed the best delineation of small bone structures and might be considered in clinical routine.