PCCT overcomes image limitations for stenosis quantification on CCTA

Photon-counting detector CT (PCCT) with virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) reconstruction shows promise for quantifying stenosis with coronary CT angiography (CCTA), according to a study published January 10 in the American Journal of Roentgenology. "When performing coronary CTA by [PCCT], the selection of VMI level influences stenosis assessment in calcified and mixed plaque, thereby potentially impacting clinical decision-making," said corresponding author Tilman Emrich, MD, from the University Medical Center, Mainz, in Germany in a statement released by the journal. Coronary CTA is commonly used to assess stable coronary artery disease (CAD), but can be limited by conventional CT, producing low positive predictive values (PPV), "due mainly to artifacts such as calcium blooming that lead to stenosis overestimation" -- which in turn can prompt patients to be referred for invasive coronary angiography, the group noted. That's why PCCT shows promise, since it offers improved spatial resolution, reduced image noise, and high temporal resolution. "In particular, [PCCT] may allow reduction of overestimation bias in coronary stenosis quantification through use of VMI reconstructions at optimal energy levels," the investigators explained. To explore PCCT's benefits for assessing stenosis, Emrich and colleagues used a phantom that consisted of two custom-made vessels mimicking 25% and 50% stenoses, imaging it with PCCT with and without simulated cardiac motion. They then compa...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Subspecialties CT Cardiovascular Radiology Source Type: news