Ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT for visualization of the brachial plexus
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the use of photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) to improve brachial plexus depiction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study included patients who underwent neck CT from March to December 2023. To assess the optimal reconstruction condition in PCD-CT, the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) on images using various quantitative regular (Qr) kernels and strengths of quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) were evaluated. Next, images obtained by ultra-high-resolution mode in PCD-CT (PCD-UHR), standard mode in PCD-CT (PCD-STD), and standard mode in energy-integrating detector CT (EID-STD) of 20 patients each were compared regarding brachial plexus depiction. A qualitative evaluation was performed using a 5-point Likert scale regarding sharpness, noise, and overall image quality. The standard deviations (SDs), SNRs, and contrast-to noise ratios (CNRs) were quantitatively evaluated.
RESULTS
Overall, 60 patients (mean age, 63 years ± 18; 30 males) were included. The SNRs for the Qr40 and QIR4 (means ± SDs) were 3.6 ± 1.1 and 4.1 ± 1.2, respectively, significantly higher than others (P < 0.05). The scores for overall image quality were 4 [4-5], 3 [3-4], and 2 [2-3], and those for sharpness were 4 [3-5], 3 [3-3], and 2 [1-3] for PCD-UHR, PCD-STD, and EID-STD, respectively (all, P < 0.05). Those for noise were 3 [3-4], 4 [3-4], and 2 [2-2], the SDs were 6.6 ± 1.6, 5.4 ± 0.8, and 8.8 ± 1.7, SNRs were 5.0 ± 1.4, 6,1 ± 1.2, and 3.5 ± 1.6, and CNRs were 5.6 ±…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 60 participants or records.
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