Simple cystic lesions of the pancreas: image quality and diagnostic accuracy of photon-counting detector computed tomography
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate image quality and diagnostic accuracy of photon-counting detector (PCD) CT for the detection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) compared to energy-integrating detector (EID) CT with MRI serving as reference standard.
Material and methods: We included consecutive patients who underwent contrast-enhanced PCD-CT of the abdomen and for whom an additional abdominal EID-CT was available. Multiparametric MRI served as the reference standard. CT images were assessed for the presence of PCLs by three radiologists independently in a blinded reading. Image quality, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence were rated on a 5-point Likert scale (5 = excellent). The coefficient of variation (CV) and the density difference between PCLs and visually normal pancreatic parenchyma were calculated as quantitative imaging measures. Radiation dose was assessed using CTDIvol [mGy].
Results: Among 106 included patients (age 62.7 ± 12.6 years; 45 [42.5%] male), 46 had MRI-confirmed cystic lesions (mean size 8.7 ± 7.4 mm; range 2-45 mm). Diagnostic accuracy for PCLs was significantly higher for PCD-CT vs. EID-CT (area under the curve: 0.81 vs. 0.74; p = 0.002; sensitivity: 76.8% vs. 59.4%). Image quality, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence were rated superior for PCD-CT vs. EID-CT (all p < 0.001). Quantitative analyses revealed a significantly lower CV (0.19 vs. 0.24; p = 0.002) and a higher density difference (94.1 HU vs. 76.6 HU p < 0.001) between PCLs and…
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: 106 participants or records.
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