Deep Learning-based Automated Coronary Plaque Quantification: First Demonstration With Ultra-high Resolution Photon-counting Detector CT at Different Temporal Resolutions.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of a novel deep learning (DL)-based coronary plaque quantification tool with automatic case preparation in patients undergoing ultra-high resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector CT coronary angiography (CCTA), and to assess the influence of temporal resolution on plaque quantification.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 45 patients undergoing clinically indicated UHR CCTA were included. In each scan, 2 image data sets were reconstructed: one in the dual-source mode with 66 ms temporal resolution and one simulating a single-source mode with 125 ms temporal resolution.

Contrast media and radiation dose optimization with task-based automatic keV selection: a proof-of-concept study with photon-counting detector CT.

Objectives: To evaluate whether task-based automatic keV selection of photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT with optimizing radiation and contrast media (CM) dose yields consistent image quality in CT angiography (CTA).

Materials And Methods: PCD-CTA of the aorta was performed in six healthy minipigs across two scan sessions, with virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) reconstructed. In the first session, three protocols were conducted: the reference protocol A1 simulated standard CTA (210 mg iodine/kg CM, image quality (IQ)-level 117, non-contrast task, VMI: 70 keV); protocol A2 reduced radiation while keeping CM dose constant (210 mgI/kg, IQ-level 117, vascular task, VMI: 55 keV); and protocol A3 reduced CM dose while maintaining radiation (164 mgI/kg, IQ-level 117, non-contrast task, VMI: 55 keV).

Reducing contrast media and radiation dose in CT angiography at low tube voltage: animal study with photon-counting detector CT.

Background: Reducing radiation and contrast media (CM) doses in computed tomography angiography (CTA) is especially relevant for potentially vulnerable populations. Low tube voltage photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) offers an improved iodine contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as compared to conventional CT scanners. We investigated optimized radiation and CM doses of PCD-CT angiography at low tube voltage in an animal model.

In Vivo Bone Mineral Density Assessment With Spectral Localizer Radiographs From Photon-Counting Detector CT: Prospective Comparison With DXA.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine in a prospective patient study the accuracy of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measurements with spectral localizer radiographs obtained with a clinical photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) scanner in comparison with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Methods: In this institutional review board-approved, prospective study, 41 patients (15 females, 26 males; mean age 61.3 years, age range 35-78 years) underwent PCD-CT of the abdomen with a spectral localizer radiograph (tube voltage 140 kVp, tube current 30 mA) and DXA within a median of 45 days.

Multienergy cardiovascular CT imaging: current state and future.

Multienergy cardiovascular CT imaging can be defined as data acquisition at 2 (dual-energy) or multiple X-ray energies. Multienergy cardiovascular CT imaging provides additional qualitative and quantitative information such as material maps or virtual monoenergetic images, which are supposed to further improve the quality and diagnostic yield of CT. Recently introduced photon-counting detector CT scanners further address some of the challenges and limitations of previous, conventional CT machines, hereby enhancing and extending the applications of CT for cardiovascular imaging.

Competence of radiologists in cardiac CT and MR imaging in Europe: insights from the ESCR Registry.

Rationale: To provide an overview of the current status of cardiac multimodality imaging practices in Europe and radiologist involvement using data from the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) MRCT-registry.

Materials And Methods: Numbers on cardiac CT and MRI examinations were extracted from the MRCT-registry of the ESCR, entered between January 2011 and October 2023 (n = 432,265). Data collection included the total/annual numbers of examinations, indications, complications, and reporting habits.

A Novel Reconstruction Technique to Reduce Stair-Step Artifacts in Sequential Mode Coronary CT Angiography.

Purpose: Prospective electrocardiography-triggering is one of the most commonly used cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan modes but can be susceptible to stair-step artifacts in the transition areas of an acquisition over multiple cardiac cycles. We evaluated a novel reconstruction algorithm to reduce the occurrence and severity of such artifacts in sequential coronary CT angiography.

Materials And Methods: In this institutional review board-approved, retrospective study, 50 consecutive patients (16 females; mean age, 58.