engleski

Side-by-side evaluation of virtual non-contrast and post-contrast images improves detection of clinically significant urolithiasis on single- phase split bolus dual-energy CT urography

Objectives: Studies show insufficient sensitivity of virtual non-contrast (VNC) reconstructions for stone detection in dual-energy CT urography (DE- CTU). The aim of this study was to investigate if side-by-side-evaluation of both VNC and post- contrast images could increase the sensitivity of single-phase split bolus DE-CTU. Methods: Consecutive patients with haematuria who underwent split bolus DE-CTU on the same dual- source DE-CT scanner were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Intravenous furosemide and oral hydration were employed. Two readers, independently and then jointly in two separate sessions, recorded the location and the longest axial stone diameter on three randomised sets of images: separate VNC and post-contrast images, and side-by-side-reconstructions. True non-contrast (TNC) images served as the standard of reference. Results: A total of 83 urinary stones were detected on TNC images. Independent reader side- by-side-evaluation of VNC and post-contrast images yielded higher stone detection sensitivity (76 and 84%, respectively) compared to evaluation of only VNC (71 and 81%, respectively) or post-contrast images (64 and 80%, respectively). The sensitivity of joint reader evaluation of side-by-side-images reached almost 86% and was not significantly different from TNC images (p = 0.77). All stones larger than 3 mm were correctly detected by side- by-side-evaluation. Dose reduction of 55% could be achieved by omitting TNC scans. Conclusion: Side-by-side-VNC and post-contrast image evaluation enable detection of clinically significant urolithiasis on single-phase split bolus DE-CTU with significant dose reduction

Contrast Media ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods ; Urography / methods ; Urolithiasis / diagnostic imaging

nije evidentirano