A new era of high-resolution CT diagnostics of the lung: improved image quality, detailed morphology, and reduced radiation dose with high-resolution photon-counting CT of the lungs compared to high-resolution energy-integrated CT

Abstract

Background High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is dependent on detailed morphology in diagnostic assessment of interstitial lung diseases. Photon-counting CT (PCCT) enables improved resolution while reducing radiation. Purpose To compare if the image quality, detailed morphology, and radiation dose in HRCT of the lung improves with PCCT compared to energy-integrated CT (EICT). Material and Methods HRCT with PCCT in patients with body mass index (BMI) from normal to obese, previously examined with different EICT were included. They were evaluated in a five-step scale for image quality according to Quality Criteria for CT (Diagnostic Requirement of the ImPACT group-European standardization). In addition, ground-glass opacities, bronchiectasis, emphysema, nodules, and subpleural detailed morphology (≤1 cm from the pleural border) were evaluated by three independent thoracic and/or pediatric radiologists. Visual grading characteristics (VGC) were used for comparison of image quality and detailed morphology and Fleiss kappa for intra-observer variability. Dose-length product (DLP) and CT dose index-volume (CTDIvol) were collected to calculate effective radiation dose. Results HRCT with PCCT in 52 women and 48 men (mean age=67.2 ± 13.6 years; age range=27–87 years; BMI=26.9 kg/m2; range=18.6–45 kg/m2) previously examined with EICT (mean age=65.3 ± 13.6 years; age range=27–85 years; BMI=27 kg/m2; range=18.9–45 kg/m2) were included. There were significant differences in image quality for all entities in favor of PCCT. The radiation dose was reduced with PCCT by 47% in all, particularly pronounced in obese with 48.5%. Conclusion Image quality, detailed morphology, and radiation dose, particularly in obese patients, were significantly improved in HRCT with PCCT compared to conventional EICT. The new technique enables visualization of subpleural structures.