Half-dose contrast media protocol using 70 kVp abdominal dynamic CT with super-resolution deep learning reconstruction: Evaluation of image quality and contrast performance.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate contrast enhancement and image quality in 70 kVp abdominal dynamic CT using super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) with reduced iodine contrast media (CM).

METHODS

A total of 600 patients who underwent abdominal dynamic CT using SR-DLR were retrospectively investigated (estimate glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, 70 kVp, iodine 300 mgI/kg, n = 28; eGFR > 45, 70 kVp, iodine 400 mgI/kg, n = 402; and institutional routine protocol, 100 kVp, iodine 600 mgI/kg, n = 170). Patients were selected by propensity score matching, and the final analysis included 70 kVp-300 mgI/kg (n = 24), 70 kVp-400 mgI/kg (n = 48), and 100 kVp-600 mgI/kg (n = 48). Contrast enhancement, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were analyzed for the liver, pancreas, portal vein, hepatic artery, and aorta during arterial and portal phases.

RESULTS

Liver enhancement (portal phase) exceeded 60 HU in all groups and was higher in the 70 kVp-400 mgI/kg group than in the comparator. CNR and SNR showed no substantial differences in the 70 kVp-300 mgI/kg group and tended to be higher in the 70 kVp-400 mgI/kg group. Enhancement, CNR, and SNR in evaluated vessels tended to be higher in the 70 kVp-400 mgI/kg group compared with the 100 kVp-600 mgI/kg group.

CONCLUSION

Using 70 kVp abdominal dynamic CT with SR-DLR enables CM reduction while maintaining liver enhancement and overall image quality.