Virtual versus true non-contrast dual-energy CT imaging for the diagnosis of aortic intramural hematoma

Purpose To assess whether virtual non-contrast (VNC) images derived from contrast dual-layer dual-energy computed tomography (DL-DECT) images could replace true non-contrast (TNC) images for aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) diagnosis in acute aortic syndrome (AAS) imaging protocols by performing quantitative as well as qualitative phantom and clinical studies. Materials and methods Patients with confirmed IMH were included retrospectively in two centers. For in vitro imaging, a custom-made phantom of IMH was placed in a semi-anthropomorphic thorax phantom (QRM GmbH) and imaged on a DL-DECT at 120 kVp under various conditions of patient size, radiation exposure, and reconstruction modes. For in vivo imaging, 21 patients (70 +/- 13 years) who underwent AAS imaging protocols at 120 kVp were included. In both studies, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between hematoma and lumen was compared using a paired t test. Diagnostic confidence (1 = non-diagnostic, 4 = exemplary) for VNC and TNC images was rated by two radiologists and compared. Effective radiation doses for each acquisition were calculated. Results In both the phantom and clinical studies, we observed that the CNRs were similar between the VNC and TNC images. Moreover, both methods allowed differentiating the hyper-attenuation within the hematoma from the blood. Finally, we obtained equivalent high diagnostic confidence with both VNC and TNC images (VNC = 3.2 + 0.7, TNC = 3.1 + 0.7; p = 0.3). Finally, by suppressing TNC acquisition and using VNC, the mean effective dose reduction would be 40%. Conclusion DL-DECT offers similar performances with VNC and TNC images for IMH diagnosis without compromise in diagnostic image quality. Key Points Dual-layer dual-energy CT enables virtual non-contrast imaging from a contrast-enhanced acquisition. Virtual non-contrast imaging with dual-layer dual-energy CT reduces the number of acquisitions and radiation exposure in acute aortic syndrome imaging protocol. Dual-layer dual-energy CT has the potential to become a suitable imaging tool for acute aortic syndrome.