Spectral CT Demonstration of the Superior Mesenteric Artery: Comparison of Monochromatic and Polychromatic Imaging

Rationale and-Objectives: To investigate-the performance of spectral computed tomography (CT) in depiction of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Compared to-conventional polychromatic CT. Materials and Methods: This prospective-study had institutional) review board approval, and-written informed consent was Obtained. Fifty patients underwent spectral CT examination using,gemstone spectral imaging with a single-tube, fast dual-tube voltage-switching technique. Spectrum analysis was used to select the monochromatic images that provide the optimal contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for SMA angiography. The CNR for SMA at the Selected-monochromatic level was compared with that from the conventional polychromatic images. Image quality and visibility of the branch order of SMA were also assessed and compared. Results: The monochromatic images at 50 keV (mean 50.09 +/- 1.98) provided the optimal CNR for SMA angiography. At this energy level, the monochromatic images had higher (20:8 vs 9.2) CNA than the polychromatic images, and the image quality was superior to conventional polychromatic images (P < .05). Fourth to fifth (mean 4.3) and third to fourth (mean 3.5) order branches of SMA were demonstrated at monochromatic and polychromatic images, respectively. Conclusions: Gemstone spectral imaging with monochromatic images-at 60 key spectral CT could improve the CIA image quality and demonstrate-more branch order in depiction of normal SMA Compared to conventional polychromatic imaging.