Reduction of Metallic Artifacts of the Post-treatment Intracranial Aneurysms: Effects of Single Energy Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study evaluated the quality of computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography images generated using the single-energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) algorithm during perfusion examination in patients who had undergone reconstruction with neurosurgical clipping or endovascular coiling for treatment of aneurysms.

METHODS:

A total of 55 patients with implanted intracranial clips or coils (24 men and 31 women; mean age 60.15 ± 15.86 years) underwent perfusion studies evaluated by CT and CT angiography with a 320-row CT scanner. Images were reconstructed with either the SEMAR algorithm combined with iterative reconstruction (SEMAR group), or by iterative reconstruction only (non-SEMAR group control). The SEMAR and control images were compared for artifacts (index and maximum diameter), image quality, cerebral perfusion parameters, noise (images with the worst artifacts), and contrast-to-noise ratio. The metallic artifacts were visually evaluated by two radiologists using a four-point scale in a double-blinded manner.

RESULTS:

The noise, artifact diameter, and artifact index of the SEMAR images were significantly lower than that of the control images, and the subjective image quality score and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.01, all). The cerebral perfusion parameters of the SEMAR and control images were comparable (i. e. blood flow, blood volume, and mean transit time).

CONCLUSION:

For imaging intracranial metallic implants, the SEMAR algorithm produced images with significantly fewer artifacts than the iterative reconstruction alone, with no statistical changes in perfusion parameters. Thus, SEMAR reconstruction can be instrumental in improving CT image quality and may ultimately improve the detection of postoperative complications and patient prognosis.

• Authors: Yu-Ning Pan, Ge Chen, Ai-Jing Li, Zhao-Qian Chen, Xiang Gao, Yi Huang, Bradley Mattson, Shan Li
• Journal: Clinical neuroradiology (Clin Neuroradiol) Vol. 29 Issue 2 Pg. 277-284 (Jun 2019) ISSN: 1869-1447 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 29147735 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Metals

Topics

• Algorithms
• Artifacts
• Computed Tomography Angiography (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
• Intracranial Aneurysm (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Male
• Metals
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed (methods)