Intra-individual Differences in Pericoronary Fat Attenuation Index Measurements Between Photon-counting and Energy-integrating Detector Computed Tomography.

Rationale And Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore intra-individual differences in pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) fat attenuation index (FAI) between photon-counting detector (PCD)- and energy-integrating detector (EID)-CT.

Material And Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled for a PCD-CT research scan within 30 days of EID-CT. Both acquisitions were reconstructed using a Qr36 kernel at 0.

Evaluating small coronary stents with dual-source photon-counting computed tomography: effect of different scan modes on image quality and performance in a phantom.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the feasibility and image quality of dual-source photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) in evaluating small-sized coronary artery stents with respect to different acquisition modes in a phantom model.

Methods: Utilizing a phantom setup mimicking the average patient's water-equivalent diameter, we examined six distinct coronary stents inflated in a silicon tube, with stent sizes ranging from 2.0 to 3.

Coronary CT angiography-based FFR with ultrahigh-resolution photon-counting detector CT: Intra-individual comparison to energy-integrating detector CT.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of CT angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) calculations on ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT series and to intra-individually compare the results with energy-integrating (EID)-CT measurements.

Method: Prospective patients with calcified plaques detected on EID-CT between April 1st, 2023 and January 31st, 2024 were recruited for a UHR CCTA on PCD-CT within 30 days. PCD-CT was performed using the same or a lower CT dose index and an equivalent volume of contrast media.

CT Myocardial Perfusion and CT-FFR versus Invasive FFR for Hemodynamic Relevance of Coronary Artery Disease.

Background CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) and dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging enhance the specificity of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) for ruling out coronary artery disease (CAD). However, evidence on comparative diagnostic value remains scarce. Purpose To compare the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA plus CT-FFR, CCTA plus CT perfusion, and sequential CCTA plus CT-FFR and CT perfusion for detecting hemodynamically relevant CAD with that of invasive angiography.

Value of virtual non-contrast images to identify uncomplicated cystic renal lesions: photon-counting detector CT vs. dual-energy integrating detector CT.

Purpose: To investigate the value of photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) derived virtual non-contrast (VNC) reconstructions to identify renal cysts in comparison with conventional dual-energy integrating detector (DE EID) CT-derived VNC reconstructions.

Material And Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with simple renal cysts (Bosniak classification-Version 2019, density ≤ 20 HU and/or enhancement ≤ 20 HU) who underwent multiphase (non-contrast, arterial, portal venous phase) PCD-CT and for whom non-contrast and portal venous phase DE EID-CT was available. Subsequently, VNC reconstructions were calculated for all contrast phases and density as well as contrast enhancement within the cysts were measured and compared.

Ultrashort VIBE-Dixon versus Cine and late gadolinium enhancement MRI sequences for cardiac thrombus detection.

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination sequences with fat suppression in Dixon technique (VIBE-Dixon) for cardiac thrombus detection.

Method: From our clinical database, we retrospectively identified consecutive patients between 2014 and 2022 who had definite diagnosis or exclusion of cardiac thrombus confirmed by an independent adjudication committee, serving as the reference standard. All patients received 2D-Cine plus 2D-Late-Gadolinium-Enhancement (Cine + LGE) and VIBE-Dixon sequences.

Ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT in evaluating coronary stent patency: a comparison to invasive coronary angiography.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT angiography (UHR PCD-CTA) for evaluating coronary stent patency compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA).

Methods: Consecutive, clinically referred patients with prior coronary stent implantation were prospectively enrolled between August 2022 and March 2023 and underwent UHR PCD-CTA (collimation, 120 × 0.2 mm).

Photon-counting computed tomography - clinical application in oncological, cardiovascular, and pediatric radiology.

Background: Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is a promising new technology with the potential to fundamentally change workflows in the daily routine and provide new quantitative imaging information to improve clinical decision-making and patient management.

Method: The contents of this review are based on an unrestricted literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar using the search terms "photon-counting CT", "photon-counting detector", "spectral CT", "computed tomography" as well as on the authors' own experience.

Results: The fundamental difference with respect to the currently established energy-integrating CT detectors is that PCD-CT allows for the counting of every single photon at the detector level.

Investigation of factors determining haemodynamic relevance of leaflet thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Aims: To determine the conditions under which early hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) becomes haemodynamically relevant.

Methods And Results: The study included 100 patients (age: 81.5 ± 5.

Enhancing Radiation Dose Efficiency in Prospective ECG-Triggered Coronary CT Angiography Using Calcium-Scoring CT.

Background: This study investigates whether the scan length adjustment of prospectively ECG-triggered coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using calcium-scoring CT (CAS-CT) images can reduce overall radiation doses.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 182 patients who underwent CAS-CT and prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA using a second-generation Dual-Source CT scanner. CCTA planning was based on CAS-CT images, for which simulated scout view planning was performed for comparison.

Accuracy of Ultrahigh-Resolution Photon-counting CT for Detecting Coronary Artery Disease in a High-Risk Population.

Background Recently introduced photon-counting CT may improve noninvasive assessment of patients with high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Purpose To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in the detection of CAD compared with the reference standard of invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Materials and Methods In this prospective study, participants with severe aortic valve stenosis and clinically indicated CT for transcatheter aortic valve replacement planning were consecutively enrolled from August 2022 to February 2023.

Interventional Management of Vascular Complications after Renal Transplantation.

Background: Kidney transplantations are increasing due to demographic changes and are the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease. Non-vascular and vascular complications may occur in the early phase after transplantation and at later stages. Overall postoperative complications after renal transplantations occur in approximately 12 % to 25 % of renal transplant patients.

High Temporal Resolution Dual-Source Photon-Counting CT for Coronary Artery Disease: Initial Multicenter Clinical Experience.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the diagnostic image quality of spectral dual-source photon-counting detector coronary computed tomography angiography (PCD-CCTA) for coronary artery disease in a multicenter study. The image quality (IQ), assessability, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), Agatston score, and radiation exposure were measured. Stenoses were quantified and compared with invasive coronary angiography, if available.

Distal Aortic Failure Following the Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Aortic Dissection.

Background: Aim of this study was to report and to identify risk factors for distal aortic failure following aortic arch replacement via the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure.

Methods: One hundred eighty-six consecutive patients underwent the FET procedure for acute and chronic aortic dissection. Our cohort was divided into patients with and without distal aortic failure.

Update for the Performance of CT Coronary Angiography - Evidence-Based Application and Technical Guidance According to Current Consensus Guidelines and Practical Advice from the Clinical Routine.

Background: Coronary CT angiography (cCTA) is a class 1 recommendation in the current guidelines by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for excluding significant coronary artery stenosis. To achieve optimal image quality at a low radiation dose, the imaging physician may choose different acquisition modes. Therefore, the consensus guidelines by the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) provide helpful guidance for this procedure.

Assessment of aortic annulus dimensions for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with high-pitch dual-source CT: Comparison of systolic high-pitch vs. multiphasic data acquisition.

Objectives: To evaluate a systolic ECG-gated high-pitch aortoiliac computed tomography (CT) angiography for planning transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods: Patients referred for TAVI underwent a combined CT imaging with retrospective, multiphasic ECG-gating of the heart and systolic ECG-gated high-pitch aortoiliac CT angiography. Consecutive patients were retrospectively included in this study group.