Multiplanar reconstructions of the thoracic spine in a photon counting dual-source CT scanner: comparison to EID-CT.

Background: Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is a groundbreaking technology with promising results for visualization of small bone structures.

Purpose: To analyze the delineation of the thoracic spine in multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) on PCD-CT compared to energy-integrating detector (EID)-CT.

Material And Methods: Two euthanized mice were examined using different scanners: (i) 20-slice EID-CT and (ii) dual-source PCD-CT at various CTDI values. Readers evaluated the thoracic spine and selected series with best visualization among signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-matched pairs.

Results: SNR was significantly higher in PCD-CT reconstructions (Br68) and lower in Hr98 reconstructions compared to EID-CT. Bone detail visualization was superior in PCD-CT (especially in Hr98 reconstructions) compared to EID-CT.

Conclusion: MPR on a PCD-CT had a higher SNR and better bone detail visualization even at lower radiation doses compared to EID-CT. PCD-CT with bone reconstructions showed the best delineation of small bone structures and might be considered in clinical routine.