Acad Radiol. 2026 Jan 2:S1076-6332(25)01133-X. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.11.047. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) has gained recognition as a promising technique to improve image quality in low-dose CT imaging. However, its performance in dual-energy CT portal venography (DE-CTPV), particularly under reduced contrast medium volume and radiation dose (dual-low dose) conditions, remains underexplored.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the performance of DLIR and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) in DE-CTPV, with a focus on image quality across multiple vascular segments of the portal venous (PV) system under dual-low dose protocols.
METHODS: Patients undergoing DE-CTPV were reconstructed using DLIR medium (DLIR-M) and high strength (DLIR-H) and ASIR-V (50%). Image quality was assessed both subjectively and objectively in the main portal vein (MPV), left and right portal veins (LPV, RPV), splenic vein (SV), and superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Objective metrics, including image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were calculated. Additionally, radiation dose parameters (CTDIvol, DLP, ED) and contrast medium volume were compared with data from previous studies.
RESULTS: In this study, the mean CTDIvol, DLP, and ED were 9.79 ± 2.13 mGy, 326.26 ± 84.58 mGy·cm, and 4.89 ± 1.27 mSv, respectively. The mean contrast medium volume was 79.5 ± 11.4 mL. DLIR-H significantly enhanced image quality across all vascular segments, achieving substantial reductions in image noise and notable increases in CNR and SNR (P < 0.05). It also received the highest subjective ratings for overall image quality, image noise, vascular edge sharpness, and diagnostic confidence compared to ASIR-V 50%. The use of 55 keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) further enhanced iodine contrast effectiveness, while DLIR effectively reduced noise, ensuring clearer and more consistent vascular delineation across all assessed vascular segments.
CONCLUSION: DLIR substantially improves image quality in DE-CTPV compared with ASIR-V 50%, even when utilizing dual-low dose protocol. By providing consistent, high-quality imaging across multiple portal venous segments, DLIR may offers a safer and more reliable approach for preoperative evaluation and postoperative monitoring in liver transplantation.
PMID:41484021 | DOI:10.1016/j.acra.2025.11.047
