Image Quality of Virtual Monochromatic Reconstructions of Noncontrast CT on a Dual-Source CT Scanner in Adult Patients

Rationale and ObjectivesTo evaluate the image quality of virtual monochromatic images (VMI) reconstructed from dual-energy dual-source noncontrast head CT with different reconstruction kernels.Materials MethodsTwenty-five consecutive adult patients underwent CT. VMI were retrospectively at 5-keV increments 40 to 140 keV using quantitative kernels. CT-number, noise levels (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise (CNR) in gray white matter artifacts posterior fossa artifact index (PFAI) evaluated.ResultsCT-number increased decreasing energy levels, SD was lowest 85 keV. SNR maximized 80 for kernels, respectively. CNR maximum keV; PFAI 90 (head kernel) 100 (quantitative Optimal significantly better than conventional CT.ConclusionOptimal energies can improve brain parenchymal compared but are kernel dependent depend on indication performing To Twenty-five evaluated. CT-number