A research published in Radiology demonstrates a novel advanced kind of CT imaging known as photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) gives improved cardiovascular imaging quality at a similar radiation dosage to dual-source CT (DSCT) in newborns with suspected cardiac heart abnormalities.

Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of sickness and mortality in the neonatal period. Approximately 25% of them have major defects that require surgical treatment during the first month of life. A complete evaluation, including ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, is frequently necessary to prepare for surgery and to develop virtual and printed 3D heart reconstructions.

PCCT is a new imaging technology that precisely counts the quantity and energy of incoming x-ray photons and provides improved picture resolution and/or lower radiation doses. It has been demonstrated to enhance cardiovascular CT imaging in adults, but there is no evidence on neonates or young children.

Between January 2019 and October 2022, the study team examined current clinical CT examinations of 113 children who had contrast enhanced PCCT (30 newborns), DSCT (83 infants), or combined PCCT and DSCT (one infant) of the heart and thoracic aorta. The research group included 55 girls and 58 boys (median age 66 days).

The researchers discovered that PCCT pictures were crisper, had less image noise, and had higher contrast than DSCT images. At the same radiation dosage, PCCT had higher mean overall visual picture quality ratings than DSCT. Compared to 77% of DSCT pictures, more than 97% of PCCT images were at least diagnostic quality.

Almost one-quarter of the DSCT pictures had limited or non-diagnostic quality, whereas 40% had intermediate quality.

To summarize, PCCT imaging is a promising approach that may increase diagnostic picture quality and efficiency over DSCT imaging. This increased efficiency can be utilized to lower radiation dosage while maintaining or improving picture quality while maintaining a given radiation intensity.

(Source:https://theprint.in/science/study-finds-how-photon-counting-ct-offers-superior-imaging-in-babies-with-heart-defects/1590983/)