Comparison of dual-energy computer tomography and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for evaluating lung perfusion defects in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the agreement in detecting pulmonary perfusion defects in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension using dual-energy CT and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Second, to compare both imaging modalities in monitoring lung perfusion changes in these patients after undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy.Methods20 patients were examined with CT and MRI before and/or after pulmonary endarterectomy. Estimated perfusion defect percentage from both modalities was compared in a lobe-based analysis. Spatial agreement of perfusion defect maps was also assessed.ResultsA significant correlation between CT and MRI based perfusion defect percentage was calculated in all lung lobes (r > 0.78; p ConclusionsDual-energy CT is an alternative to MRI in monitoring chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Both imaging modalities provided comparable estimations of perfusion defects and could detect similar improvement in lung perfusion after pulmonary endarterectomy.