Creating a Foundation for the Visualization of Intracranial Cerebrospinal Fluid Using Photon-Counting Technology in Spectral Imaging for Cranial CT
Anna Klempka,
Philipp Neumayer,
Alexander Schröder,
Eduardo Ackermann,
Svetlana Hetjens,
Sven Clausen,
Christoph Groden
Affiliations
Anna Klempka
Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Philipp Neumayer
Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Alexander Schröder
Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Eduardo Ackermann
Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Svetlana Hetjens
Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Sven Clausen
Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Christoph Groden
Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Background: Recent advancements in computed tomography (CT), notably in photon-counting CT (PCCT), are revolutionizing the medical imaging field. PCCT’s spectral imaging can better visualize tissues based on their material properties. This research aims to establish a fundamental approach for the in vivo visualization of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using PCCT. Methods: PCCT was integrated to distinguish the CSF within the intracranial space with spectral imaging. In this study, we analyzed monoenergetic +67 keV reconstructions alongside virtual non-contrast and iodine phase images. This approach facilitated the assessment of the spectral characteristics of CSF in patients who did not present with intra-axial pathology or inflamation. Results: Our findings illustrate PCCT’s effectiveness in providing distinct and clear visualizations of intracranial CSF structures, building a foundation. The signal-to-noise ratio was quantified across all measurements, to check in image quality. Conclusions: PCCT serves as a robust, non-invasive platform for the detailed visualization of intracranial CSF. This technology is promising in enhancing diagnostic accuracy through different conditions.
