CT texture features and lung shunt fraction measured using 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin SPECT/CT before trans-arterial radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine whether contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT)-based texture parameters can predict high (> 30 Gy) expected lung dose (ELD) calculated using 99mTc macroaggregated albumin single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for pre-trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) dosimetry. 35 patients were analyzed, with a treatable planned dose of ≥ 200 Gy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lung shunt fraction (LSF) was obtained from planar and SPECT/CT scans. Texture features of the tumor lesion on CECT before TARE were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine potential ELD > 30 Gy predictors. Among the 35 patients, nine (25.7%) had ELD > 30 Gy, and had a higher LSF than the ELD ≤ 30 Gy group using the planar (20.7 ± 8.0% vs. 6.3 ± 3.3%; P 30 Gy. Applying CECT texture analysis may assist in reducing time and cost in patient selection and modifying TARE treatment plans.