Gold as a Potential Contrast Agent for Dual-Energy CT

Abstract

Purpose: The K-edge of gold (81 keV) is located within the energy range of diagnostic CT. This might be advanta geous for material differentiation in dual-energy CT (DECT). The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the differ entiation between iodine or gold and body tissues using DECT at different kV spectra. Methods and Materials: A wa ter filled tank phantom containing specimens with iodine (iopamidol), gold (sodium aurothiomalate), compact bone (compact porcine bone) and porcine muscle was scanned using a dual source CT (Definition, Siemens Healthcare). Consecutive scans were performed at 80 kVp, 100 kVp, 120 kVp and 140 kVp with constant mAs settings. The mean attenuation values of the specimens were measured, and differences in calculated dual-energy ratios (DE ratio ) between body tissues and iodine or gold were determined for different DE spectra. Results: The attenuation of gold increased compared to 80 kVp at higher kVp-settings, while the attenuation of all other specimens decreased. The calculated DE ratios at 80/100 kVp, 80/120 kVp and 80/140 kVp were 1.31, 1.62 and 1.91 for iodine, 0.89, 0.88 and 0.92 for gold, 1.20, 1.39 and 1.45 for compact bone, 1.01, 1.03 and 1.08 for muscle. The difference s between the DE ratios 80/100 kVp, 80/120 kVp and 80/140 kVp were 0.11, 0.23 and 0.46 for iodine and bone, 0.31, 0.51 and 0.53 for gold and bone, 0.29, 0.59 and 0.83 for iodine and muscle, 0.12, 0.15 and 0.16 for gold and muscle. Conclusion: DE ratio of gold remains rela tively stable along the energy spectrum of diagnostic CT and allows a reliable material differentiation between gold and bone already at contiguous low tube voltage settings (80 kV and 100 kV). Thus, gold might have a potential as a con trast agent for DECT.