Figure 4: Abdominal CTA. CTDIvol: 6.3 mGy. Quantum Iterative Reconstruction Strength: 3. Cinematic VRT based on 0.2 mm | 1024² matrix. Courtesy of Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Quantum HD has a role in body imaging as well. It has been observed that “Ultra-high-resolution imaging (UHR) is especially useful in the evaluation of lymph nodes,” and further, “could prove to be useful in the categorization of pancreatic cancer.” [4]
Figure 4 demonstrates the ability of Quantum HD to visualize the fine vascular anatomy of the abdomen. This technology may be useful for indications such as insulinoma/pre-catheter exam, stenosis of the mesenteric artery (abdominal pain), and pre-and post-transplantation or surgery.
The planning for oncological interventional procedures like TACE or SIRT requires a very detailed visualization and understanding of the vasculature supplying the tissue that should be addressed with the procedure. Missing small vessels that are feeding the tumor or – equally important – those that could be affected by the embolization but are supplying vital tissue can negatively impact the outcome of the procedure. Clinical evidence of impact of UHR CT with photon-counting CT in such applications is still missing, but a positive effect should be expected.
Figure 5: Coronal MIP (5a) | 0.2 mm MPR (5b) | Br36 | 140 kV | CTDIvol: 5.52 mGy. Courtesy of Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.
In another study, an assessment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with suspected lymph node and hepatic lesion involvement was performed. Progression was confirmed but surgery was deemed unnecessary (Figure 5).