Spectral CT monochromatic imaging combined with metal artifact removal algorithm can reduce artifacts after intracranial aneurysm embolization

CHEN Zonggui; XIAO Yao; ZHONG Zhiming; TANG Qi; CAO Xiangyu; HUANG Minjiang

doi:10.12122/j.issn.1674-4500.2025.02.16

Abstract：Objective To explore the application value of energy spectrum CT monochromatic imaging combined with metal artifact removal algorithm in reducing metal artifacts after intracranial aneurysm coil embolization.Methods The original data of 48 patients who needed spectral head and neck CT examination after intracranial aneurysm embolization were collected in Hunan University Of Medicine General Hospital from June 2023 to August 2024.The 40-140 keV monochromatic image,140 kVp mixed-energy image and 40-140 keV combined with metal artifact reduction algorithm were reconstructed from the original data respectively.In terms of objective analysis,the brain tissue regions affected by artifacts were selected as the experimental group,and brain tissue regions unaffected by artifacts were selected as the control group;CT values and standard deviations were measured,and artifact indices and signal-to-noise ratios were calculated for the regions;In terms of subjective analysis,two diagnostic doctors used the Likert 5-point scale to subjectively score the severity of metal artifacts and the clarity of surrounding tissues.Results The artifact index decreases gradually and the signal-to-noise ratio increases gradually as the single energy level increases.The artifact index of the single-energy combined metal artifact removal algorithm group was lower than that of the single-energy group under the same keV condition,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The signal-to-noise ratio of the single-energy combined metal artifact removal algorithm group was higher than that of the single-energy group under the same keV condition,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The signal-to-noise ratio of the single-energy combined metal artifact removal algorithm group reached the highest and stabilized,while the artifact index reached the lowest and stabilized at energy levels 100-140 keV.In terms of subjective evaluation,the subjective scores of the single-energy combined metal artifact removal algorithm group are higher at the same keV,and the differences are statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Spectral CT monochromatic imaging combined with metal artifact removal algorithm effectively reduces metal artifacts after intracranial aneurysm embolization,optimizes blood vessel display,and improves image quality.