Early detection of hypervascularization in hepatocellular carcinoma (≤2 cm) on hepatic arterial phase with virtual monochromatic imaging: Comparison with low-tube voltage CT

This study aims to assess the diagnostic value of virtual monochromatic image (VMI) at low keV energy for early detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatic arterial phase compared with low-tube voltage (80 kVp) CT generated from dual-energy CT (DE-CT). A total of 107 patients with 114 hypervascular HCCs (≤2 cm) underwent DE-CT, 140 kVp, blended 120 kVp, and 80 kVp images were generated, as well as 40 and 50 keV. CT numbers of HCCs and the standard deviation as image noise on psoas muscle were measured. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of HCC were compared among all techniques. Overall image quality and sensitivity for detecting HCC hypervascularity were qualitatively assessed by three readers. The mean CT numbers, CNR, and image noise were highest at 40 keV followed by 50 keV, 80 kVp, blended 120 kVp, and 140 kVp. Significant differences were found in all evaluating endpoints except for mean image noise of 50 keV and 80 kVp. Image quality of 40 keV was the lowest, but still it was considered acceptable for diagnostic purposes. The mean sensitivity for detecting lesion hypervascularity with 40 keV (92%) and 50 keV (84%) was higher than those with 80 kVp (56%). Low keV energy images were superior to 80 kVp in detecting hypervascularization of early HCC.