Evaluating the Image Quality of Monoenergetic Images From Dual-Energy Computed Tomography With Low-Concentration and Low-Flow-Rate Contrast Media for the Arterials Supply to the Nipple-Areola Complex in Breast Cancer Compared With Conventional Computed Tomography Angiography

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the image quality of monoenergetic images (MEIs (+)) acquired from dual-energy computed tomography with low-concentration and low-flow-rate contrast media for the arterial supply to the nipple-areola complex (NAC) in breast cancer compared with conventional computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: We enrolled 25 patients (MEI (+)(300) group, 300 mg/mL and 2.5 mL/s of contrast media) and 23 patients (CTA(370) group, 370 mg/mL and 3.5 mL/s of contrast media) for assessing NAC blood supply angiography. The image quality of the 2 groups was evaluated objectively and subjectively. RESULTS: The 40 keV MEI (+)(300) demonstrated higher attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio than CTA(370) group (P < 0.001). The subjective image quality and visualization of the arteries were comparable between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 40 keV MEI (+)(300) acquired from dual-energy computed tomography can achieve comparable image quality of arterial supply to NAC with low-concentration and low-flow-rate contrast media in breast cancer compared with CTA(370).