Photon-counting CT for hepato-bilio-pancreatic imaging: a qualitative head-to-head comparison with third-generation dual-source CT: preliminary results.
Photon-counting CT scored higher for overall image quality than dual-source CT
Photon-counting CT for hepato-bilio-pancreatic imaging: a qualitative head-to-head comparison with third-generation dual-source CT: preliminary results.
To compare qualitative reader-based image quality and anatomical detail of hepato-bilio-pancreatic structures between photon-counting detector CT (PCCT) and third-generation dual-source energy-integrating detector CT (energy-integrating detector CT) in the same patient cohort.
This retrospective, single-center qualitative study included 25 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT with both PCCT (Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha pro) and energy-integrating detector CT (Siemens SOMATOM Force) within a 3-month interval using comparable acquisition protocols, with the exception of reconstructed section thickness (0.4-0.6 mm for PCCT vs 1.0 mm for energy-integrating detector CT).
photon-counting CT rated notably better for overall image quality
Mean score improvements with PCCT ranged from 0.89 to 1.32 points across all parameters.
Inter-reader agreement was good to excellent for PCCT (ICC 0.70-0.92) and poor to moderate for energy-integrating detector CT (ICC 0.43-0.70).
Reader experience level did not significantly influence assessments (p = 0.94).
These findings derive from a qualitative head-to-head comparison of image quality scores and were consistent across all four readers.
In this preliminary intra-patient comparison, photon-counting CT provided significantly superior image quality and anatomical detail in the hepato-bilio-pancreatic region compared to third-generation dual-source energy-integrating detector CT.
Enhanced visualization of ductal structures, distal vessels, and lymph nodes may support improved diagnostic confidence and more precise staging, although diagnostic performance was not assessed in this study.