Hyun Sun Cho MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Seong Ho Park MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Seung Soo Lee MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bernhard Krauss PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany

Hye Jin Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

So Yeon Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Min Yeong Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

It is controversial if dual-energy scan provides additional advantage in the CT detection of hepatic steatosis. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between hepatic attenuation at dual-energy CT by using 80 kVp and 140 kVp and the histologic degree of hepatic steatosis and also to determine the relationship between hepatic attenuation at 80 kVp and that at 140 kVp.

One hundred and eighty consecutive potential living liver donors (115 men and 65 women; mean age±SD, 32 years±9.6) underwent simultaneous unenhanced CT scans of the liver by using 80 kVp and 140 kVp and subsequent liver biopsy on the same day. Hepatic attenuations at 80 kVp and 140 kVp and their difference ΔH (80 kVp – 140 kVp) were obtained. Histologic degree of hepatic steatosis (%) and the degree of hepatic iron deposit (five-point grading) were determined. Multiple linear regression analysis between the degree of hepatic steatosis and hepatic iron deposit and ΔH was performed. For those subjects without hepatic iron deposit, the linear correlation between the degree of hepatic steatosis and ΔH was analyzed. The linear correlation between hepatic attenuation at 80 kVp and that at 140 kVp was also analyzed in the subgroup of subjects.

Degree of hepatic iron deposit was significantly correlated with ΔH (P=.005), whereas degree of hepatic steatosis was not (P=.170). In the subset of 160 subjects without hepatic iron deposit, degree of hepatic steatosis also did not reveal a significant correlation with ΔH (P=.138). In those 160 subjects, hepatic attenuation at 80 kVp and that at 140 kVp showed a strong linear relationship (r=0.926, P<.0005).

Degree of hepatic steatosis does not influence ΔH at dual-energy CT. Therefore, dual-energy scan does not provide additional advantage in the CT detection of hepatic steatosis but, on the contrary, can be utilized for the analysis of other relevant chemical elements in the liver without confounding influence by hepatic steatosis. Strong linear relationship between the hepatic attenuation at 80 kVp and that at 140 kVp proves the validity of material decomposition by using dual-energy CT scan for the liver.

Noninvasive analysis of hepatic chemical elements, if appropriate, such as iron or iodine can be performed with dual energy CT scan without confounding influence by the presence of hepatic steatosis.

Cho, H, Park, S, Lee, S, Krauss, B, Kim, H, Kim, S, Kim, M, et al, , Hepatic Attenuation at Dual-energy CT with Special Reference to Hepatic Steatosis: A Prospective Study with Same-day Biopsy as a Reference Standard.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6014181.html