Assessing the stability of photon-counting CT: insights from a 2-year longitudinal study

Among the advancements in computed tomography (CT) technology, photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) stands out as a significant innovation, providing superior spectral imaging capabilities while simultaneously reducing radiation exposure. Its long-term stability is important for clinical care, especially longitudinal studies, but is currently unknown. This study sets out to comprehensively analyze the long-term stability of a first-generation clinical PCCT scanner.

Over a 2-year period, from November 2021 to November 2023, we conducted weekly identical experiments utilizing the same multi-energy CT protocol. Throughout this period, notable software and hardware modifications were meticulously recorded. Various tissue-mimicking inserts were scanned weekly to rigorously assess the stability of Hounsfield Units (HU) and image noise in Virtual Monochromatic Images (VMIs) and iodine density maps.

Spectral results consistently demonstrated the quantitative stability of PCCT. VMIs exhibited stable HU values, such as variation in relative error for VMI 70 keV measuring 0.11% and 0.30% for single-source and dual-source modes, respectively. Similarly, noise levels remained stable with slight fluctuations linked to software changes for VMI 40 and 70 keV that corresponded to changes of 8 and 1 HU, respectively. Furthermore, iodine density quantification maintained stability and showed significant improvement with software and hardware changes, especially in dual-source mode with nominal errors decreasing from 1.44 to 0.03 mg/mL.

This study provides the first long-term reproducibility assessment of quantitative PCCT imaging, highlighting its potential for the clinical arena.

Question Photon-counting CT (PCCT) provides critical spectral imaging for improved diagnostic accuracy, but its long-term quantitative stability over time is still unknown.

Findings The clinical PCCT system demonstrated stable Hounsfield Units (HU) and image noise over 2 years, ensuring reliable quantitative imaging and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical relevance This study showcased the exceptional value of PCCT in diagnostic radiology, particularly for its application in longitudinal studies.