Spectral CT in the Demonstration of the Pancreatic Arteries and Their Branches: A Comparison With Conventional CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of monochromatic images of spectral computed tomographic (CT) in the visualization of the pancreatic arteries compared with polychromatic CT images. We conducted a case-control study in a group of 26 consecutive patients with monochromatic CT and contrasted the results against a control group of 26 consecutive patients with polychromatic CT. The CNR (contrast-to-noise ratio), SIR (signal intensity ratio), SNR (signal to noise ratio), and image noise were measured. A 5-score classification system was used to evaluate the branch order of pancreatic arteries. The course of pancreatic arteries was compared. Compared with polychromatic images, the CNR, SIR, and SNR obtained by monochromatic images were increased by 64.74%, 23.99%, and 39.50%. Branch visualization of PSPDA (posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery), ASPDA (anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery), and DPA (dorsal pancreatic artery) was better at monochromatic images than at polychromatic images. The display rate was significantly better in monochromatic images for the second and third segments of PSPDA, total course of ASPDA, and artery of uncinate process. Compared with polychromatic images, monochromatic images can improve the visualization of pancreatic arteries.