Dual-energy computed tomography imaging with megavoltage and kilovoltage X-ray spectra

Abstract

Purpose: Single-energy computed tomography (CT) often suffers from poor contrast, yet it remains critical for effective radiotherapy treatment. Modern therapy systems are often equipped with both megavoltage (MV) and kilovoltage (kV) x-ray sources and thus already possess the hardware needed for dual-energy (DE) CT. There exists an unexplored potential for enhanced image contrast using MV-kV DE-CT in radiotherapy contexts. Approach: A toy model comprising a single-line integral through a two-material object was designed for computing basis material signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) using estimation theory. Five dose-matched spectra (three kV, two MV) and three variables were considered: spectral combination, spectral dose allocation, and object material composition. The single-line model was extended to a simulated fan-beam CT acquisition of an anthropomorphic phantom with and without a metal implant. Basis material sinograms were computed and synthesized into virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs). MV-kV and kV-kV VMIs were compared with single-energy images. Results: The 80kV-140kV pair typically yielded the best SNRs, but for bone thicknesses greater than 8 cm, the detunedMV-80kV pair surpassed it. Peak MV-kV SNR was achieved with approximately 90% dose allocated to the MV spectrum. For the CT simulations, MV-kV VMIs yielded a higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) than single-energy CT at specific monoenergies. With the metal implant, MV-kV produced a higher maximum CNR and lower minimum root-mean-square-error than kV-kV. Conclusions: This work quantitatively analyzes MV-kV DE-CT imaging and assesses its potential advantages. This technique may yield improved contrast and accuracy relative to dose-matched single-energy CT or kV-kV DE-CT, depending on object composition.