Key result
Optimal CT window width and level for assessing calcified carotid plaques correlate with intraluminal Hounsfield units (width = HU x 2.07; level = HU x 0.72), independent of stenosis degree.
Why the study?
What are the optimal CT window parameters for assessing calcified carotid plaques with multidetector CT angiography?
What are the optimal CT window parameters for assessing calcified carotid plaques with multidetector CT angiography?
Optimal CT window settings for evaluating calcified carotid plaques can be calculated based on intraluminal Hounsfield units to improve inter-observer agreement.
May aid calcified plaque assessment on CTA; leaves open whether formulas improve accuracy or outcomes.
SUMMARY: CT angiography (CTA) shows high sensitivity in detecting calcified plaques, but sometimes a bias in the exact quantification of stenosis degree occurs, mainly caused by the high linear attenuation coefficient of the calcified plaques. The purpose of this technical study was to evaluate the most appropriate CT window parameters for the assessment of calcified plaques stating which of them can provide the best inter-observer agreement. Scatter-plots and regression results showed the correlation between both width and level respectively depending on intraluminal Hounsfield units (HU) value (width = intraluminal HU x 2.07; level = intraluminal HU x 0.72). Obtained data indicated that the presence of different stenosis degrees did not modify visualization parameters.
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Saba et al. (2009) studied Calcified carotid plaques. CT window parameters was evaluated on Correlation between window width/level and intraluminal Hounsfield units (HU). Optimal CT window width and level for assessing calcified carotid plaques correlate with intraluminal Hounsfield units (width = HU x 2.07; level = HU x 0.72), independent of stenosis degree.
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