A prospective study comparing the quality of coronary computed tomography angiography images from photon counting and energy integrating detector systems

Background As guidelines endorse the use of computed tomography (CT) for examining coronary artery disease (CAD), it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the novel photon counting detector CT (PCD-CT) technology with the established energy integrating detector CT (EID-CT). Purpose To compare the image quality of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and the Agatston scores (AS) derived from EID-CT and PCD-CT. Material and Methods In this prospective observational study, 28 patients underwent clinical calcium score and CCTA scans on an EID-CT and a PCD-CT scanner. CCTA images were qualitatively analyzed by five observers using visual grading characteristics. The correlation and agreement of the AS were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation and Bland–Altman plots. Results This qualitative analyses demonstrated a high fraction of “good” or “excellent” ratings for the image criteria in both CT systems. The sharpness of the distal lumen and image quality regarding motion artifacts were rated significantly higher for EID-CT ( P < 0.05). However, the sharpness of coronary calcification was rated significantly higher for PCD-CT ( P < 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation and Bland–Altman plots showed good correlation ( P = 0.95) and agreement regarding the AS between EID-CT and PCD-CT. Conclusion Both CT systems exhibited high CCTA image quality. The sharpness of calcifications was rated significantly higher for PCD-CT. A good correlation was observed between the AS derived from the two systems.