Abstract:
Objective: To investigate how the weights of the deep learning–based ClearInfinity (CI) algorithm affect the quality of 55keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) in cranial spectral computed tomography angiography (CTA), and to provide a basis for clinical optimization of reconstruction parameters. Methods: A total of 38 patients who had undergone cranial spectral CTA were retrospectively enrolled. The original data were reconstructed using the CI algorithm with weights of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% to obtain five groups of 55keV VMIs. Objective evaluation was performed by measuring the vascular CT values, gray matter CT values, background noise (BN), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Double-blind subjective scoring of image noise, vascular edges, and detailed display was performed by two radiologists. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in the CT values of blood vessels (right internal carotid artery, right middle cerebral artery, and basilar artery) or gray matter among the different weights (
F=0.787, 0.525, 0.650, and 2.979, respectively; all
P>0.05). However, pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences in BN, SNR, and CNR among the weight groups (
F=736.676, 608.871, and 580.777, respectively; all
P<0.05). BN gradually decreased, whereas SNR and CNR gradually increased with increase in algorithm weight. Subjective scores of the five groups showed statistically significant differences (
\chi^2 
=77.135,
P<0.05), with the average scores from high to low being 4.95±0.22 (50% CI), 4.87±0.36 (70% CI), 4.74±0.48 (90% CI), 4.66±0.58 (30% CI), and 4.03±0.62 (10% CI). Conclusion: The CI algorithm weight influences image quality: relatively low weights compromise image quality owing to excessive noise, whereas relatively high weights cause over-smoothing and blurring of the image, resulting in the loss of fine structures. Therefore, this study recommends a 50% CI algorithm weight for reconstructing 55 keV VMIs in cranial spectral CTA.