Analysis of Spectral Hounsfield Units Curve of Radiolucent and Radiopaque Materials in the Animal Rectum

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the general characteristics of images produced by radiolucent and radiopaque materials used for computed tomography scanning of the animal rectum and suggest ideal materials for contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal tissues. The computed tomography system used in this study was 64-multidetector computed tomography. Computed tomography scanning was performed with standard scan parameters for abdominal examination and gemstone spectral image mode using saline, methyl-cellulose, contrast medium, ultrasound gel, and air in addition to radiolucency. Computed tomography values were obtained for each material at different energy levels. Changes in computed tomography values were compared and analyzed. Changes in computed tomography values and volume of each material were examined before and after rectal contrast material administration. Ultrasound gel was found to exhibit a computed tomography value close to the baseline value and a greater degree of contrast, compared with other materials. In image evaluation, methyl-cellulose is considered a useful material in providing contrasting image evidence of rectal diseases. Also, it had a larger volume in the rectum after a computed tomography scan. Thus, methyl-cellulose was a useful contrast medium for computed tomography scan imaging of the rectum.