Calibration of Computed Tomography System and Contrast Media Volume Tailoring for Optimal Hounsfield Units: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

Anahita  Jafari; Fariba  Zarei; Hamidreza  Masjedi; Samira  Moshiri; V.  Akondy; S.  Chatterjee; Rezvan Ravanfar  Haghighi

doi:10.18502/fbt.v12i2.18277

Anahita Jafari Medical Imaging Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
Fariba Zarei Medical Imaging Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
Hamidreza Masjedi Medical Imaging Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
Samira Moshiri Medical Imaging Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran
V. Akondy Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur, Berhampur, Odisha 760010, India
S. Chatterjee Retired Scientist from Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Present Affiliation: Ongile, 79 D3, Sivaya Nagar, Reddiyur Alagapuram, Salem 636004, India
Rezvan Ravanfar Haghighi Medical Imaging Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193635899, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fbt.v12i2.18277

Keywords: Tomotherapy; Contrast Media; Radiotherapy Planning; Dosimetry; Rectal Cancer.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) on treatment planning for rectal cancer using Helical Tomotherapy (HT).

Materials and Methods: A total of patients with known rectal tumors were included, and both CECT and non-CECT images were obtained. Patients adhered to a low-fat diet and received oral and intravenous iodine-based contrast agents. Target volumes, including Gross Tumor Volume (GTV), Clinical Target Volume (CTV), and Planning Target Volume (PTV), were delineated by a radiation oncologist using DICOM images. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) techniques with Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB) methods were employed to optimize dose delivery while minimizing exposure to Organs at Risks (OARs).

Results: The analysis revealed that the use of CECT significantly increased. Hounsfield Unit (HU) values across all structures, enhancing visibility and accuracy in target volume delineation. Dosimetric evaluations indicated minimal differences in dose distributions between CECT and non-CECT plans. However, certain indices such as D_max, D_min, D_mean, Homogeneity Index (HI), and Conformity Index (CI) showed significant changes that could influence clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: The incorporation of CECT in radiation therapy planning for rectal cancer improves the delineation of critical structures, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of using contrast media in enhancing imaging quality, which is crucial for effective target volume definition and OAR contouring. Future research should explore the long-term clinical implications of these findings on patient outcomes and quality of life post-treatment.