Abstract：Objective: To assess the value of spectral CT imaging in differentiating malignant and benign serous cavity effusion on the basis of comprehensive analysis tools. Methods: Review 85 patients with histopathological or laboratory proven serous cavity effusion underwent spectral CT imaging from January 2012 to October 2012, including 14 cases of benign serous effusion and 71 cases of malignant serous effusion were reviewed. Using the spectral analysis software, the mean CT value of 140 kVp images and monochromatic images (40～140) keV, effective atomic number(eff-Z) and fat(water), water(iodine), water(calcium) were measured and the slope of spectral curve was measured. The differences of these spectral characteristic parameters were evaluated statistically. The curve type of benign group and malignant group were counted respectively. Results: The CT values on 140 kVp polychromatic images and 70~120 keV between benign and malignant didn’t show any statistically significant difference. There were statistically significant differences between benign and malignant at low energy keV(40~60 keV), and significant differences could be found at 130~140 keV. The eff-Z and the eff-Z distribution peaks of benign group were higher than that of malignancy(P<0.01). The fat(water), water(iodine), water(calcium) of malignant effusions were higher than that of benign effusion group(P<0.01). The slope of spectral curve of benign was higher than that of malignancy(P<0.01). The curve type of benign and malignant effusion could be different(P<0.01). Conclusion: The comprehensive analysis of the spectral CT provides a multi-parameter approach for identifying benign and malignant serous cavity effusion.
2013, Vol. 24 
