Spectral CT imaging in quantitative analysis of GGN: A primary feasibility study.

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical value of gemstone energy spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging for the quantitative analysis of ground-glass nodules (GGNs).

METHODS

Seventy-six cases of pulmonary GGNs (pure ground/mixed ground-glass) underwent contrast-enhanced gemstone energy spectral CT, confirmed as precancerous lesions or early lung cancer by pathological test. All the lesions were set as the region of interest, of which the CT value and iodine concentrations of lesions in 3-phase scanning were measured, respectively. The normalized iodine concentrations were also calculated. CT values of lesions were measured at each stage of 70 keV. All the quantitative data expressed by the mean ± standard deviation.

RESULTS

In 76 cases, there were significant differences in the ratio of normalized iodine concentrations between each 2 phases (arterial phase vs venous phase, venous phase vs delayed phase, arterial phase vs delayed phase), both the mixed GGN cases and the pure GGN cases (P < .05), while there were no statistically significant differences in the ratio of CT values (hounsfield unit) between each 2 phases (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Gemstone energy spectral CT can dynamically reflect the enhancement features of pulmonary GGN. Application of normalized iodine concentration facilitates dynamic and accurate physiological monitoring, supports early warning of potential deterioration, and guides rational clinical decision‑making.

Copyright © 2026 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.