This review is a brief overview of the current status and the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in interventional radiology (IR). The literature published in the last decades was reviewed and the technical developments in terms of radiomics, virtual reality, robotics, fusion imaging, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and Imaging Guidance Software were analyzed. The evidence shows that AI significatively improves pre-procedural planning, intra-procedural navigation, and post-procedural assessment. Radiomics extracts features from optical images of personalized treatment strategies. Virtual reality offers innovative tools especially for training and procedural simulation. Robotic systems, combined with AI, could enhance precision and reproducibility of IR procedures while reducing operator exposure to X-ray. Fusion imaging and CBCT, augmented by AI software, improve real-time guidance and procedural outcomes.
Background/Objectives: Although MRI with fat-suppression sequences is the gold standard for diagnosis of bone marrow edema (BME), Dual-Layer Spectral CT (DL-SCT) with electron density (ED) provides a viable alternative, particularly in situations where an MRI is not accessible. Using MRI as the reference standard, this study analyzed how DL-SCT with ED reconstructions may be a valid alternative in the detection of BME. Methods: This retrospective study included 28 patients with a suspected diagnosis of BME via MRI conducted between March and September 2024. Patients underwent DL-SCT using ED reconstructions obtained through IntelliSpace software v. 12.1. Images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists and one young radiologist in a blinded way, giving a grade from 0 to 3 to classify BME (0 absence; 1 mild; 2 moderate; 3 severe). To reduce the recall bias effect, the order of image evaluations was set differently for each reader. p-Values were considered significant when <0.05. Fleiss’ Kappa was used to assess inter-rater reliability: agreement was considered poor for k < 0; slight for k 0.01–0.20; fair for 0.21–0.40; moderate for 0.41–0.60; substantial for 0.61–0.80; and almost perfect for 0.81–1.00. Results: All the readers detected the presence or absence of BME using DL-SCT. Inter-rater reliability for grade 0 resulted in 1 (p-value < 0.001); for grade 1: 0.21 (p-value < 0.001); for grade 2: 0.197 (p-value < 0.001); and for grade 3: 0.515 (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: ED reconstructions allowed the identification of BME presence or absence in all analyzed cases, thus suggesting DL-SCT as a potentially effective method for its detection.
Background/Objectives: To evaluate dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in comparison with conventional CT for periprosthetic bone and surrounding soft tissues in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for eligibility, discussing any disagreements with a third author for final decisions. The articles were categorized into two main groups: those focusing on periprosthetic bone and those on blood vessels or pelvic organs. Results: A total of 37 articles were selected to be included in this systematic review. Conclusions: Our systematic review reveals significant variability in the use of DECT for periprosthetic bone and soft tissue imaging, due to differences in equipment, protocols, and clinical settings. While many studies indicate that virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI), especially when combined with metal artifact reduction (MAR), improves image quality, there is no consensus on optimal energy levels. Future research should focus on large-scale, multicenter studies with standardized protocols to compare reconstruction techniques, energy levels, and combined MAR-VMI use.