Image quality in CT thorax: effect of altering reconstruction algorithm and tube load.

Non-linear properties of iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms can alter image texture. We evaluated the effect of a model-based IR algorithm (advanced modelled iterative reconstruction; ADMIRE) and dose on computed tomography thorax image quality. Dual-source scanner data were acquired at 20, 45 and 65 reference mAs in 20 patients. Images reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and ADMIRE Strengths 3-5 were assessed independently by six radiologists and analysed using an ordinal logistic regression model. For all image criteria studied, the effects of tube load 20 mAs and all ADMIRE strengths were significant (p < 0.001) when compared to reference categories 65 mAs and FBP. Increase in tube load from 45 to 65 mAs showed image quality improvement in three of six criteria. Replacing FBP with ADMIRE significantly improves perceived image quality for all criteria studied, potentially permitting a dose reduction of almost 70% without loss in image quality.

Learning effects in visual grading assessment of model-based reconstruction algorithms in abdominal Computed Tomography.

Objectives: Images reconstructed with higher strengths of iterative reconstruction algorithms may impair radiologists' subjective perception and diagnostic performance due to changes in the amplitude of different spatial frequencies of noise. The aim of the present study was to ascertain if radiologists can learn to adapt to the unusual appearance of images produced by higher strengths of Advanced modeled iterative reconstruction algorithm (ADMIRE). Methods: Two previously published studies evaluated the performance of ADMIRE in non-contrast and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. Images from 25 (first material) and 50 (second material) patients, were reconstructed with ADMIRE strengths 3, 5 (AD3, AD5) and filtered back projection (FBP). Radiologists assessed the images using image criteria from the European guidelines for quality criteria in CT. To ascertain if there was a learning effect, new analyses of data from the two studies was performed by introducing a time variable in the mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression model. Results: In both materials, a significant negative attitude to ADMIRE 5 at the beginning of the viewing was strengthened during the progress of the reviews for both liver parenchyma (first material: -0.70, p < 0.01, second material: -0.96, p < 0.001) and overall image quality (first material:-0.59, p < 0.05, second material::-1.26, p < 0.001). For ADMIRE 3, an early positive attitude for the algorithm was noted, with no significant change over time for all criteria except one (overall image quality), where a significant negative trend over time (-1.08, p < 0.001) was seen in the second material. Conclusions: With progression of reviews in both materials, an increasing dislike for ADMIRE 5 images was apparent for two image criteria. In this time perspective (weeks or months), no learning effect towards accepting the algorithm could be demonstrated.

Assessment of image quality in abdominal computed tomography: Effect of model-based iterative reconstruction, multi-planar reconstruction and slice thickness on potential dose reduction.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of tube load, model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) strength and slice thickness in abdominal CT using visual comparison of multi-planar reconstruction images. METHOD: Five image criteria were assessed independently by four radiologists on two data sets at 42- and 98-mAs tube loads for 25 patients examined on a 192-slice dual-source CT scanner. Effect of tube load, MBIR strength, slice thickness and potential dose reduction was estimated with Visual Grading Regression (VGR). Objective image quality was determined by measuring noise (SD), contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratio and noise-power spectra (NPS). RESULTS: Comparing 42- and 98-mAs tube loads, improved image quality was observed as a strong effect of log tube load regardless of MBIR strength (p < 0.001). Comparing strength 5 to 3, better image quality was obtained for two criteria (p < 0.01), but inferior for liver parenchyma and overall image quality. Image quality was significantly better for slice thicknesses of 2mm and 3mm compared to 1mm, with potential dose reductions between 24%-41%. As expected, with decrease in slice thickness and algorithm strength, the noise power and SD (HU-values) increased, while the CNR decreased. CONCLUSION: Increasing slice thickness from 1 mm to 2 mm or 3 mm allows for a possible dose reduction. MBIR strength 5 shows improved image quality for three out of five criteria for 1 mm slice thickness. Increasing MBIR strength from 3 to 5 has diverse effects on image quality. Our findings do not support a general recommendation to replace strength 3 by strength 5 in clinical abdominal CT protocols. However, strength 5 may be used in task-based protocols.

Image quality and pathology assessment in CT Urography: when is the low-dose series sufficient?

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to compare CT images from native, nephrographic and excretory phases using image quality criteria as well as the detection of positive pathological findings in CT Urography, to explore if the radiation burden to the younger group of patients or patients with negative outcomes can be reduced. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 40 patients who underwent a CT Urography examination on a 192-slice dual source scanner. Image quality was assessed for four specific renal image criteria from the European guidelines, together with pathological assessment in three categories: renal, other abdominal, and incidental findings without clinical significance. Each phase was assessed individually by three radiologists with varying experience using a graded scale. Certainty scores were derived based on the graded assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using visual grading regression (VGR). The limit for significance was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: For visual reproduction of the renal parenchyma and renal arteries, the image quality was judged better for the nephrogram phase (p < 0.001), whereas renal pelvis/calyces and proximal ureters were better reproduced in the excretory phase compared to the native phase (p < 0.001). Similarly, significantly higher certainty scores were obtained in the nephrogram phase for renal parenchyma and renal arteries, but in the excretory phase for renal pelvis/calyxes and proximal ureters. Assessment of pathology in the three categories showed no statistically significant differences between the three phases. Certainty scores for assessment of pathology, however, showed a significantly higher certainty for renal pathology when comparing the native phase to nephrogram and excretory phase and a significantly higher score for nephrographic phase but only for incidental findings. CONCLUSION: Visualisation of renal anatomy was as expected with each post-contrast phase showing favourable scores compared to the native phase. No statistically significant differences in the assessment of pathology were found between the three phases. The low-dose CT (LDCT) seems to be sufficient in differentiating between normal and pathological examinations. To reduce the radiation burden in certain patient groups, the LDCT could be considered a suitable alternative as a first line imaging method. However, radiologists should be aware of its limitations.

Assessment of image quality in abdominal CT: potential dose reduction with model-based iterative reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To estimate potential dose reduction in abdominal CT by visually comparing images reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and strengths of 3 and 5 of a specific MBIR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A dual-source scanner was used to obtain three data sets each for 50 recruited patients with 30, 70 and 100% tube loads (mean CTDIvol 1.9, 3.4 and 6.2 mGy). Six image criteria were assessed independently by five radiologists. Potential dose reduction was estimated with Visual Grading Regression (VGR). RESULTS: Comparing 30 and 70% tube load, improved image quality was observed as a significant strong effect of log tube load and reconstruction method with potential dose reduction relative to FBP of 22-47% for MBIR strength 3 (p < 0.001). For MBIR strength 5 no dose reduction was possible for image criteria 1 (liver parenchyma), but dose reduction between 34 and 74% was achieved for other criteria. Interobserver reliability showed agreement of 71-76% (κw 0.201-0.286) and intra-observer reliability of 82-96% (κw 0.525-0.783). CONCLUSION: MBIR showed improved image quality compared to FBP with positive correlation between MBIR strength and increasing potential dose reduction for all but one image criterion. KEY POINTS: • MBIR's main advantage is its de-noising properties, which facilitates dose reduction. • MBIR allows for potential dose reduction in relation to FBP. • Visual Grading Regression (VGR) produces direct numerical estimates of potential dose reduction. • MBIR strengths 3 and 5 dose reductions were 22-34 and 34-74%. • MBIR strength 5 demonstrates inferior performance for liver parenchyma.

IMPLICATIONS OF PATIENT CENTRING ON ORGAN DOSE IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY.

Automatic exposure control (AEC) in computed tomography (CT) facilitates optimisation of dose absorbed by the patient. The use of AEC requires appropriate 'patient centring' within the gantry, since positioning the patient off-centre may affect both image quality and absorbed dose. The aim of this experimental study was to measure the variation in organ and abdominal surface dose during CT examinations of the head, neck/thorax and abdomen. The dose was compared at the isocenter with two off-centre positions-ventral and dorsal to the isocenter. Measurements were made with an anthropomorphic adult phantom and thermoluminescent dosemeters. Organs and surfaces for ventral regions received lesser dose (5.6-39.0 %) than the isocenter when the phantom was positioned +3 cm off-centre. Similarly, organ and surface doses for dorsal regions were reduced by 5.0-21.0 % at -5 cm off-centre. Therefore, correct vertical positioning of the patient at the gantry isocenter is important to maintain optimal imaging conditions.

Patient dose and image quality in low-dose abdominal CT: a comparison between iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection.

BACKGROUND: In computed tomography (CT), there is increasing concern for potential CT radiation hazards. Several raw-data-based iterative reconstruction techniques attempt to facilitate low-dose imaging without compromising image quality, which raises the question whether these techniques may allow further dose reduction. PURPOSE: To compare image quality of iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection in low-dose abdominal CT and study the potential for further dose reduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five patients underwent CT of the abdomen twice: with standard low-dose technique and with 30% reduced dose, using both iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection. Four radiologists made pair-wise image quality assessment using five visual criteria. Visual grading regression (VGR) and weighted kappa (κ w) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were significant effects of log(mAs) (P <0.001) and reconstruction algorithm (P <0.01) on all image quality criteria with an estimated potential dose reduction of 5-9%. Inter-observer agreement ranged from 70% to 91% and κ w from -0.01 to 0.57. CONCLUSION: An iterative reconstruction algorithm improved image quality in abdominal CT, but the estimated dose reduction was rather small. The full potential of the algorithm remains unclear.