体质量指数结合iDose4迭代重建算法在低剂量冠状动脉CT成像中的应用

目的探讨基于受检者体质量指数（BMI）并应用前瞻性心电门控结合iDose^4迭代重建技术降低冠状动脉CT成像（CTCA）辐射剂量的可行性。方法选取120例CTCA受检者,根据不同BMI将其分为4组,A组（BMI≤21kg／m^2）、B组（21kg／m^2〈BMI≤24kg／m^2）、C组（24kg／m^2〈BMI〈28kg／m2、D组（BMI≥28kg／m^2）,每组各30例。预设A组、B组、C组、D组管电流分别为100、150、200、250mAs,应用前瞻性心电门控技术进行扫描,之后采用iDose4迭代重建算法对图像分别进行标准滤波反投影（FBP）、iDose^4-3、iDose^4-5重建。由2名放射科医师采用4分制对图像质量进行主观评估,测量图像的客观噪声。记录4组的CT剂量指数（cTDIvol）、剂量长度乘积（DLP）,并估算有效剂量（ED）。结果各组中3种重建图像的客观噪声差异有统计学意义（P〈0．001）。与FBP相比,iDose^4-3和iDose4-5的图像客观噪声分别平均降低23．11％和35．61％,且应用iDose^4-3和iDose^4-5重建算法获得的CTCA图像主观评分≥3分的比率高于FBP（P〈0．05）,但iDos4-3和iDose4-55之间的差异无统计学意义。4组受检者ED均值分别为（1．36±0．10）mSV、（1．98±0．10）mSV、（2．67±0．21）mSV和（3．33±0．24）mSV。结论应用前瞻性心电门控技术结合iDose4迭代重建技术,根据受检者BMI采用不同扫描参数,可有效减低CTCA辐射剂量。     

迭代重建算法在肥胖患者冠状动脉CT成像中的应用

目的 与滤波反投影法(FBP)相比,观察正弦图确认的迭代重建算法(SAFIRE)可否改善肥胖患者冠状动脉CTA(CTCA)图像质量及有效降低辐射剂量.方法 连续收集49例接受CTCA的肥胖患者,对其中39例使用常规序列扫描(120 kV,A组),分别选用FBP(FBP亚组)和SAFIRE(SAFIRE亚组)重建;对另10例使用低剂量扫描序列(100 kV,B组),SAFIRE重建.比较各组间主观(冠状动脉评分)和客观图像质量(图像噪声,SNR,CNR)的差异.结果 SAFIRE亚组的图像噪声、SNR、CNR比均优于FBP亚组和B组(P＜0.05),但FBP亚组的图像主观评分与B组差异无统计学意义.B组的有效辐射剂量[(4.36±0.75) mSv]明显小于A组[(8.83±1.74) mSv] (P＜0.01).结论 与FBP相比,SAFIRE可显著提高相同剂量水平的CTCA图像质量,并能在降低约50％辐射剂量的条件下保证图像质量.     

智能最佳管电压调节技术在儿童埋伏牙CT扫描中的应用

目的探讨双源CT智能最佳管电压调节(CARE kV)技术在儿童埋伏牙扫描中的应用价值。方法对90例埋伏牙患儿行CT扫描,并分为A、B、C 3组,每组30例,A组常规扫描(100kVp/150mAs),B组开启CARE Dose 4D扫描(100kVp/参考管电流150 mAs),C组CARE kV联合CARE Dose 4D扫描(参考管电压100kV/参考管电流120mAs)。比较3组的辐射剂量、图像平均CT值、噪声、SNR、CNR、主观评分及CT诊断与临床诊断的差异。结果 3组实际扫描管电流、管电压及辐射剂量差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05),与A组比较,B组有效剂量(ED)减低约15.74%,C组ED减低26.85%;图像的平均CT值、噪声、SNR、CNR及主观评分比较差异均无统计学意义(P均0.05);3组CT与临床诊断结果比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论采用双源CT智能最佳管电压调节技术行儿童埋伏牙CT扫描,可有效降低辐射剂量,在保证图像质量的同时,不影响诊断。     

迭代算法与辐射剂量对低剂量胸部CT图像质量的影响

目的应用胸部模型评价iDOSE4迭代重建算法和不同辐射剂量对低剂量胸部CT图像的噪声和对比噪声比(CNR)的影响。方法应用64排螺旋CT,采用3种管电流(30mAs、50mAs、70mAs)、2种管电压(80kV、100kV)扫描胸部模型,应用滤波反投影(FBP)和iDOSE4 L3、L6算法对原始图像进行重建;由2名放射科医师测量重建图像上ROI的CT值,计算平均噪声和CNR;应用重复测量方差分析比较不同辐射剂量和不同重建算法下图像的CT值和图像质量的差异。结果不同辐射剂量及重建算法组合下,肺野内空气和胸廓均质CT值差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。随着辐射剂量增加,同一重建算法下平均噪声逐渐降低,CNR逐渐增高;相同辐射剂量下,FBP、iDOSE4 L3、L6重建算法的平均噪声逐渐降低,CNR逐渐增高。结论改变辐射剂量和(或)重建算法不会影响CT值测量的准确性。采用iDOSE4算法能降低较低剂量图像的平均噪声,提高图像质量。     

肥胖患者80kV不同级别迭代重建技术CTPA图像质量分析

目的评估80kV条件下不同级别迭代重建技术对肥胖患者CT肺动脉造影(CTPA)图像质量的影响。方法收集临床疑似肺栓塞并行CTPA检查的肥胖患者40例,采用滤波反投影(FBP)及3个级别的迭代重建技术(iDose~1:20%IR/80%FBP;iDose~3:40%IR/60%FBP;iDose~5:60%IR/40%FBP)重建图像。测量图像的肺动脉主干、右肺上叶动脉及右肺下叶后基底段动脉CT值、噪声,计算并比较4组数据的噪声、SNR及CNR。结果 4组重建图像噪声、SNR及CNR差异均有统计学意义(P均0.001),图像噪声两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05);FBP组的SNR及CNR与iDose~3组和iDose~5组比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论与FBP比较,80kV联合不同级别IR技术可明显降低CTPA图像噪声,提高图像质量,并可进一步降低肥胖患者接受的辐射剂量。     

能谱纯化结合高级模拟迭代重建在成人胸部低剂量CT中的应用

目的探讨第3代双源CT能谱纯化结合高级模拟迭代重建(ADMIRE)技术在成人胸部低剂量CT检查中的应用价值。方法将100名成年体检者随机均分为A组和B组,采用Siemens Force双源CT扫描仪行胸部CT检查。对A组采用常规100kV扫描结合ADMIRE(强度3级)重建(获得A-ADMIRE图像),B组采用能谱纯化(Sn 100kV)扫描结合ADMIRE(强度1~5级)重建(分别获得B-ADMIRE1、B-ADMIRE2、B-ADMIRE3、B-ADMIRE4、B-ADMIRE5图像)。肺窗及纵隔窗图像ROI包括肺组织、胸主动脉、竖脊肌、背部皮下脂肪及背景空气。比较2组间辐射剂量指标的差异及2组不同ADMIRE图像间客观评价指标、主观图像质量评分的差异。结果 B组CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)及有效剂量(ED)均较A组明显下降(P均0.01)。2组不同ADMIRE图像间肺窗及纵隔窗各ROI图像噪声差异均有统计学意义(P均0.01),其中B-ADMIRE1图像噪声最高;肺组织、胸主动脉、竖脊肌信噪比(SNR)及肺组织-背部皮下脂肪、胸主动脉-竖脊肌、胸主动脉-背部皮下脂肪对比噪声比(CNR)差异均有统计学意义(P均0.01),其中AADMIRE图像SNR、CNR最高。B组中ADMIRE1~5图像噪声呈逐级递减趋势,SNR及CNR均呈逐级递增趋势(P均0.01)。2组不同ADMIRE图像间肺窗及纵隔窗图像质量评分差异均有统计学意义(P均0.01),其中AADMIRE图像质量评分最高。B组中B-ADMIRE3图像肺窗及纵隔窗图像质量评分最高,分别为(3.89±0.26)分和(3.00±0.15)分,均可满足诊断要求。结论成人胸部低剂量CT检查中,采用能谱纯化结合ADMIRE技术可在满足诊断要求的同时有效减低辐射剂量,且ADMIRE 3级强度重建图像质量最佳。     

3.0T磁共振下肢动脉3D CE-MRA对比剂用量

目的探讨使用3.0TMR仪并行采集快速扫描技术进行腹部至下肢动脉三维对比增强磁共振血管成像（3DCE-MRA）中减少对比剂用量的可行性。方法 30例怀疑下肢动脉狭窄的患者按就诊顺序平均分为A、B两组,使用3.0T磁共振扫描仪行腹部至下肢动脉3DCE-MRA,钆浓度为0.5mmol/ml,A、B两组的使用剂量分别为40ml和20ml。比较两组患者三站图像最大密度投影（MIP）图像质量及原始增强图像末端腹主部动脉、股动脉及腘动脉的信号强度（SI）、信噪比（SNR）和对比噪声比（CNR）。结果 A、B两组所有三站动脉的MIP图像质量均符合诊断要求,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,B组小腿静脉污染比A组略轻,但差异无统计学意义;A、B两组末端腹主部动脉的SI、SNR及CNR差异无统计学意义。A组股动脉及腘动脉的SI、SNR及CNR均略高于B组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论采用3.0TMR仪行腹部至下肢动脉3DCE-MRA,使用20ml钆对比剂获得的图像质量可满足临床诊断。     

迭代重建算法前瞻性心电门控大螺距肺动脉双源CT成像的图像质量

目的与滤波反投影(FBP)算法比较,探讨基于原始数据的迭代重建(SAFIRE)算法大螺距肺动脉双源CT(DSCT)成像的图像质量。方法对临床怀疑肺栓塞的69例患者行前瞻性心电门控大螺距肺动脉CT扫描,分别采用SAFIRE和FBP算法进行图像重建,比较两种重建算法的肺动脉CT图像质量、噪声、SNR和CNR。结果 SAFIRE算法图像的肺动脉CT图像质量显著优于FBP算法[图像质量评分分别为(1.28±0.36)分和(1.99±0.56)分,P<0.001];SAFIRE算法的噪声显著低于FBP算法[分别为(14.60±2.11)HU和(18.52±2.65)HU,P<0.001];SAFIRE算法的SNR和CNR显著高于FBP算法(SNR分别为26.57±4.99和20.23±3.94,P<0.001;CNR分别为23.41±4.58和17.77±3.62,P<0.001)。结论前瞻性心电门控大螺距肺动脉DSCT成像时,与FBP算法相比,SAFIRE算法的肺动脉CT图像噪声更低,图像质量更高,显示肺动脉细小分支更佳。     

迭代重建技术在新生儿急诊头颅CT检查中的应用

目的探讨迭代重建(IRIS)技术在新生儿急诊头颅CT检查中的临床应用价值。方法收集本院40例临床怀疑颅内出血并接受急诊头部CT常规剂量平扫的的足月新生儿,分别采用滤波反投影法(FBP组)及IRIS法(IRIS组)进行重建;比较两组图像的噪声、SNR及灰白质CNR,并以4分分级法对两组图像的主观噪声、颅底伪影、灰白质对比及病变显示进行主观评价。结果 IRIS组的图像噪声(1.13±0.15)明显低于FBP组(1.70±0.17,P<0.05),IRIS组的SNR(18.26±3.18)及CNR(6.97±2.42)均高于FBP组(12.58±1.86,4.41±1.52,P均<0.05)。IRIS组图像质量主观评价积分明显高于FBP组(P<0.05)。结论应用IRIS技术可明显改善急诊新生儿头颅CT检查中的图像质量。     

双源CT低剂量扫描在上腹部增强检查中的应用

目的探讨双源CT上腹部增强扫描中低剂量技术的应用。方法搜集2011年7月至2012年2月期间来我院行双源CT上腹部增强检查的连续600例患者,按就诊时间先后分别依次采用常规管电流量(210 mAs)和低管电流量(200、190、180、170及165 mAs)扫描,分别为常规管电流量组和低管电流量组。测量、计算并评估各组患者动脉期和门脉期图像的皮下脂肪标准差(SD)值、肝脏和胰腺信噪比(SNR)、肝脏-竖脊肌和胰腺-竖脊肌对比噪声比(CNR)、图像主观质量评分以及射线剂量指标CT剂量指数(CTDI)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)、有效剂量(ED)。结果各组患者动脉期和门脉期图像的皮下脂肪SD值、肝脏和胰腺SNR、图像主观质量评分和射线剂量指标CTDI、DLP、ED之间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);各组肝脏-竖脊肌和胰腺-竖脊肌CNR之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。其中165 mAs管电流量组图像SNR、射线剂量和主观质量评分均为最低,不能满足诊断需求。结论上腹部增强CT检查,通过阶段性降低管电流量使诊断医生逐渐适应低剂量图像质量,从而普及现有设备的低剂量扫描的方法是可行的。双源CT采用170 mAs的参考管电流量,既能获得满足临床诊断的合格图像,又能大大降低患者群体接受的辐射剂量。     

Dose reduction with iterative reconstruction: Optimization of CT protocols in clinical practice

ObjectivesTo create an adaptable and global approach for optimizing MDCT protocols by evaluating the influence of acquisition parameters and Iterative Reconstruction (IR) on dose reduction and image quality.Materials and methodsMDCT acquisitions were performed on quality image phantom by varying kVp, mAs, and pitch for the same collimation. The raw data were reconstructed by FBP and Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) with different reconstruction kernel and thickness. A total of 4032 combinations of parameters were obtained. Indices of quality image (image noise, NCT, CNR, SNR, NPS and MTF) were analyzed. We developed a software in order to facilitate the optimization between dose reduction and image quality. Its outcomes were verified on an adult anthropomorphic phantom.ResultsDose reduction resulted in the increase of image noise and the decrease of SNR and CNR. The use of IR improved these indices for the same dose without affecting NCT and MTF. The image validation was performed by the anthropomorphic phantom. The software proposed combinations of parameters to reduce doses while keeping indices of the image quality adequate. We observed a CTDIvol reduction between −44% and −83% as compared to the French diagnostic reference levels (DRL) for different anatomical localization.ConclusionThe software developed in this study may help radiologists in selecting adequate combinations of parameters that allows to obtain an appropriate image with dose reduction.     

Imaging quality and diagnostic reliability of low-dose computed tomography lumbar spine for evaluating patients with spinal disorders

Background contextComputed tomography (CT) scans of the lumbar spine (CTLS) have demonstrated a higher level of accuracy than plain films and have been used to assess patients with spinal disorder when magnetic resonance imaging is not available. Nevertheless, radiation exposure remains a serious safety concern. Iterative reconstruction (IR) decreases the CT radiation dose for diagnostic imaging. However, the feasibility of using IR in CTLS is unclear.PurposeTo evaluate the imaging quality and diagnostic reliability of CTLS with IR.Study designA prospective study.Patient sampleAll patients from outpatient departments who suffered from spinal disorders and were referred for CTLS.Outcome measuresIn acquired CT images, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the dural sac (DS), intervertebral disc (IVD), psoas muscle (PM), and L5 vertebral body, the contrast-to-noise ratio between the DS and IVD (D-D CNR), and the subjective imaging qualities were compared across groups. Interobserver agreement was evaluated with kappa values.MethodsPatients receiving low radiation CTLS were divided into three groups. A 150 mAs tube current with 120 kVp tube voltage was used with Group A and a 230 mAs tube current with 100 kVp tube voltage with Group B. Intended end radiation exposure was 50% less than that of the control group. Tube modulation was active for all groups. The images of the two low-radiation groups were reconstructed by IR; those of the control group by filtered back-projection (FBP).ResultsThe SNRs of the DS, IVD, PM, BM, and D-D CNR of Group A were not inferior to those of the control group. All SNRs and D-D CNRs for Group B were inferior to those of the control group. Except for that of the facet joint, all subjective imaging ratings for anatomic regions were equivalent between Groups A and B. Interobserver agreement was highest for the control group (0.72–0.88), followed by Group A (0.69–0.83) and B (0.55–0.83).ConclusionsFifty percent tube current reduction combined with IR provides equivalent diagnostic accuracy and improved patient safety when compared with conventional CTLS. Our results support its use as a screening tool. With the tube modulation technique, further adjustments in weighting IR and FBP algorithms based on body mass index become unnecessary.     

Which dose for what image? Iterative reconstruction for CT scan

PurposeTo evaluate the potential of iterative reconstruction for reducing the dose given to the patient during abdominal CT scanning.Materials and methodsA double abdominal CT scan acquisition (Somatom Definition AS+ Siemens) performed without contrast administration at –30% and at –70% of the doses (mAs) was compared to the standard acquisition in 10 patients. The raw data were reconstructed by filtered back projection (FBP) and using the SAFIRE iterative reconstruction method (five levels of iteration). The signal, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared for three regions of interest, including the kidney, psoas and abdominal fat.ResultsThe signal in each region of interest was not modified based on the type of reconstruction. The noise level decreased significantly during the passage from the FBP to SAFIRE, as well as with the increase in the SAFIRE level. The SNR and CNR therefore increased with the use of iterative reconstructions. The increase in noise observed between the acquisition at –30% and that at –70% was compensated by the use of higher SAFIRE levels.ConclusionIterative reconstructions can be used to improve the SNR and CNR at a constant dose or to reduce the dose by keeping the same SNR and CNR on abdominal CT images.