The feasibility of sub-millisievert coronary CT angiography with low tube voltage,prospective ECG gating,and a knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction algorithm

We evaluated the feasibility of sub-millisievert (mSv) coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using low tube voltage, prospective ECG gating, and a knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction algorithm. Twenty-four non-obese healthy subjects (M:F 13:11; mean age 50.2 ± 7.8 years) were enrolled. Three sets of CT images were reconstructed using three different reconstruction methods: filtered back projection (FBP), iterative reconstruction (IR), and knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR). The scanning parameters were as follows: step-and-shoot axial scanning, 80 kVp, and 200 mAs. On the three sets of CT images, the attenuation and image noise values were measured at the aortic root. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated at the proximal right coronary artery and the left main coronary artery. The qualitative image quality of the CCTA with IMR was assessed using a 4-point grading scale (grade 1, poor; grade 4, excellent). The mean radiation dose of the CCTA was 0.89 ± 0.09 mSv. The attenuation values with IMR were not different from those of other reconstruction methods. The image noise with IMR was significantly lower than with IR and FBP. Compared to FBP, the noise reduction rate of IMR was 69 %. The SNR and CNR of CCTA with IMR were significantly higher than with FBP or IR. On the qualitative analysis with IMR, all included segments were diagnostic (grades 2, 3, and 4), and the mean image quality score was 3.6 ± 0.6. In conclusion, CCTA with low tube voltage, prospective ECG gating, and an IMR algorithm might be a feasible method that allows for sub-millisievert radiation doses and good image quality when used with non-obese subjects.     

超低剂量下不同迭代重建技术在肺动脉成像中的优化

目的 探讨不同迭代重建技术在超低剂量肺动脉成像中的应用价值。方法 对30例临床疑似肺动脉栓塞患者行CT肺动脉成像,扫描采用80 kV管电压并开启自动管电流调制技术,分别采用滤波反投影法(FBP)、iDOSE⁴、迭代模型重建(IMR)重建图像。采用5分制评价肺动脉主干及其分支的图像质量,测量计算图像噪声值、SNR、CNR,记录CT容积剂量指数(CTDIvol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)、计算有效剂量(ED)。比较不同重建技术图像噪声、SNR、CNR及主观图像质量。结果 30例患者的平均体质量指数(BMI)为(25.12±2.48)kg/m²;平均CTDIvol为(0.78±0.28)mGy;平均DLP为(30.46±11.34)mGy·cm,平均ED为(0.43±0.16)mSv。IMR、iDOSE⁴、FBP图像噪声依次增高(P<0.05),SNR、CNR依次降低(P<0.05),CT值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。IMR、iDOSE⁴图像的主观评分显著高于FBP(P<0.05);IMR、iDOSE⁴图像可诊断率高于FBP(P<0.05),IMR图像优良率高于iDOSE⁴(P<0.05)。结论 采用80 kV联合IMR可保证肺动脉成像较高的图像质量,同时大大降低患者辐射剂量。     

基于模型及自适应统计迭代重建优化儿童腹部低剂量CT血管造影图像质量

目的 评价基于模型的迭代重建（MBIR）及自适应统计迭代重建（ASIR）优化100 kV儿童腹部CT血管造影（CTA）图像质量的价值。方法 对55例患儿行100 kV低剂量腹部CTA,分别采用MBIR、100% ASIR、80% ASIR、60% ASIR、40% ASIR及滤过反向投影（FBP）算法重建为6组图像,评价图像质量,包括图像噪声、大动脉（LA）及小动脉（SA）显示能力;对比各级动脉CT值及标准差（SD）,计算信噪比（SNR）及对比噪声比（CNR）。结果 图像噪声主观评分及LA评分以MBIR图像最高,ASIR次之,FBP图像质量最差;SA评分以MBIR图像最佳,FBP次之;随权重提升,ASIR图像评分逐渐降低,100% ASIR最低（P均<0.05）。MBIR图像SD最低,其SNR及CNR明显高于其他图像（P均<0.05）。结论 MBIR可明显提高儿童低剂量CTA图像质量,100% ASIR仅可提高图像显示LA能力。     

The impact of a new model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm on prosthetic heart valve related artifacts at reduced radiation dose MDCT

To assess the impact of hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) and novel model-based iterative reconstruction (IMR) and dose reduction on prosthetic heart valve (PHV) related artifacts and objective image quality. One transcatheter and two mechanical PHVs were embedded in diluted contrast-gel, inserted in an anthropomorphic phantom and imaged stationary with retrospectively ECG-gated computed tomography. Eight acquisitions were obtained of each PHV at 120 kV, 600 mAs (routine), 300 and 150 mAs (reduced dose). Data were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), IR and IMR. Hypodense and hyperdense artifact volumes were quantified using two threshold filters. Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios were calculated. Artifact volumes differed significantly between reconstruction algorithms for all PHVs (P < 0.005). Compared to FBP, IR decreased overall hypodense and hyperdense artifact volumes; at 150 mAs by 53 and 20 % (IR) and 67 and 23 % (IMR), respectively and significantly increased SNR and CNR at all doses (P < 0.012). Even at reduced dose, IMR resulted in higher image quality than routine dose FBP and IR. Iterative reconstruction and particularly IMR significantly reduce PHV-related artifacts and improve objective image quality in non-pulsatile conditions, even in reduced-dose images. Also, this study suggests that IMR allows for more radiation dose reduction in comparison to hybrid IR while maintaining high image quality.     

迭代模型重建技术参数设置对肝脏低剂量增强CT扫描图像质量的影响

目的 探讨全模型迭代重建（IMR）技术不同参数设置对肝脏低剂量增强CT扫描图像质量的影响。方法 收集需要接受肝脏增强CT检查的患者40例,分别行上腹部平扫和3期动态增强扫描,其中延迟期采用低剂量扫描,管电压80 kV,管电流150 mAs。对原始数据进行滤波反投射（FBP）重建和IMR技术重建,IMR采用不同参数,以获得不同水平（Level 1~3）的常规和软组织重建图像,分别记为R1、R2、R3亚组和S1、S2、S3亚组。对各组图像进行主观和客观评价并比较,主观评价包括低对比分辨率（LCD）、图像失真（ID）和诊断信心（DC）评分,客观评价包括肝脏噪声、信噪比（SNR）和对比噪声比（CNR）。结果 不同参数组图像的LCD、ID和DC评分差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.01）。不同参数组图像间噪声、SNR及CNR差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.01）;除S1与R2亚组、S2与R3亚组3项指标（P均>0.05）外,余两两比较差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.01）。结论 全迭代重建IMR技术可提高肝脏低剂量增强CT扫描的图像质量,推荐参数为软组织重建、Level 1或常规重建、Level 2。     

Image quality of CT angiography with model-based iterative reconstruction in young children with congenital heart disease: comparison with filtered back projection and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction

To retrospectively evaluate the image quality of CT angiography (CTA) reconstructed by model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) and to compare this with images obtained by filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) in newborns and infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). Thirty-seven children (age 4.8 ± 3.7 months; weight 4.79 ± 0.47 kg) with suspected CHD underwent CTA on a 64detector MDCT without ECG gating (80 kVp, 40 mA using tube current modulation). Total dose length product was recorded in all patients. Images were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR, and MBIR. Objective image qualities (density, noise) were measured in the great vessels and heart chambers. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated by measuring the density and noise of myocardial walls. Two radiologists evaluated images for subjective noise, diagnostic confidence, and sharpness at the level prior to the first branch of the main pulmonary artery. Images were compared with respect to reconstruction method, and reconstruction times were measured. Images from all patients were diagnostic, and the effective dose was 0.22 mSv. The objective image noise of MBIR was significantly lower than those of FBP and ASIR in the great vessels and heart chambers (P < 0.05); however, with respect to attenuations in the four chambers, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and pulmonary trunk, no statistically significant difference was observed among the three methods (P > 0.05). Mean CNR values were 8.73 for FBP, 14.54 for ASIR, and 22.95 for MBIR. In addition, the subjective image noise of MBIR was significantly lower than those of the others (P < 0.01). Furthermore, while FBP had the highest score for image sharpness, ASIR had the highest score for diagnostic confidence (P < 0.05), and mean reconstruction times were 5.1 ± 2.3 s for FBP and ASIR and 15.1 ± 2.4 min for MBIR. While CTA with MBIR in newborns and infants with CHD can reduce image noise and improve CNR more than other methods, it is more time-consuming than the other methods.     

应用全模型迭代重建技术的低剂量冠脉CTA在疑似冠心病患者中诊断价值的初步研究

目的:评估应用全模型迭代重建(IMR)技术的低剂量冠脉CTA显示冠状动脉的图像质量及其对疑似冠心病患者冠脉狭窄的诊断价值。方法:回顾分析我院疑似冠心病并接受冠脉CTA及冠状动脉造影(CAG)检查的患者80例。采用4分法对冠脉各主支进行主观质量评分。以CAG显示冠脉管腔直径缩小超过50%为阳性标准,分别在冠脉节段、主支水平分析冠脉CTA诊断冠脉狭窄的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值(PPV)、阴性预测值(NPV)及准确度,将患者按Agaston积分分成两组(A组<400,B组≥400),比较两组间诊断效能的差异。结果:在节段水平上,98.1%的冠脉图像质量合格,冠脉CTA诊断冠脉狭窄的灵敏度、特异度、PPV、NPV及准确度分别为93.2%、98.0%、91.3%、98.4%、97.1%;在主支水平上,96.6%的冠脉图像质量合格,冠脉CTA诊断冠脉狭窄的灵敏度、特异度、PPV、NPV及准确度分别为84.6%、93.0%、88.9%、90.1%、89.6%;A、B两组之间在特异度、PPV和准确度上存在显著差异(99.2%&91.8%,95.7%&84.2%,97.9%&93.7%,P<0.05)。结论:应用IMR技术的低剂量冠脉CTA检查可获得满意的图像质量,对冠脉狭窄具有较高的诊断准确性,但对严重钙化的血管节段的诊断尚有局限性。     

Dose reduction for coronary calcium scoring with hybrid and model-based iterative reconstruction: an ex vivo study

Purpose To determine the influence of dose reduction on coronary calcium scoring using hybrid and model-based iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques. Methods Fifteen ex vivo hearts were scanned in a phantom representing an average adult person at routine dose and three levels of dose reduction; 27, 55 and 82 % reduced-dose, respectively. All images were reconstructed using filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid IR (iDose⁴, levels 1, 4 and 7) as well as model-based IR iterative model reconstruction (IMR, levels 1, 2 and 3). Agatston, mass and volume scores found with iDose⁴ and IMR were compared to FBP reconstruction (routine dose) as well as objective image quality. Results With FBP calcium scores remained unchanged at 82 % reduced dose. With IR Agatston scores differed significantly at routine dose, using IMR level 3 and iDose⁴ level 7, and at 82 % reduced dose, using IMR levels 1–3 and iDose⁴ level 7. The maximum median difference was 5.3 %. Mass remained unchanged at reduced dose levels while volume was significantly lower at 82 % reduced dose with IMR (maximum median difference 5.0 %). Objective image quality improved with IR, at 82 % reduced dose the CNR of iDose⁴ level 7 was similar to the reference dose CNR, and IMR levels 1–3 resulted in an even higher CNR. Conclusion Calcium scores were not affected by radiation-dose reduction with FBP and low levels of hybrid IR. Objective image quality increased significantly using hybrid and model-based IR. Therefore low level hybrid IR has the potential to reduce radiation-dose of coronary calcium scoring with up to 82 %.     

低管电流联合迭代重建算法对胸部体模T12骨密度值准确性和胸部图像质量的影响

目的 探讨低管电流联合迭代重建算法对仿真胸部体模T12骨密度（BMD）的准确性和胸部图像质量的影响。方法 选用成年男性胸部体模,管电压120 kV,管电流分别为20、30、40、50、60 mAs,联合滤波反投影算法（FBP）、混合迭代重建技术（iDose⁴,Level 4）及迭代模型重建（IMR,Level 2）行胸部扫描。比较采用不同管电流和重建技术时胸部体模T12的BMD及客观评价结果;比较管电流20 mAs、采用IMR算法与管电流60 mAs、采用FBP迭代算法的纵隔窗和肺窗图像质量的主观评分,并评价观察者间的一致性。结果 管电流、重建技术不同时,胸部体模T12的BMD和CT值差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）,而SD值差异有统计学意义（P均<0.001）。相同管电流下,采用IMR算法获得的SD值明显低于iDose⁴和FBP（P均<0.001）。管电流60 mAs、采用FBP算法时,2名观察者观察纵隔窗的一致性较好（Kappa=1,P<0.001）,观察肺窗的一致性中等（Kappa=0.64,P=0.002）;管电流20 mAs、采用IMR时,2名观察者观察纵隔窗的一致性中等（Kappa=0.64,P=0.002）,观察肺窗的一致性较好（Kappa=1,P<0.001）。结论 低管电流联合迭代重建算法可降低辐射剂量,同时满足骨密度测值的准确性及胸部图像诊断。     

CT of the pancreas: comparison of image quality and pancreatic duct depiction among model-based iterative,adaptive statistical iterative,and filtered back projection reconstruction techniques

The purpose of this study is to compare CT images of the pancreas reconstructed with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR), and filtered back projection (FBP) techniques for image quality and pancreatic duct (PD) depiction. Data from 40 patients with contrast-enhanced abdominal CT [CTDIvol: 10.3 ± 3.0 (mGy)] during the late arterial phase were reconstructed with FBP, 40% ASiR–FBP blending, and MBIR. Two radiologists assessed the depiction of the main PD, image noise, and overall image quality using 5-point scale independently. Objective CT value and noise were measured in the pancreatic parenchyma, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the PD was calculated. The Friedman test and post-hoc multiple comparisons with Bonferroni test following one-way ANOVA were used for qualitative and quantitative assessment, respectively. For the subjective assessment, scores for MBIR were significantly higher than those for FBP and 40% ASiR (all P < 0.001). No significant differences in CT values of the pancreatic parenchyma were noted among FBP, 40% ASiR, and MBIR images (P > 0.05). Objective image noise was significantly lower and CNR of the PD was higher with MBIR than with FBP and 40% ASiR (all P < 0.05). Our results suggest that pancreatic CT images reconstructed with MBIR have lower image noise, better image quality, and higher conspicuity and CNR of the PD compared with FBP and ASiR.     

全模型迭代重建算法评价125I粒子植入术后CT图像

目的 探讨全模型迭代重建（IMR）算法评价¹²⁵I粒子植入术后图像的应用价值。方法 收集接受¹²⁵I粒子植入术及术后CT随访的16例腹部肿瘤患者,对扫描原始数据分别以滤波反投影法（FBP）、IMR和高级重建迭代（iDose⁴）算法进行重建,比较3种重建方法图像的噪声、伪影指数（AI）、CNR和主观评分。结果 FBP重建图像的噪声、CNR及AI分别为（58.65±4.03） HU、1.09±0.43和51.60±9.23,iDose⁴图像分别为（48.38±5.34） HU、1.29±0.48和43.77±4.91,IMR图像分别为（41.46±3.44） HU、1.58±0.56和38.51±4.64,3种重建方法图像的噪声、CNR及AI两两比较差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。IMR图像的主观图像质量评分显著高于FBP和iDose⁴算法图像（调整后P<0.001,P=0.011）。结论 IMR算法获得的图像质量较高,可有效减少¹²⁵I粒子伪影,为¹²⁵I粒子植入术后随访与疗效评估提供了更佳方法。     

Diagnostic accuracy of late iodine enhancement on cardiac computed tomography with a denoise filter for the evaluation of myocardial infarction

We evaluated the image quality and diagnostic performance of late iodine enhancement (LIE) in dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) with low kilo-voltage peak (kVp) images and a denoise filter for the detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in comparison with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Hospital Ethics Committee approved the study protocol. Before discharge, 19 patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention after AMI underwent DSCT and 1.5 T MRI. Immediately after coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, contrast medium was administered at a slow injection rate. LIE-CT scans were acquired via dual-energy CT and reconstructed as 100-, 140-kVp, and mixed images. An iterative three-dimensional edge-preserved smoothing filter was applied to the 100-kVp images to obtain denoised 100-kVp images. The mixed, 140-kVp, 100-kVp, and denoised 100-kVp images were assessed using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and their diagnostic performance in comparison with MRI and infarcted volumes were evaluated. Three hundred four segments of 19 patients were evaluated. Fifty-three segments showed LGE in MRI. The median CNR of the mixed, 140-, 100-kVp and denoised 100-kVp images was 3.49, 1.21, 3.57, and 6.08, respectively. The median CNR was significantly higher in the denoised 100-kVp images than in the other three images (P < 0.05). The denoised 100-kVp images showed the highest diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity. The percentage of myocardium in the four CT image types was significantly correlated with the respective MRI findings. The use of a denoise filter with a low-kVp image can improve CNR, sensitivity, and accuracy in LIE-CT.     

低管电压与低流速对比剂联合迭代算法在下肢动脉CTA中的应用

目的 探讨低流速对比剂、低电压扫描结合迭代重建算法在下肢动脉CTA检查中的应用价值。方法 收集60例接受双下肢动脉CTA检查者,将其随机分为两组、各30例,实验组:采用低管电压(80 kV)扫描,对比剂注射速率3.3 ml/s,迭代算法重建图像;对照组:采用常规管电压(120 kV),对比剂注射速率5.0 ml/s,使用滤波反投影法进行图像重建。扫描结束后记录容积剂量指数(CTDI)和剂量长度乘积(DLP)。测量腹部至小腿8个ROI及周围肌肉组织的CT值和标准差(图像噪声),计算CNR及SNR,并对图像质量进行评分。比较2组的辐射剂量、碘注射量、血管CT值及图像质量。结果 实验组的CTDI和DLP分别为(3.57±0.64) mGy和(429.26±97.60)mGy·cm,对照组分别为(7.23±0.86)mGy、(918.15±173.53)mGy·cm,二者差异有统计学意义(P均<0.001)。实验组平均碘注射量为(22.49±2.03)g,对照组(33.48±2.97)g,差异有统计学意义(t=2.58,P<0.05)。实验组8个ROI的平均血管CT值和图像噪声均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。两组间CNR、SNR和图像质量主观评分差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论 采用80 kV管电压、3.3 ml/s对比剂注射速率联合迭代算法行双下肢动脉CTA检查,能够在保证图像质量的同时减少患者所接受的辐射剂量和碘注射量。     

Simulated 50 % radiation dose reduction in coronary CT angiography using adaptive iterative dose reduction in three-dimensions (AIDR3D)

To compare the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CTA) studies between standard filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive iterative dose reduction in three-dimensions (AIDR3D) reconstruction using CT noise additional software to simulate reduced radiation exposure. Images from 93 consecutive clinical coronary CTA studies were processed utilizing standard FBP, FBP with 50 % simulated dose reduction (FBP50 %), and AIDR3D with simulated 50 % dose reduction (AIDR50 %). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured within 5 regions-of-interest, and image quality for each reconstruction strategy was assessed by two independent readers using a 4-point scale. Compared to FBP, the SNR measured from the AIDR50 % images was similar or higher (airway: 38.3 ± 12.7 vs. 38.5 ± 14.5, p = 0.81, fat: 5.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.4 ± 2.0, p = 0.20, muscle: 3.2 ± 1.2 vs. 3.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.38, aorta: 22.6 ± 9.4 vs. 20.2 ± 9.7, p < 0.0001, liver: 2.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.0001), while the SNR of the FBP50 % images were all lower (p values < 0.0001). The CNR measured from AIDR50 % images was also higher than that from the FBP images for the aorta relative to muscle (20.5 ± 9.0 vs. 18.3 ± 9.2, p < 0.0001). The interobserver agreement in the image quality score was excellent (κ = 0.82). The quality score was significantly higher for the AIDR50 % images compared to the FBP images (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.7, p = 0.004). Simulated radiation dose reduction applied to clinical coronary CTA images suggests that a 50 % reduction in radiation dose can be achieved with adaptive iterative dose reduction software with image quality that is at least comparable to images acquired at standard radiation exposure and reconstructed with filtered back projection.     

迭代模型重建技术在低剂量胸部CT双期增强扫描中的可行性

目的 探讨低剂量扫描联合迭代模型重建技术在胸部CT双期增强检查中的可行性。方法 130例拟诊为肺部占位的患者接受胸部双期增强扫描,随机分为A组和B组,每组65例。A组扫描采用管电压100 kV,自动管电流调制技术,图像质量指数10;B组管电压80 kV,自动管电流调制技术,图像质量指数8。A组图像采用混合迭代重建技术（iDose⁴）重建,B组图像采用迭代模型重建技术（IMR）重建。比较两组图像肺动脉（PA）期及支气管动脉（BA）期的客观图像质量、主观图像质量和血管显示优良率并计算辐射剂量。结果 A组有效辐射剂量为（3.30±0.89）mSv,B组为（1.27±0.19）mSv,B组较A组下降61.52%（P<0.001）。PA期和BA期,B组图像噪声显著低于A组,CNR显著高于A组（P均<0.001）;两组肺窗和纵隔窗主观图像质量均达到较高评分,双期血管显示优良率均较高,差异无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。结论 采用迭代模型重建技术,低剂量胸部双期增强扫描可在较常规剂量降低61.52%的条件下,保证图像质量并满足诊断要求。     

高级迭代重建算法降低腹部CT剂量的潜能:体模研究

目的 探讨将高级迭代重建算法[基于模型的迭代重建(MBIR)技术和自适应统计迭代重建(ASiR)]技术用于降低腹部CT扫描剂量的可行性.方法 应用宝石能谱CT(Discovery CT750 HD)以不同管电流(400、350、300、250、200、180、160、140、120、100、80、60、50、40、30、20、10 mA)对Fluke Biomedical RANDO标准男性模体进行扫描,管电压为均120kV,X线球管旋转时间0.60s,螺距0.984,层厚5 mm,层间距5 mm,矩阵512×512,DFOV 35 cm.记录不同管电流扫描条件下的CT容积剂量指数(CTDIvol)和剂量长度乘积(DLP).分别用滤过反投影重建(FBP)、50％自适应迭代重建算法(50％ASiR)及模型基础的迭代重建技术(MBIR)进行图像重建,重建层厚均为0.625 mm.测量三种重建模式下图像的平均CT值、噪声及对比噪声比(CNR,腰椎与软组织的对比).结果 相同管电流条件下三种重建模式的噪声、CNR差异均有统计学意义(P均＜0.05).不同管电流(400～10 mA)条件下,50％ASiR及MBIR重建算法(相对于FBP算法)使噪声分别减少(27.86％～31.46％)及(45.36％～86.37％),SNR分别提高(28.68％～31.08％)及(46.43％～84.38％).图像能够符合诊断要求的最小管电流分别为FBP:200 mA、50％ ASiR:140 mA及MBIR:80 mA.在图像质量类似的情况下,MBIR及50％ ASiR模式分别可减少59.91％及35.94％剂量.三种重建模式CT值差异均无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).结论 高级重建算法能够减少图像噪声及提高图像CNR,同时具有减少腹部CT扫描剂量的潜能;相对于FBP,MBIR重建算法能够减少约60％的扫描剂量.     

比较以自适应性统计迭代重建技术和滤过反投影重建的低剂量腹部CT的图像质量

目的比较应用自适应性统计迭代重建技术(ASIR)和滤过反投影(FBP)两种重建技术获得不同低剂量腹部CT扫描图像的质量及对病变的优化显示。方法选取22例临床诊断肝脏占位而接受腹部增强扫描的患者,在常规动脉期扫描后门静脉期分别以150mAs和100mAs对病变中心上下10cm范围进行连续扫描,分别用FBP及3个水平(30%、50%、70%)的ASIR重建图像,测量并比较图像噪声及容积CT剂量指数(CIDIvol),并对所得图像进行图像质量评分。结果与FBP相比,ASIR可降低图像噪声,减少伪影,增加诊断信心度(P<0.001)。采用150mAs及100mAs扫描时,30%ASIR和50%ASIR图像的诊断信心度评分较好,CIDIvol分别为12.74mGy、8.59mGy,均低于常规扫描剂量(P<0.05)。150mAs时,与FBP比较,30%ASIR、50%ASIR和70%ASIR重建图像中,肝实质、背景肌肉及门静脉的平均噪声均有所降低,分别为(18.74%、30.39%、41.49%)、(18.73%、30.67%、41.85%)、(22.66%、37.14%、43.61%);100mAs时,则分别降低(20.37%、32.22%、43.32%)、(18.63%、30.48%、41.57%)和(21.39%、35.09%、45.72%)。100mAs-30%ASIR图像噪声与150mAs-FBP图像噪声差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而扫描剂量降低32.96%。结论采用ASIR重建算法可有效提高图像质量,降低腹部CT扫描辐射剂量。     

迭代重建技术在低辐射剂量胸部检查中的应用

目的探讨迭代重建技术在低辐射剂量胸部CT检查中的应用价值。 方法行胸部CT平扫的门诊或住院病人66例,随机分为常规剂量组和低剂量组,常规剂量组（A组）运用滤波反投影（FBP）重建生成图像,低剂量组采用低剂量扫描后分别采用FBP（B组）和迭代重建技术（C组）生成图像。对三组噪声、信噪比（SNR）、对比噪声比（CNR）和重建图像质量进行对比。 结果A、C组噪声值明显低于B组,而CNR、SNR则高于B组（P < 0.05）。A、C两组图像质量均能完全满足临床诊断需求,观察者间具有较好一致性,而B组CT图片在图像总体质量方面评分明显较低,与A、C两组差异均具有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。 结论迭代重建技术运用于低辐射剂量胸部CT检查中安全可靠,能够获得满足诊断要求的图像。       

比较两种低剂量CT迭代重建法与常规剂量滤波反投影重建法的图像质量

目的 对比低剂量腹部和盆腔增强扫描自适应统计迭代重建（ASIR）和基于模型的迭代重建（MBIR）与常规剂量下传统的滤波反投影（FBP）重建的图像质量和剂量减低率。方法 31例患者接受腹部和盆腔增强常规剂量CT扫描、FBP重建;复查时,接受增强低剂量扫描、40%ASIR和MBIR。由2名医师通过锐利度、噪声、伪影和诊断接受度对图像进行评分,并测量噪声值和CT值,计算SNR。记录每例患者每次检查的剂量长度乘积（DLP）和CT剂量指数（CTDIvol）,计算剂量减低率。结果 低剂量扫描的DLP值和CTDI值分别为（328.95±206.35）mGy/cm和（7.96±4.30）mGy,而常规剂量FBP重建的DLP值和CTDI分别为（689.27±339.63） mGy/cm和（16.81±7.19） mGy。对于腹部和盆腔脏器,低剂量MBIR图像比低剂量40%ASIR图像和常规剂量FBP图像有更低噪声值和更高SNR （P均<0.0167）。低剂量40%ASIR图像和常规剂量FBP图像的客观评价结果相似（P>0.0167）。MBIR和40%ASIR可以提高图像的密度分辨力,降低硬化伪影,且MBIR比40%ASIR图像有更低噪声和伪影,主观评价结果更佳。结论 在保证图像质量的前提下,相比常规剂量扫描、FBP重建,低剂量扫描MBIR和ASIR可以明显降低扫描剂量;相比ASIR法,MBIR法能提供更佳图像质量,具有进一步降低扫描剂量的潜力。     

Image Quality Assessment in Torso Phantom Comparing Effects of Varying Automatic Current Modulation with Filtered Back Projection,Adaptive Statistical,and Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Techniques in CT

ObjectivesTo compare image quality on computed tomographic (CT) images acquired with different levels of automatic tube current modulation reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), and novel model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) techniques.MethodsA torso phantom was scanned at 17 different noise levels of automatic current modulation and images were reconstructed with FBP, ASIR, and MBIR. Objective and subjective image qualities were assessed. Effective dose was also calculated.ResultsObjective image analysis supports significant noise reduction and superior contrast to noise ratio with new a MBIR technique. Subjective image parameters were maximally rated for MBIR followed by ASIR then FBP. The reconstruction algorithms were evaluated over effective doses ranging from 0.7 to 3 mSv.ConclusionMBIR shows superior reduction in noise and improved image quality (both objective and subjective analysis) compared with ASIR and FBP. It was possible to achieve meaningful image quality even at the highest noise index of 70 achieving substantial dose reduction to as low as 0.7 mSv.