Effective dose and image quality evaluations of an automatic CT tube current modulation system with an anthropomorphic phantom

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consequences of different choices of acquisition parameters on the actual image noise and on the patient dose with an automatic tube current modulation system. The CT investigated was a GE Lightspeed 16-slice and an anthropomorphic phantom was used to simulate the patient. Several acquisitions were made varying noise index (NI), kilovoltage and pitch values. Tube current values were compared for the different acquisitions. Patient dose was evaluated in terms of volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDI_vol) and also as effective dose. The noise actually present in the images was analyzed by a region of interest analysis considering representatively phantom sections in the regions of the shoulders, of the lungs and of the abdomen. The obtained results generally evidenced a good agreement between the noise index and the measured noise for the abdomen sections, whereas for the shoulders and the lungs sections the measured noise was respectively greater and lower of the NI. Varying the kV the automatic current modulation system provided images with a substantially constancy of the actual noise and of the patient dose. An increase of the pitch generally decreased the patient dose, whereas the noise was slightly greater for the lowest pitch and almost constant for the other pitch values. This study outlines some important relationships between an automatic tube current modulation system and other CT acquisition parameters, providing useful informations for the choice requested by radiologists in the task of optimization of the CT acquisition protocols. Unless there are other considerations in place, pixel pitches below 1.375 should be avoided, and kVp settings can be changed with no real impact on dose or image noise.     

行肝脏对比增强CT时根据密度自动调整管电压和管电流调制以减少辐射剂量

目的回顾性分析联合应用自动调整管电压和自动管电流调制技术,与单独使用自动管电流调制比较,是否可在可接受的影像质量情况下降低肝脏对比增强CT的辐射剂量。材料与方法本研究经单位伦理委员会批准,无需知情同意书。怀疑肝脏疾病的314例病人,分成3组。其中2组应用自动调整管电压和自动管电流调制技术(A1组,n=97;A2组,n=101),但两组之间采用不同的对比增益设定;第3组,在固定管电压120kV条件下采用自动管电流调制技术(B组,n=116)。评价容积加权CT剂量指数与辐射距离乘积、对比噪声比和平均影像噪声。影像分析由2名具职业执照的放射科医师和1名放射科住院医师完成。统计分析采用单因素方差分析、双尾配对t检验、秩和检验和非劣效性检验。结果 A1和A2组较B组辐射剂量明显降低(P<0.0001)。A1组的辐射剂量平均降低20%,A2组降低31%。此外,A1和A2组的对比噪声比明显高于B组(P<0.0001)。尽管A1和A2组的影像噪声较高,但影像质量总体还是可以接受的。结论与单独采用自动管电流调制技术相比,联合应用自动调整管电压和自动管电流调制技术可在保证影像质量情况下,降低肝脏对比增强CT的检查辐射剂量。     

铋屏蔽联合器官管电流调制技术在颅脑CT检查中应用的体模研究

目的:通过测量敏感器官的辐射剂量,评价铋屏蔽联合器官-管电流调制(X-care)技术在颅脑CT扫描中的应用价值。方法:使用德国德国西门子公司炫速双源CT对头颈体模进行相同容积CT剂量指数(CTDI vol)下的X-care、铋屏蔽和X-care联合铋屏蔽3种方式扫描颅脑,及无铋屏蔽和铋屏蔽2种方式扫描双能量...     

多层螺旋CT自动毫安技术对腰椎患者扫描剂量减少的可行性研究

目的 探讨MSCT Z轴自动毫安(ATCM)调制扫描技术对患者腰椎CT扫描剂量减少的可行性.方法 对48例腰椎间盘突出症患者分椎间盘介入术前检查及术后复查2组,进行L3～S1相同覆盖范围MSCT检查.术前检查组采用常规固定320 mAs(FM组),术后复查组采用噪声指数为12.0 HU的Z轴ATCM技术(ATCM组).分别选择L3～4、L4～5、L5～S1椎间盘平面作为观察平面,对2种毫安技术的图像质量、图像噪声和辐射剂量进行统计学分析.图像质量评分、辐射剂量比较采用配对t检验,图像噪声比较采用单因素方差分析.结果 FM组的剂量长度乘积(DLP)平均为(273.4±45.4)mGy·cm,ATCM组为(187.9±66.4)mGy·cm,ATCM组比FM组降低31.3%(t=8.205,P<0.05);FM组的3个椎间盘平面图像噪声变异分别为(9.8±2.4)、(9.9±2.4)、(11.5±3.2)HU,ATCM组分别为(12.0±0.8)、(11.7±0.6)、(11.7±1.4)HU,ATCM组的图像噪声变异小于FM组(F=23.31,P<0.05);FM组3个椎间盘平面的图像质量评分分别为(4.7±0.3)、(4.5±0.2)、(4.5±0.2)分,ATCM组分别为(4.6±0.3)、(4.5±0.2)、(4.5±0.2)分,两组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(t=1.000,P>0.05).结论 使用噪声指数为12.0 HU的ATCM技术,在保证图像质量的情况下可以降低辐射剂量约31.3%.     

多层螺旋CT自动毫安技术对腰椎患者扫描剂量减少的可行性研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of achieving consistent image quality with dose reduction technology in lumber spine MSCT examination with Z-axis automatic tube current modulation (ATCM). Methods Forty-eight patients diagnosed as lumber intervertebral disc protrution scanned twice by MSCT before and after interventional operations with the same coverage from third lumbar vertebra to first sacral vertebra. The first scan (FM) was with fixed tube current of 320 mAs. The follow-up scan was with ATCM with noise index (NI) of 12.0 HU. At the levels of L3-4, L4-5 and 15-S1, image quality, image noise and radiation dose were measured and analyzed. Image quality and radiation dose were compared by paired t-test and the image noise was compared by ANOVA test. Results The dosage of the ATCM had a 31.3% reduction compared with FM, the average DLP was(187.9±66.4)mGy·cm and(273.4±45.4) mGy·cm respectively, where t = 8.205, P < 0.05. The average noise and their deviations for the FM group were (9.8±2.4) HU,(9.9±2.4) HU, and (11.5±3.2) HU at level of L3-4, L4-5, 15-S1, respectively. With ATCM, the average noise was(12.0±0.8) HU, (11.7±0.6) HU, and (11.7±1.4) HU, respectively. There was statistical difference between the two groups (F = 23.31, P < 0.05). The image quality scores for the FM group were (4.7±0.3), (4.5±0.2), (4.5±0.2) and showed no statistical difference to ATCM group (4.6±0.3), (4.5±0.2), (4.5±0.2) at level of L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, respectively, where t = 1.000, P > 0.050 Conclusion ATCM technique with the noise index setting at 12.0 HU can achieved a 31.3% dose reduction while keep the consistent image quality for lumbar spine MSCT study.     

能谱纯化联合器官剂量调制技术对婴幼儿头部CT扫描器官剂量及图像质量影响的体模研究

目的探讨能谱纯化技术(SPS)、器官剂量调制技术(OBTCM)以及两者结合对婴幼儿头部CT扫描器官剂量及图像质量的影响。方法利用两个头部仿真体模(CIRS 1岁和5岁), 分别采用参考扫描模式(Reference)、Reference + OBTCM、SPS及SPS+OBTCM 4种模式进行扫描;测量并比较不同体模不同扫描模式眼晶状体、脑部前侧及脑部后侧的辐射剂量, 眼眶和脑实质区域的噪声水平及对比噪声比(CNR)。结果相比Reference模式, 1岁与5岁体模的眼晶状体剂量在Reference + OBTCM模式分别减少约(21.89±0.01)%和(28.33±0.34)%;在SPS模式下, 1岁和5岁体模的眼晶状体剂量减少分别为(71.38±1.30)%和(53.72±2.42)%;SPS+OBTCM模式分别减少约(71.12±2.54)%和(55.73±1.90)%。不同体模不同扫描模式眼眶及脑实质的噪声水平, 差异有统计学意义(F=5.67～85.47, P<0.05);与Reference模式相比, Reference + OBTCM模式的噪声水平在不同体模不同部位...     

Effective and organ doses from scanography and zonography: a comparison with periapical radiography

OBJECTIVES: To compare absorbed and effective doses from scanographic and zonographic examinations performed in the Scanora unit with intraoral periapical radiography. METHODS: Absorbed dose measurements were made on an anthropomorphic phantom head with LiF thermoluminescent dosemeters in the regions of the pituitary gland, eye lenses, parotid glands, submandibular glands, thyroid gland and skin. Energy imparted was calculated from the measurements of air collision kerma and effective doses by using the quotient 24 mSv J-1 between energy imparted and effective dose. The upper and lower third molar region was examined with intraoral radiographs and with ramus scanograms, dental scanograms and dental zonograms. Radiation dose measurements were also performed for Scanora panoramic radiography (jaw and dental). RESULTS: The effective doses for the ramus and dental scanograms were 0.01 mSv, similar or lower than for intraoral radiography. Zonography yielded the highest effective dose (0.03 mSv). Except for the skin doses, the salivary glands received the highest doses. Salivary gland doses were slightly higher from narrow beam than from intraoral radiography. CONCLUSIONS: Detail narrow beam radiography with the Scanora is an alternative to periapical radiography and is preferred, from a radiation dose point of view, over zonography.     

管电压联合器官剂量调制技术对胸部CT辐射剂量和图像质量影响的模体研究

目的 探讨胸部CT使用器官剂量调制（ODM）技术时,不同管电压对表浅辐射敏感器官辐射剂量和图像质量的影响。方法 以临床胸部CT扫描方案为基准,对胸部模体使用不同管电压（140、120、100和80 kV共4种,其中100 kV为系统推荐值）、在不开启ODM（ODM off）和从扫描起始层至乳腺区开启ODM（ODM part）时对胸部模体进行扫描,在右侧乳腺区域前方固定位置放置长杆电离室（点电离室位于乳腺区域的中心位置）,每组参数重复扫描并测量剂量7次,记录容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）和乳腺皮肤剂量测量值（D）;重组冠状位5 mm层厚肺及软组织算法图像,沿z轴方向平均分为8部分,分别测算对比度噪声比（CNR）。对不同ODM扫描方式和不同管电压下CTDI_vol、D,肺及软组织算法图像8区域CNR,进行双因素无重复试验方差分析,组间两两比较采用LSD法。结果 管电压在140至80 kV变化时,CTDI_vol依次降低,在80 kV时最低,差异有统计学意义（F=105.579 5,P<0.05）,140~100 kV时乳腺皮肤剂量测量值也依次降低,但管电压降至80 kV时,D反而升高,100 kV时最低,差异有统计学意义（F=27.736,P<0.05）。与ODM off相比,使用ODM part时CTDI_vol和D均下降,差异有统计学意义（F=39.732、81.961,P<0.05）。各种管电压下肺及软组织算法的图像CNR依次下降,差异有统计学意义（F=12.809、11.261,P<0.05）,两两比较140~100 kV时CNR差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,80 kV时CNR显著下降,与其他组比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;与ODM off相比,使用ODM part时肺及软组织算法图像CNR下降,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 临床实践中,在不低于系统推荐管电压100 kV时,可在保障图像质量前提下通过降低kV和在射线敏感器官区域联合使用ODM技术有效地降低乳腺辐射剂量。     

自动管电流调制技术对腹部CT图像质量及辐射剂量影响的体模研究

目的 探讨应用自动管电流调制技术(ATCM)对腹部CT图像质量及辐射剂量的影响.方法 通过实体测量因病情需要行腹部CT检查的68例体质量指数(BMI)为18 ～ 24 kg/m2的成年男性腹部CT扫描的腹部径向数据,借鉴CTP515辅助测试模体,制作符合国人尺寸的腹部体环,嵌套Catphan600性能测试模型为观察对象,模拟成人腹部CT低、高对比特点用于实验研究.以管电压120 kV,固定管电流450 mA组为对照组;相同管电压条件下,自动管电流技术组为实验组,其中噪声指数(NI)值设置为4 ～ 20,共14组,管电流范围10～ 450 mA.对模型进行扫描.测量Catphan600模体中心均质区域CT值,验证模型对X线衰减的等效性.记录每组扫描方案的辐射剂量指标容积CT剂量指数(CTD Ivol)、个体化剂量估计值(SSDE)、剂量长度积(DLP)、有效剂量(ED)及图像质量客观评价指标图像噪声值(SD)、对比噪声比(CNR).同时由3名分别来自不同医院有5年以上工作经验的腹部诊断医师对Catphan600模体中的CTP515低对比目标显示程度(LCD)模块及CTP528高对比目标显示程度(HCD)模块进行独立主观评价.对NI值与SDb、CNR、CTDIvol、DLP间的相关性采用Pearson相关分析,与LCD模块评分间相关性采用Spearman秩相关分析.不同NI组间SD、CNR及CTDIvol值与对照组的比较采用t检验.LCD和HCD评分的组内比较采用Kruskal-Wallis秩检验,组间差异采用Mann-Whitney U Test秩检验.3名放射科医师主观评价结果的一致性检验采用Kappa分析.结果 实测人体正常肝脏组织CT值为(52.8 ±9.1)HU,腹部模体中心区域平均CT值为(50.8±1.0) HU,两者差异无统计学意义(t=0.31,P＞0.05),偏差程度为4.9％.此模型与成人腹部对X线衰减具有较好的等效性.所有辐射剂量指标均随NI值增大而降低,NI值增加1个单位,辐射剂量指标CTDlvol、SSDE、DLP和ED值分别平均下降1.23 mGy、2.03 mGy、13.20 mGy·cm、0.20 mSv.NI值与图像质量主、客观评价指标及辐射剂量指标间呈高度线性相关(r=0.871～0.982,P值均＜0.05).实验组NI =4 ～7组与对照组间SD、CNR差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为-1.63 ～-0.17,0.03 ～1.12,P值均＞0.05).实验组NI=4～ 10组与对照组间LCD评分差异均无统计学意义(Z值为-1.637 ～0.000,P值均＞0.05).实验组NI =4 ～ 13组与对照组间HCD得分差异均无统计学意义(Z值为-1.423 ～0.000,P值均＞0.05).3名医师对LCD、HCD评分的Kappa一致性检验结果分别为0.743、0.795.结论 在腹部CT扫描中应用自动管电流调制技术可确保图像质量,同时降低辐射剂量.     

采用铋屏蔽、基于器官的管电流调制、管电流减少方法减少头颅CT扫描时的眼部剂量

目的减少眼睛所受辐射剂量的3种方法:铋屏蔽、基于器官的管电流调制和管电流减少,比较头部CT扫描时其射线剂量和影像质量。材料与方法拟人化仿真头部在6种条件下扫描:(1)没有任何剂量减少的技术(参考扫描);     

Metallic prosthesis: technique to avoid increase in CT radiation dose with automatic tube current modulation in a phantom and patients

The institutional review board approved this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study protocol, with waiver of informed consent. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the combined automatic tube current modulation technique in patients with orthopedic metallic prostheses. Five hundred abdominal-pelvic computed tomographic (CT) studies performed with combined modulation technique were reviewed to identify nine patients with metallic prostheses (mean age, 66 years; range, 35-86 years; male-female ratio, 5:4). On the basis of age and transverse abdominal images, these patients were matched with nine others with no metallic prostheses (mean age, 56 years; range, 36-72 years; male-female ratio, 4:5) who were control patients. Images were graded for extent and severity of streak artifacts (grade 1, streak artifact present but not substantially compromising evaluation of adjacent structures; grade 2, streak artifact present and slightly compromising evaluation of adjacent structures; and grade 3, streak artifact present and severely compromising evaluation of adjacent structures). Student t test was performed for statistical analysis. There was no difference in mean effective tube current-time product between study and control patients (P > .49). With automatic tube current modulation, an increase in CT dose caused by metallic prostheses can be successfully avoided.     

Z轴自动管电流调制技术在头颈部CT扫描血管成像中对甲状腺剂量的降低

目的 评价在进行头颈部CT扫描血管成像时,Z轴自动管电流调制技术(ATCM)对减少甲状腺的辐射剂量的作用及对图像噪声的影响。方法 回顾性地分析140例头颈部CT增强血管成像的病例,其中用固定管电流技术和 Z 轴自动管电流调节技术各70例,观察其成像质量,记录其客观噪声水平(由CT图像衰减值的标准差进行评估),并比较其单次扫描的加权CT剂量指数CTDI_w,管电流mA及剂量长度乘积DLP。结果 在扫描范围、扫描参数(管电压、螺距、准直器厚度等)、造影剂注射速率和注射部位完全相同的情况下,固定管电流技术和 Z 轴自动管电流调节技术的图像质量相同,甲状腺图像噪声分别为10.14和13.64 HU。单次扫描的加权CT剂量指数CTDI_w(mGy)分别为(43.22±1.42)和(35.99±1.31) mGy。剂量长度乘积分别为(1514.45±5.56)和(1121.39±5.51)mGy·cm, 剂量长度乘积降低约25.95%。结论 Z 轴自动管电流调节技术能有效降低总曝光量和累计剂量长度乘积,可以有效地降低患者的辐射剂量,特别是像甲状腺和眼晶体等射线敏感组织器官的辐射剂量降低,减少其辐射危害,但是图像噪声略有增加。     

自动管电流模式下管电压对CT辐射剂量和影像质量影响的模体研究

目的 探讨自动管电流调制模式下行头颈部和胸部CT扫描时,管电压的改变对辐射剂量及影像质量的影响。方法 自动管电流和自动管电压模式下,对头颈部和胸部模体进行常规CT扫描。自动管电流模式下,管电压分别手动选择70、80、100、120和140 kV,对头颈部和胸部模体进行常规CT扫描。每种管电压下定位像扫描3次,再进行1次螺旋扫描。头颈部模体在眼眶中心及第5颈椎（C5）椎体上缘层面选取感兴趣区（ROI）,胸部模体在肺尖及气管分叉层面选取ROI,测量记录对比噪声比（CNR）。用热释光剂量计（TLD）测量每次扫描时眼晶状体和乳腺的器官剂量（取3次测量的平均值）,计算定位像和螺旋扫描的累积值。记录每次扫描的容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）,并计算CTDI_vol累积值。最后通过计算品质因数（FOM）,找到最优化的管电压值。结果 自动管电流和自动管电压模式时,头颈部自动选择120 kV和108 mAs,胸部自动选择80 kV和167 mAs。自动管电流模式时,手动选择70 kV时眼晶状体辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最小（分别为0.779和4.070 mGy）,140 kV时眼晶状体辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最大（分别为2.571和25.670 mGy）。70 kV时乳腺辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最小（分别为0.698和0.900 mGy）,140 kV时乳腺辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最大（分别为3.452和7.400 mGy）。CNR值在眼眶和C5椎体上缘层面分别为51.30~118.36和80.78~173.12,在肺尖和气管分叉层面分别为50.15~129.58和49.63~115.40。FOM因子在眼眶层面80 kV最大,在C5椎体上缘层面120 kV最大,在肺尖和气管分叉层面都是70 kV最大。头颈部模体最佳管电压：眼眶层面手动100 kV,颈部层面自动管电压模式（120 kV）。胸部模体最佳管电压：手动100 kV。结论 管电压的选择对CT扫描的辐射剂量和影像质量影响较大。对于常规CT扫描,手动100 kV适合眼眶区域扫描,自动120 kV适合颈部区域扫描,手动100 kV适合胸部扫描。     

Multi-detector row spiral CT angiography of the thoracic outlet: dose reduction with anatomically adapted online tube current modulation and preset dose savings

PURPOSE: To evaluate image quality obtained with anatomically adapted online tube current modulation and preset minimum dose savings at multi-detector row spiral computed tomographic (CT) angiography of the thoracic outlet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients were evaluated for thoracic outlet arterial syndrome with spiral CT angiography (collimation, 4 x 1 mm; pitch, 1.75) both with and without dose reduction by means of anatomically adapted online tube current modulation and preset minimum dose savings. Preset minimum savings of 20% and of 32% were applied in two groups of 50 patients (groups 1 and 2). In each group, low-dose scanning was performed in 25 patients in the neutral position and in 25 patients after postural maneuver. Tube current-time product, noise, presence and quality of graininess and of linear streak artifacts on transverse CT scans, and diagnostic value of sagittal reformations and volume-rendered images were evaluated and recorded for each data set. chi2 test was used to compare frequencies; paired Wilcoxon rank test, to compare subjective and objective image quality scores. P <.05 indicated a significant difference. RESULTS: In group 1, mean tube current-time product was 3225 mAs for reference scans and 2101 mAs for low-dose scans (mean reduction, 35%; range, 27%-47%). In group 2, mean was 3070 mAs for reference scans and 2068 mAs for low-dose scans (mean reduction, 33%; range, 17%-38%). In group 1, no differences in frequencies of graininess and linear streaking or in noise level were found between images acquired with or without dose reduction. In group 2, no difference was found in noise level between low-dose and reference scans. On low-dose scans, moderate linear streaking was observed with lower frequency and moderate graininess was observed with higher frequency, but artifacts did not compromise image quality or prevent confident assessment of arterial diameter in the three compartments of the thoracic outlet. CONCLUSION: Online tube current modulation with a preset minimum dose saving of 20% allowed 35% reduction in mean tube current-time product, with no loss in image quality.     

Comparison of Z-axis automatic tube current modulation technique with fixed tube current CT scanning of abdomen and pelvis

PURPOSE: To compare image quality, diagnostic acceptability, and radiation exposure associated with 16-section multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) examinations of abdomen and pelvis performed with z-axis modulation technique of automatic tube current modulation and with manual selection of fixed tube current. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive subjects (mean age, 60 years; age range, 19-84 years; male-to-female ratio, 35:27) underwent follow-up CT of abdomen and pelvis with use of a 16-section multi-detector row scanner and z-axis modulation technique (10.5-12.0-HU noise index, 10-380 mA). Scanning parameters included 140 kVp, 0.5-1.0-second gantry rotation time, 0.938:1 beam pitch, and 5-mm reconstructed section thickness. For each subject, images obtained with z-axis modulation were compared with previous images obtained with fixed tube current (200-300 mA) and with other parameters identical. Images were compared for noise and diagnostic acceptability by two subspecialty radiologists using a five-point scale (1, unacceptable; 3, acceptable; 5, excellent) at five levels: upper liver at diaphragm, porta hepatis, right kidney hilum, iliac crest, and upper margin of acetabulum. Tube current and gantry rotation time used for acquisitions at these levels were recorded. Data were analyzed with parametric and nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: Although no significant differences were found (P =.34), images acquired with z-axis modulation at the levels of the upper liver (diaphragm) and acetabulum had a higher noise and lower diagnostic quality, compared with images acquired with fixed tube current. Compared with fixed tube current, z-axis modulation resulted in tube current-time product reduction in 54 (87%) of 62 examinations (mean reduction, 71.2 mAs) and increase in eight (13%) (mean increase, 17.0 mAs). CONCLUSION: Compared with manually selected fixed tube current, z-axis automatic tube current modulation resulted in reduced tube current-time product and similar image noise and diagnostic acceptability at CT of abdomen and pelvis.