64层螺旋CT肺部高分辨率图像质量影响因素的体模研究

目的 分析影响肺部高分辨率CT(HRCT)图像质量的主要因素,探讨常规肺部容积扫描条件下获得HRCT图像质量的可行性.方法 应用64层CT对Catphan500模具进行连续、重复扫描.对比内容:扫描方式(轴面扫描、螺旋扫描)、kV值(140、120 kV)、层厚(1.25、5.00 mm,其中5.00 mm图像折分为1.25 mm)、重建算法(骨+算法、肺算法).评价内容:空间分辨率、密度分辨率、图像噪声.统计分析采用析因设计方差分析.结果 扫描方式在密度分辨率(轴面扫描:11.44±0.04;螺旋扫描:12.61±0.04)、图像噪声(轴面扫描:5.89±0.05;螺旋扫描:6.92±0.05)上差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为539.61、179.02,P值均＜0.01),轴面扫描密度分辨率高于螺旋扫描,图像噪声低于螺旋扫描;重建算法间在空间分辨率(骨+:9.90±0.09;肺:7.40±0.09)、密度分辨率(骨+:11.39±0.04;肺:12.65±0.04)、图像噪声(骨+:6.55±0.05;肺:6.28±0.05)上差异均具有统计学意义(F值分别为375.00、627.95、13.97,P值均＜0.05),骨+算法优于肺算法但噪声值略高.结论 容积扫描在密度分辨率、图像噪声控制上较传统HRCT稍差,但在空间分辨率上容积扫描骨+算法重建与HRCT图像质量相当,用于显示肺内细节时容积高分辨率CT可代替常规HRCT.     

Effects of scanning and reconstruction parameters on image quality in electron-beam CT angiography: coronary artery phantom study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared the image quality obtained with different scanning and reconstruction parameters for electron-beam computed tomographic (CT) angiography and sought optimal methods for visualizing the coronary artery lumen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electron-beam CT angiography with contrast material enhancement was used to image 35 branches of fresh postmortem swine coronary arteries. Different collimation widths, fields of view (FOVs), reconstruction kernels, and algorithms were employed to reconstruct the acquired raw data into CT angiographic images. Image quality was compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The contrast-to-noise ratios (C/Ns) for 1.5-, 2-, and 3-mm section thickness were 28.4 +/- 15.2, 31.9 +/- 9.3, and 33.8 +/- 14.5, respectively (P < .05). The lengths of visualized coronary artery lumina were significantly longer for 1.5-mm scanning (71.6 mm +/- 4.3) than for 2-mm (58.3 mm +/- 5.5) and 3-mm scanning (59.0 mm +/- 8.0) (P < .01). The C/Ns for 12.7-, 18.0-, and 26.0-cm FOV reconstruction were 32.8 +/- 9.9, 28.9 +/- 8.2, and 27.1 +/- 8.2, respectively (not significant), and the visualized luminal lengths were 76.1 mm +/- 12.5, 71.7 mm +/- 14.6, and 65.4 mm +/- 13.1, respectively (not significant). The highest C/N (48.2 +/- 13.3) was achieved with smooth kernels and a cone-beam algorithm, and the lowest (14.7 +/- 3.4) with very sharp kernels and a normal algorithm. Cone-beam algorithm images had significantly higher C/Ns than did normal algorithm images (P < .001), and they demonstrated longer coronary artery lumina (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Collimation width, FOV, reconstruction kernels, and algorithms are important in the processing of high-quality electron-beam coronary angiograms. A 1.5-mm collimation width, 12.7-cm FOV, cone-beam reconstruction algorithm, and very sharp kernels should help in obtaining the best image quality and depicting the longest segments of coronary artery lumen.     

Six iterative reconstruction algorithms in brain CT: a phantom study on image quality at different radiation dose levels

Objective:

To evaluate the image quality produced by six different iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms in four CT systems in the setting of brain CT, using different radiation dose levels and iterative image optimisation levels.

Methods:

An image quality phantom, supplied with a bone mimicking annulus, was examined using four CT systems from different vendors and four radiation dose levels. Acquisitions were reconstructed using conventional filtered back-projection (FBP), three levels of statistical IR and, when available, a model-based IR algorithm. The evaluated image quality parameters were CT numbers, uniformity, noise, noise-power spectra, low-contrast resolution and spatial resolution.

Results:

Compared with FBP, noise reduction was achieved by all six IR algorithms at all radiation dose levels, with further improvement seen at higher IR levels. Noise-power spectra revealed changes in noise distribution relative to the FBP for most statistical IR algorithms, especially the two model-based IR algorithms. Compared with FBP, variable degrees of improvements were seen in both objective and subjective low-contrast resolutions for all IR algorithms. Spatial resolution was improved with both model-based IR algorithms and one of the statistical IR algorithms.

Conclusion:

The four statistical IR algorithms evaluated in the study all improved the general image quality compared with FBP, with improvement seen for most or all evaluated quality criteria. Further improvement was achieved with one of the model-based IR algorithms.

Advances in knowledge:

The six evaluated IR algorithms all improve the image quality in brain CT but show different strengths and weaknesses.Iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms are one of the most recent advances in CT. Since the introduction of the first IR algorithm in 2008 [1], multiple clinical studies have shown the potential of such algorithms to improve the image quality and allow for the reduction of radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic acceptability [2–7].Although all IR algorithms perform iterative image optimisation at some point in the CT image generation process, there are considerable technical differences between the available IR solutions. Furthermore, some vendors even offer more than one type of IR algorithm in their product range. Although detailed mechanisms of the current algorithms remain undisclosed, they can be classified into two basic categories [8,9] (

Accelerating image acquisition in 64-MDCT: the influence of scan parameters on image resolution and quality in a phantom study

Computed tomographic (CT) image resolution and quality were evaluated utilizing varying scan protocols with accelerated image acquisition. A resolution phantom with hole diameters from 0.2 to 1.0 mm was scanned in axial, coronal, and sagittal plane using a 64-slice multidetector CT with varying scan parameters. No relevant differences in image resolution and quality were detected between the fastest scan protocol, with the shortest rotation time and highest pitch, and the slowest protocol. Accelerated CT protocols resulted in diagnostic images with adequate resolution and quality.     

定位像扫描参数对胸部CT影像质量和辐射剂量影响的模体研究

目的:探讨胸部CT定位像扫描参数(X射线管投照角度和管电压)的选择对图像质量和辐射剂量的影响规律,为临床实践中成像参数的选择提供指导。方法:选择不同扫描参数对成人胸部拟人模体进行定位像采集,X射线管投照角度(0°、90°和180°)、管电压(70、80、100、120和140 kV)和管电流(25 mA)共15种组合。...     

Effect of CT acquisition parameters in the detection of subtle hypoattenuation in acute cerebral infarction: a phantom study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of varying tube voltage, current per rotation, and section thickness on detectability of 2- and 4-Hounsfield unit (HU) differences on brain CT between normal and ischemic gray matter within 6 hours of ischemia onset, by using a low-contrast phantom. METHODS: The phantom with an attenuation of 36 HU corresponding to normal gray matter contained 2 sets of spheres (34 HU and 32 HU) corresponding to the early CT signs of ischemic brain and complete infarction, respectively. The reproducibility of the CT numbers and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), defined as the CT number difference between the background (36 HU) and the spheres (34 HU or 32 HU) divided by the SD of the background CT number were measured. Five radiologists rated the phantom images for detection of the low-contrast spheres by visual inspection. RESULTS: The CT numbers were reproducible within 1 HU with a tube current of > or =150 mAs at 120 kVp. The CNRs for the 34- and 32-HU spheres were positively correlated with the tube voltage, tube current per rotation, and the section thickness. A CNR of 1.0 was obtained for the 34-HU sphere when scanning was conducted with a section thickness of 10 mm at 120 kVp and 700 mAs, or 135kVp and 450 mAs, respectively. A significant improvement of the accuracy of detection was found with increasing tube current, tube voltage per rotation, and section thickness. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that the 2-HU hypoattenuation corresponding to the early CT sign of acute ischemic stroke can be detected by using appropriate parameter settings.     

Impact of CT parameters on the physical quantities related to image quality for two MDCT scanners using the ACR accreditation phantom: A phantom study

IntroductionTo evaluate the image quality provided by MDCT scanners using an ACR phantom an to find out the relationship between CT parameters and physical quantities related to image quality.MethodsA GE Lightspeed VCT and a GE Lightspeed Pro 16 are used. The ACR phantom consists of four modules for evaluating physical parameters. The image quality parameters, such as CT number, linearity, CNR, image uniformity, SNR and at least spatial resolution using MTF, by different sets of image acquisition protocols (IAPs) are characterized. The influences of the IAPs on the physical quantities are also discussed.ResultsThe CT numbers behaved linearly relative to material density for all tube voltages. The impact of the tube current on the CT numbers is neglectable. However, the variation of the tube current reflects in the CT number uncertainties. The CNR are altered by changing the IAPs. 50% MTF decreases from 6.2 to 3.6 lp/cm and from 6.5 to 3.7 lp/cm using Lung and Soft kernel for the Lightspeed VCT and Lightspeed Pro 16 scanner, respectively.ConclusionThe dependence of the image quality parameters on reconstruction kernels, tube peak voltages, tube currents and the slice thicknesses has been discussed. The tube peak voltage has the most influence on the CT numbers. The results indicate that the reconstruction kernel has the main impact on the spatial resolution. The spatial resolution dependence on the tube voltages, tube currents and slice thicknesses can be ignored.     

改变扫描野及矩阵对肺结节CT图像质量影响的体模研究

目的：探讨在多排螺旋 CT 扫描中改变扫描野(FOV)和矩阵(matrix)对体模中纯磨玻璃结节(pGGN)的 CT 图像质量的影响。方法应用 Philips Brilliance 128排螺旋 CT 在3种不同 FOV(50 mm、150 mm、300 mm)条件下对含有 pGGN(直径均≥5 mm)的胸部仿真体模进行扫描,分别用标准分辨率(512×512)和高分辨率(1024×1024)矩阵进行重建(标准算法),记录体模中每个结节及其邻近组织在不同条件下的 CT 值和及其标准差(SD),通过公式计算各条件下图像的平均标准差(MSD)、对比噪声比(CNR)及信噪比(SNR),比较不同条件下各项指标的差异;再由2名医师采取盲法对不同条件下结节的可见度进行评分,用 Kappa 检验评价观察者间的一致性。结果2名观察者的一致性为中等或较好。当矩阵不变时,不同 FOV 条件下各 pGGN 的 MSD、CNR 及 SNR均无明显统计学差异,但结节的可见度评分随着 FOV 的减小而提高;而当 FOV 不变时,不同矩阵条件下 pGGN 的 MSD、CNR 及SNR 均存在统计学差异,高分辨率矩阵的 MSD 高于标准分辨率矩阵,CNR 和 SNR 低于标准分辨率矩阵,且对于结节的可见度评分,高分辨率矩阵较标准分辨率矩阵相比并无明显提高。结论对直径≥5 mm 的 pGGN,在矩阵相同的条件下,缩小 FOV,并不会对 CT 图像的质量造成影响,但能够提高结节的可见度评分;而当 FOV 保持不变,高分辨率矩阵的图像的 MSD 更大,SNR 及CNR 更小,且高分辨率矩阵对结节的可见度并无明显提高。     

不同管电压腹部MDCT迭代重建算法:诊断准确性、图像质量与辐射剂量的模型研究

目的比较迭代重建算法与滤波反投影(FBP)重建算法在应用不同的管电压时腹部CT扫描诊断的准确性、图像质量与辐射剂量。材料与方法本研究采用含有45个     

Evaluation of the influence of acquisition and reconstruction parameters for 16-row multidetector CT on coronary calcium scoring using a stationary and dynamic cardiac phantom

A calcium-scoring phantom with hydroxyapatite-filled cylindrical holes (0.5 to 4 mm) was used. High-resolution scans were performed for an accuracy baseline. The phantom was mounted to a moving heart phantom. Non-moving data with the implementation of an ECG-signal were acquired for different pitches (0.2/0.3), heart rates (60/80/95 bpm) and collimations (16 × 0.75/16 × 1.5 mm). Images were reconstructed with a cone-beam multi-cycle algorithm at a standard thickness/increment of 3 mm/1.5 mm and the thinnest possible thickness (0.8/0.4 and 2/1). Subsequently, ECG-gated moving calcium-scoring phantom data were acquired. The calcium volume and Agatston score were measured. The temporal resolution and reconstruction cycles were calculated. High-resolution scans determine the calcium volume with a high accuracy (mean overestimation, 0.8%). In the non-moving measurements, the volume underestimation ranged from about 6% (16 × 0.75 mm; 0.8/0.4 mm) to nearly 25% (16 × 1.5 mm; 3/1.5 mm). Moving scans showed increased measurement errors depending on the reconstructed RR interval, collimation, pitch, heart rate and gantry rotation time. Also, a correlation with the temporal resolution could be found. The reliability of calcium-scoring results can be improved with the use of a narrower collimation, a lower pitch and the reconstruction of thinner images, resulting in higher patient doses. The choice of the correct cardiac phase within the RR interval is essential to minimize measurement errors.     

Assessment of VIE image quality using helical CT angiography: in vitro phantom study.

The aim of this study is to quantify the effects of helical CT acquisitions parameters on the magnitude of three-dimensional stair-step artefacts, visualization of renal ostium and morphologies of suprarenal stents observed using virtual intravascular endoscopy. This was performed in a phantom of the human abdominal aorta with a stent graft in situ. Stair-step artefacts were quantified by measuring the standard deviation of signal intensity on surface shaded images and the influence of these artefacts on the visualization of arterial ostia and stent morphologies were assessed by three radiologists. The methodology may be used to optimise the CT system performance for helical CT angiography in aortic stent grafting.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of reduced radiation dose for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and the possible lowest radiation threshold by a phantom study.Methods The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorporeal background region was measured in132 consecutive patients.A noise-measurement phantom and a pulmonary embolism (PE) phantom were made of phenol-formaldehyde, and both phantoms and a water phantom were scanned with standard and lower radiation doses as follow: 280, 200, 160, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10 mA respectively, at a fixed voltage of 120 kVp.Standard and soft tissue algorithms were used to reconstruct the images.Three experienced doctors independendy evaluate the image quality and the efficiency of detecting PE of the images with various doses.The Pearson correlation analysis, two-tailed paired t test, ANOVA, and Kappa test were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorpereal background region in 132 consecutive patients ranged from 20.00 to 55.00 HU, which had a positive correlation with weight[(64.99±11.86) kg], weight-height ratio [(38.71±6.13) kg/m], and BMI[(23.11±3.38) kg/m2](r=0.228,0.374,0.449 respectively; P <0.01).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm[(16.55±9.08), (16.42±9.40) HU]was significantly lower than that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm[(22.43±11.25),(21.99±11.67) HU](F=4.316, P < 0.05).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 100 mA was similar to that of the images with standard reconstruction algorithm at 280 mA, and the signal-w-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image of PE phantom was 23.05 and 20.52 respectively, without any impairment in detectability of embolus.The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 60 mA was similar to that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm at 160 mA, while the SNR and CNR was 18.01 and 15.97 respectively, also with acceptable detectability of embolus.When the tube current was reduced below 30 mA, the image quality decreased significantly, with the SNR and CNR was lower than 12.36 and 10.95 respectively, and the detectability of embolus was degraded.The consistency of the image quality grading by 3 observers was excellent(K=0.807,0.712,0.904 ,respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusions The 100 mA may potentially be the ideal low dose tube current setting, with radiation dose only equal to 36% of 280 mA (standard dose).The 30 mA may possibly be a minimum radiation dose for detecting PE.The soft-tiasue reconstruction algorithm was favorable in preserving the SNR when the radiation dose was reduced.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of reduced radiation dose for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and the possible lowest radiation threshold by a phantom study.Methods The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorporeal background region was measured in132 consecutive patients.A noise-measurement phantom and a pulmonary embolism (PE) phantom were made of phenol-formaldehyde, and both phantoms and a water phantom were scanned with standard and lower radiation doses as follow: 280, 200, 160, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10 mA respectively, at a fixed voltage of 120 kVp.Standard and soft tissue algorithms were used to reconstruct the images.Three experienced doctors independendy evaluate the image quality and the efficiency of detecting PE of the images with various doses.The Pearson correlation analysis, two-tailed paired t test, ANOVA, and Kappa test were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorpereal background region in 132 consecutive patients ranged from 20.00 to 55.00 HU, which had a positive correlation with weight[(64.99±11.86) kg], weight-height ratio [(38.71±6.13) kg/m], and BMI[(23.11±3.38) kg/m2](r=0.228,0.374,0.449 respectively; P <0.01).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm[(16.55±9.08), (16.42±9.40) HU]was significantly lower than that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm[(22.43±11.25),(21.99±11.67) HU](F=4.316, P < 0.05).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 100 mA was similar to that of the images with standard reconstruction algorithm at 280 mA, and the signal-w-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image of PE phantom was 23.05 and 20.52 respectively, without any impairment in detectability of embolus.The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 60 mA was similar to that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm at 160 mA, while the SNR and CNR was 18.01 and 15.97 respectively, also with acceptable detectability of embolus.When the tube current was reduced below 30 mA, the image quality decreased significantly, with the SNR and CNR was lower than 12.36 and 10.95 respectively, and the detectability of embolus was degraded.The consistency of the image quality grading by 3 observers was excellent(K=0.807,0.712,0.904 ,respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusions The 100 mA may potentially be the ideal low dose tube current setting, with radiation dose only equal to 36% of 280 mA (standard dose).The 30 mA may possibly be a minimum radiation dose for detecting PE.The soft-tiasue reconstruction algorithm was favorable in preserving the SNR when the radiation dose was reduced.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of reduced radiation dose for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and the possible lowest radiation threshold by a phantom study.Methods The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorporeal background region was measured in132 consecutive patients.A noise-measurement phantom and a pulmonary embolism (PE) phantom were made of phenol-formaldehyde, and both phantoms and a water phantom were scanned with standard and lower radiation doses as follow: 280, 200, 160, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10 mA respectively, at a fixed voltage of 120 kVp.Standard and soft tissue algorithms were used to reconstruct the images.Three experienced doctors independendy evaluate the image quality and the efficiency of detecting PE of the images with various doses.The Pearson correlation analysis, two-tailed paired t test, ANOVA, and Kappa test were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorpereal background region in 132 consecutive patients ranged from 20.00 to 55.00 HU, which had a positive correlation with weight[(64.99±11.86) kg], weight-height ratio [(38.71±6.13) kg/m], and BMI[(23.11±3.38) kg/m2](r=0.228,0.374,0.449 respectively; P <0.01).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm[(16.55±9.08), (16.42±9.40) HU]was significantly lower than that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm[(22.43±11.25),(21.99±11.67) HU](F=4.316, P < 0.05).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 100 mA was similar to that of the images with standard reconstruction algorithm at 280 mA, and the signal-w-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image of PE phantom was 23.05 and 20.52 respectively, without any impairment in detectability of embolus.The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 60 mA was similar to that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm at 160 mA, while the SNR and CNR was 18.01 and 15.97 respectively, also with acceptable detectability of embolus.When the tube current was reduced below 30 mA, the image quality decreased significantly, with the SNR and CNR was lower than 12.36 and 10.95 respectively, and the detectability of embolus was degraded.The consistency of the image quality grading by 3 observers was excellent(K=0.807,0.712,0.904 ,respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusions The 100 mA may potentially be the ideal low dose tube current setting, with radiation dose only equal to 36% of 280 mA (standard dose).The 30 mA may possibly be a minimum radiation dose for detecting PE.The soft-tiasue reconstruction algorithm was favorable in preserving the SNR when the radiation dose was reduced.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of reduced radiation dose for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and the possible lowest radiation threshold by a phantom study.Methods The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorporeal background region was measured in132 consecutive patients.A noise-measurement phantom and a pulmonary embolism (PE) phantom were made of phenol-formaldehyde, and both phantoms and a water phantom were scanned with standard and lower radiation doses as follow: 280, 200, 160, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10 mA respectively, at a fixed voltage of 120 kVp.Standard and soft tissue algorithms were used to reconstruct the images.Three experienced doctors independendy evaluate the image quality and the efficiency of detecting PE of the images with various doses.The Pearson correlation analysis, two-tailed paired t test, ANOVA, and Kappa test were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorpereal background region in 132 consecutive patients ranged from 20.00 to 55.00 HU, which had a positive correlation with weight[(64.99±11.86) kg], weight-height ratio [(38.71±6.13) kg/m], and BMI[(23.11±3.38) kg/m2](r=0.228,0.374,0.449 respectively; P <0.01).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm[(16.55±9.08), (16.42±9.40) HU]was significantly lower than that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm[(22.43±11.25),(21.99±11.67) HU](F=4.316, P < 0.05).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 100 mA was similar to that of the images with standard reconstruction algorithm at 280 mA, and the signal-w-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image of PE phantom was 23.05 and 20.52 respectively, without any impairment in detectability of embolus.The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 60 mA was similar to that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm at 160 mA, while the SNR and CNR was 18.01 and 15.97 respectively, also with acceptable detectability of embolus.When the tube current was reduced below 30 mA, the image quality decreased significantly, with the SNR and CNR was lower than 12.36 and 10.95 respectively, and the detectability of embolus was degraded.The consistency of the image quality grading by 3 observers was excellent(K=0.807,0.712,0.904 ,respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusions The 100 mA may potentially be the ideal low dose tube current setting, with radiation dose only equal to 36% of 280 mA (standard dose).The 30 mA may possibly be a minimum radiation dose for detecting PE.The soft-tiasue reconstruction algorithm was favorable in preserving the SNR when the radiation dose was reduced.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of reduced radiation dose for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and the possible lowest radiation threshold by a phantom study.Methods The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorporeal background region was measured in132 consecutive patients.A noise-measurement phantom and a pulmonary embolism (PE) phantom were made of phenol-formaldehyde, and both phantoms and a water phantom were scanned with standard and lower radiation doses as follow: 280, 200, 160, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10 mA respectively, at a fixed voltage of 120 kVp.Standard and soft tissue algorithms were used to reconstruct the images.Three experienced doctors independendy evaluate the image quality and the efficiency of detecting PE of the images with various doses.The Pearson correlation analysis, two-tailed paired t test, ANOVA, and Kappa test were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorpereal background region in 132 consecutive patients ranged from 20.00 to 55.00 HU, which had a positive correlation with weight[(64.99±11.86) kg], weight-height ratio [(38.71±6.13) kg/m], and BMI[(23.11±3.38) kg/m2](r=0.228,0.374,0.449 respectively; P <0.01).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm[(16.55±9.08), (16.42±9.40) HU]was significantly lower than that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm[(22.43±11.25),(21.99±11.67) HU](F=4.316, P < 0.05).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 100 mA was similar to that of the images with standard reconstruction algorithm at 280 mA, and the signal-w-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image of PE phantom was 23.05 and 20.52 respectively, without any impairment in detectability of embolus.The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 60 mA was similar to that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm at 160 mA, while the SNR and CNR was 18.01 and 15.97 respectively, also with acceptable detectability of embolus.When the tube current was reduced below 30 mA, the image quality decreased significantly, with the SNR and CNR was lower than 12.36 and 10.95 respectively, and the detectability of embolus was degraded.The consistency of the image quality grading by 3 observers was excellent(K=0.807,0.712,0.904 ,respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusions The 100 mA may potentially be the ideal low dose tube current setting, with radiation dose only equal to 36% of 280 mA (standard dose).The 30 mA may possibly be a minimum radiation dose for detecting PE.The soft-tiasue reconstruction algorithm was favorable in preserving the SNR when the radiation dose was reduced.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of reduced radiation dose for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and the possible lowest radiation threshold by a phantom study.Methods The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorporeal background region was measured in132 consecutive patients.A noise-measurement phantom and a pulmonary embolism (PE) phantom were made of phenol-formaldehyde, and both phantoms and a water phantom were scanned with standard and lower radiation doses as follow: 280, 200, 160, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, and 10 mA respectively, at a fixed voltage of 120 kVp.Standard and soft tissue algorithms were used to reconstruct the images.Three experienced doctors independendy evaluate the image quality and the efficiency of detecting PE of the images with various doses.The Pearson correlation analysis, two-tailed paired t test, ANOVA, and Kappa test were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The CT value difference between air within the trachea and the extracorpereal background region in 132 consecutive patients ranged from 20.00 to 55.00 HU, which had a positive correlation with weight[(64.99±11.86) kg], weight-height ratio [(38.71±6.13) kg/m], and BMI[(23.11±3.38) kg/m2](r=0.228,0.374,0.449 respectively; P <0.01).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm[(16.55±9.08), (16.42±9.40) HU]was significantly lower than that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm[(22.43±11.25),(21.99±11.67) HU](F=4.316, P < 0.05).The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 100 mA was similar to that of the images with standard reconstruction algorithm at 280 mA, and the signal-w-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the image of PE phantom was 23.05 and 20.52 respectively, without any impairment in detectability of embolus.The image noise level with soft-tissue reconstruction algorithm at 60 mA was similar to that of the image with standard reconstruction algorithm at 160 mA, while the SNR and CNR was 18.01 and 15.97 respectively, also with acceptable detectability of embolus.When the tube current was reduced below 30 mA, the image quality decreased significantly, with the SNR and CNR was lower than 12.36 and 10.95 respectively, and the detectability of embolus was degraded.The consistency of the image quality grading by 3 observers was excellent(K=0.807,0.712,0.904 ,respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusions The 100 mA may potentially be the ideal low dose tube current setting, with radiation dose only equal to 36% of 280 mA (standard dose).The 30 mA may possibly be a minimum radiation dose for detecting PE.The soft-tiasue reconstruction algorithm was favorable in preserving the SNR when the radiation dose was reduced.     

低剂量CT肺动脉成像的实验研究

目的 通过模型实验证实低剂量CT肺动脉成像(CTPA)的可能性并筛选出合理低剂量阈值.方法 测量132例患者气管内、体外空气密度差,制成噪声测量和肺动脉栓塞(PE)模型.设置管电压为120 kVp,管电流分别为280、200、160、100、90、80、70、60、50、40、30、20、15、10 mA,扫描上述两种模型和水模,采用标准算法和软组织算法重建,3名阅片者独立评判图像质量.应用Pearson线性相关分析、配对t检验、方差分析和Kappa检验进行统计学分析.结果 132例患者气管内、体外空气密度差范围在20.00～55.00 HU,与体质量[(64.99±11.86)kg]、体质量/身高[(38.71±6.13)kg/m]及体质量指数(BMI)[(23.11±3.38)ks/m2]呈正相关(r值分别为0.288、0.374、0.449,P值均<0.01).两种模型标准算法[噪声分别为(22.43±11.25)、(21.99±11.67)HU]与软组织算法[(16.55±9.08)、(16.42±9.40)HU]之间噪声差异有统计学意义(F=4.316,P<0.05),软组织算法噪声水平低于标准算法,而与使用何种体模无关.软组织算法100 mA时图像噪声水平与标准算法280 mA时相当,PE模型图像信噪比(SNR)和对比噪声比(CNR)分别为23.05、20.52,不影响对栓塞的识别;软组织算法60 mA时噪声水平与标准算法160 mA时相当,PE模型图像SNR、CNR分别为18.01、15.97,亦不影响栓子定性观察;30 mA以下图像质量明显下降,PE模型图像SNR、CNR分别在12.36、10.95以下,模拟栓子检出能力下降.3名阅片者图像质量判读结果之间一致性高(Kappa值分别0.807、0.712和0.904,P值均<0.01).结论 100 mA可能是比较理想的低剂量CTPA扫描条件;30 mA可能是诊断所需的最低扫描条件;软组织算法成像能减少SNR损失.