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);     

Dose reduction in multidetector CT using attenuation-based online tube current modulation

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to quantify the radiation dose saved by attenuation-based online tube current modulation applied to multidetector CT (MDCT) of the adult trunk as a function of effective milliampere-second (mAs) presets, sex, and body habitus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. One hundred twenty patients underwent MDCT of the trunk (60 thoracic, 60 abdominal) with an attenuation-based online tube current modulation. Consecutive acquisitions at standard and two lower effective mAs presets were obtained in each patient. Mean percentage effective mAs reductions were compared for each effective mAs preset, taking into account sex and body mass index. RESULTS: Mean effective mAs reduction was 16.9% and 20.0% for the chest and the abdomen, respectively. Mean percentage effective mAs reductions were found to be significantly different for sex (chest, p = 0.003; abdomen, p = 0.002) but not significantly different for the different effective mAs presets or body mass index. CONCLUSION: Attenuation-based online tube current modulation used with MDCT should be considered as a secondary tool of radiation dose reduction because it saves as much as 20% of the radiation dose on the adult trunk, regardless of initial mAs preset. However, initial decreases of mAs presets by the physician should be considered the primary tool for radiation dose reduction.     

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。     

Noise-based tube current reduction method with iterative reconstruction for reduction of radiation exposure in coronary CT angiography

Purpose

To investigate the potential of noise-based tube current reduction method with iterative reconstruction to reduce radiation exposure while achieving consistent image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Materials and methods

294 patients underwent CCTA on a 64-detector row CT equipped with iterative reconstruction. 102 patients with fixed tube current were assigned to Group 1, which was used to establish noise-based tube current modulation formulas, where tube current was modulated by the noise of test bolus image. 192 patients with noise-based tube current were randomly assigned to Group 2 and Group 3. Filtered back projection was applied for Group 2 and iterative reconstruction for Group 3. Qualitative image quality was assessed with a 5 point score. Image noise, signal intensity, volume CT dose index, and dose-length product were measured.

Results

The noise-based tube current modulation formulas were established through regression analysis using image noise measurements in Group 1. Image noise was precisely maintained at the target value of 35.00 HU with small interquartile ranges for Group 2 (34.17–35.08 HU) and Group 3 (34.34–35.03 HU), while it was from 28.41 to 36.49 HU for Group 1. All images in the three groups were acceptable for diagnosis. A relative 14% and 41% reduction in effective dose for Group 2 and Group 3 were observed compared with Group 1.

Conclusion

Adequate image quality could be maintained at a desired and consistent noise level with overall 14% dose reduction using noise-based tube current reduction method. The use of iterative reconstruction further achieved approximately 40% reduction in effective dose.     

Effect of reduction in tube current on reader confidence in paediatric computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) contributes significantly to the total radiation dose derived from medical imaging in children. As the number of CT examinations increases there is renewed interest in possible ways to minimize such radiation. AIM: To study the effect of decremental reduction in tube current settings on structural resolution and on reader confidence in being able to reach a final diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved spiral CT of children aged 0-13 years. CT performed at reduced mA settings (60-75, 76-90 and 91-130 mA for thoracic, abdominal and pelvic examinations, and 76-90 and 91-130 mA for cranial examinations) were compared with similar investigations at conventional settings (180-240 mA). Images were scored by two blinded readers for structural resolution and diagnostic confidence. Structural resolution was scored on a binary (adequate or not) scale for six structures each in cranial, thoracic and pelvic examinations and for eight structures in abdominal studies, and reader confidence was scored on a four-point scale as 25-100%. Scores from the two readers were averaged for comparison in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: Reduction of tube current settings to 75-90 mA for thoracic, abdominal and pelvic examinations and to 90-130 mA for cranial examinations was not associated with any significant deterioration in image quality. The number of scans considered satisfactory were comparable even at 60-75 mA, although the total relative scores for structural resolution at this setting were lower. CONCLUSION: Tube current settings can be significantly reduced in all paediatric age groups, in all regions. In younger children the impact of such reduction in tube current is likely to be greater. Cranial scans are more sensitive to such reductions as compared to thoracic or abdominopelvic examinations.     

Circle of Willis at CT angiography: dose reduction and image quality--reducing tube voltage and increasing tube current settings

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the effects of lower tube voltage and various effective tube currents on image quality for computed tomographic (CT) angiography of the circle of Willis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patients or family provided written informed consent. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were determined in a head phantom for various effective tube currents with tube voltages of 90, 120, and 140 kVp. Patients were referred for CT angiography because of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 20) or family history of cerebral aneurysms (n = 20). In each group, 10 patients were scanned with 120 kVp and 200 mAs(eff) and 10 were scanned with 90 kVp and 330 mAs(eff) (CT dose index volumes, 27.2 mGy and 20.6 mGy, respectively). CT numbers were measured in the internal carotid artery at the T junction and compared with a t test. Two radiologists used a five-point scale to subjectively score arterial enhancement, depiction of small arterial detail, image noise, venous contamination, and interference of subarachnoid blood. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the phantom, SNR(2) was proportional to effective tube current and CT dose index volume. With an identical effective tube current, SNR(2) was lower at 90 kVp than at 120 or 140 kVp. With identical CT dose index volume, tube voltage of 90 kVp resulted in a 45%-52% increase of SNR(2) compared with SNR(2) at 120 kVp. In patients, mean attenuation in the internal carotid artery T junction was higher with 90 kVp (340 HU) than with 120 kVp (252 HU, P < .001). Although dose at 90 kVp was 30% lower than dose at 120 kVp, scores for arterial enhancement and depiction of small arterial detail were higher at 90 kVp than at 120 kVp (4.0 vs 3.2 and 3.6 vs 3.1, respectively; P < .005). CONCLUSION: In head phantoms, lower tube voltage improved SNR at equal radiation doses. For CT angiography of the circle of Willis, this translated into superior image quality at 90 kVp.     

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.     

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%.     

Dose reduction in subsecond multislice spiral CT examination of children by online tube current modulation

The potential of online tube current modulation in subsecond multislice spiral CT (MSCT) examinations of children to reduce the dose without a loss in image quality is investigated in a controlled patient study. The dose can be reduced for oval patient sectional view without an increase in noise if the tube current is reduced where the patient diameter and, consequently, attenuation are small. We investigated a product version of an online control for tube current in a SOMATOM Sensation 4 (Siemens, Forchheim). We evaluated image quality, noise and dose reduction for examinations with online tube current modulation in 30 MSCT of thorax/abdomen and abdomen and compared mA s for tube current modulation to the mA s in standard weight-adapted children protocols. Image quality was rated as very good, good, diagnostic and poor in a consensus by three radiologists. Noise was assessed in comparison to 24 MSCT examinations without tube current modulation measured as SD in ROIs. The dose was reduced from 26 to 43% (mean 36%), depending on the patients geometry and weight. In general, no loss of image quality was observed. Measured noise showed a decrease up to 26% and an increase up to 36%, although there was no decrease of image quality. Online tube current modulation is now used as a standard in MSCT at our institution. Dose in MSCT examinations of children can be reduced substantially in routine examinations by online tube current modulation without a loss of image quality.     

Dose reduction in spiral CT angiography of thoracic outlet syndrome by anatomically adapted tube current modulation

The aim of this study was to evaluate dose reduction in spiral CT angiography of the thoracic outlet by on-line tube-current control. Prospectively, 114 patients undergoing spiral CT angiography of the subclavian artery for thoracic outlet arterial syndromes were evaluated with and without tube-current modulation at the same session (scanning parameters for the two successive angiograms, one in the neutral position and one after the postural maneuver): 140 kV; 206 mA; scan time 0.75 s; collimation 3 mm; pitch = 1). The dose reduction system was applied in the neutral position in the first 92 consecutive patients and after postural maneuver in the remaining 22 consecutive patients. Dose reduction and image quality were analyzed in the overall study group (group 1; n = 114). The influence of the arm position was assessed in 44 of the 114 patients (group 2), matched by the transverse diameter of the upper thorax. The mean dose reduction was 33 % in group 1 (range 22–40 %) and 34 % in group 2 (range 26–40 %). In group 2 the only difference in image quality was a significantly higher frequency of graininess on low-dose scans compared with reference scans whatever the patient's arm position, graded as minimal in 38 of the 44 patients (86 %). When the low-dose technique was applied after postural maneuver in group 2: (a) the mean dose reduction was significantly higher (35 vs 32 % in the neutral position; p = 0.006); (b) graininess was less frequent (82 vs 91 % in the neutral position); and (c) the percentage of graininess graded as minimal was significantly higher (83 vs 70 % in the neutral position; p = 0.2027). On-line tube-current modulation enables dose reduction on high-quality, diagnostic spiral CT angiograms of the thoracic outlet and should be applied during data acquisition in the neutral position and after postural maneuver for optimal use. Received: 31 July 2000 Revised: 6 October 2000 Accepted: 6 October 2000     

Dose reduction in CT by on-line tube current control: principles and validation on phantoms and cadavers

We investigated approaches to reducing the dose in CT without impairing image quality. Dose can be reduced for non-circular object cross-sections without a significant increase in noise if X-ray tube current is reduced at angular tube positions where the X-ray attenuation by the patients is small. We investigated different schemes of current modulation during tube rotation by simulation and phantom measurements. Both pre-programmed sinusoidal modulation functions and attenuation-based on-line control of the tube current were evaluated. All relevant scan parameters were varied, including constraints such as the maximum modulation amplitude. A circular, an elliptical and two oval water phantoms were used. Results were validated on six cadavers. Dose reduction of 10–45 % was obtained both in simulations and in measurements for the different non-circular phantom geometries and current modulation algorithms without an increase in pixel noise values. On-line attenuation-based control yielded higher reductions than modulation by a sinusoidal curve. The maximal dose reduction predicted by simulations could not be achieved due to limits in the modulation amplitude. In cadaver studies, a reduction of typically 20–40 % was achieved for the body and about 10 % for the head. Variations of our technique are possible; a slight increase in nominal tube current for high-attenuation projections combined with attenuation-based current modulation still yields significant dose reduction, but also a reduction in the structured noise that may obscure diagnostic details. We conclude that a significant reduction in dose can be achieved by tube current modulation without compromising image quality. Attenuation-based on-line control and a modulation amplitude of at least 90 % should be employed. Received: 1 April 1998; Revision received: 9 July 1998; Accepted: 10 July 1998     

Dose reduction in computed tomography by attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current: evaluation of six anatomical regions

This study investigated the potential of attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current to reduce the dose of computed tomography (in milliamperes) without loss in image quality. The dose can be reduced for non-circular patient cross-sections by reducing the tube current at the angular positions at which the diameter through the patient diameter is smallest. We investigated a new technical approach with attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current. Computed tomographic projection data were analyzed to determine the optimal milliampere values for each projection angle in real time, instead of performing prior measurements with localizer radiographs. We compared image quality, noise pattern, and dose for standard scans and for scans with attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current in a group of 30 radiation therapy patients. Six different anatomical regions were examined: head, shoulder, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities (knee). Image quality was evaluated by four radiologists in a blinded fashion. We found the dose to be reduced typically by 15–50 %. In general, no deterioration in image quality was observed. Thus the dose in computed tomography be reduced substantially by technical measures without sacrificing image quality. Attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current is an efficient and practical means for this. Received: 15 July 1999; Revised: 22 October 1999; Accepted: 26 October 1999     

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.     

Dose reduction in CT examination of children by an attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current (CARE Dose)

In a controlled patient study we investigated the potential of attenuation-based on-line modulation of the tube current to reduce milliampere values (mAs) in CT examinations of children without loss of image quality. mAs can be reduced for non-circular patient cross sections without an increase in noise if tube current is reduced at those angular positions where the patient diameter and, consequently, attenuation are small. We investigated a technical approach with an attenuation-based on-line control for the tube current realised as a work-in-progress implementation. The CT projection data are analysed in real time to determine optimal mAs values for each projection angle. We evaluated mAs reduction for 100 spiral CT examinations with attenuation-based on-line modulation of the tube current in a group of children. Two radiologists evaluated image quality by visual interpretation in consensus. We compared the mAs values read from the CT scanner with preset mAs of a standard protocol. Four different scan regions were examined in spiral technique (neck, thorax, abdomen, thorax and abdomen). We found the mAs product to be reduced typically by 10-60% depending on patient geometry and anatomical regions. The mean reduction was 22.3% (neck 20%, thorax 23%, abdomen 23%, thorax and abdomen 22%). In general, no deterioration of image quality was observed. There was no correlation between the age and the mean mAs reduction in the different anatomical regions. By classifying the children respectively to their weight, there is a positive trend between increasing weight and mAs reduction. We conclude that mAs in spiral CT examinations of children can be reduced substantially by attenuation-based on-line modulation of the tube current without deterioration of image quality. Attenuation-based on-line modulation of tube current is efficient and practical for reducing dose exposure to children.