自动管电流调节联合低电压低剂量扫描技术在幼儿胸部CT扫描中的优化应用研究

目的 探讨64层CT自动管电流调节技术(ATCM)结合低电压在幼儿胸部低剂量扫描中的应用价值.方法 搜集行64层CT ATCM胸部扫描的幼儿(≤2岁)48例,其中A组(管电压100 kV)30例,B组(管电压80kV) 18例;并与既往采用固定管电流条件下的低剂量扫描数据进行对比分析,对照组C组(100 kV/60 mAs)30例;其余扫描参数一致.记录每次扫描的平均管电流(mAs)、CT容积剂量指数(CTDIvol)、剂量长度值(DLP),计算出有效剂量(ED)及剂量减低比值(DR),并比较3组的剂量及图像质量.结果 A组CTDIvol为(1.11±0.19)mGy,B组CTDIvol为(0.99 ±0.11)mGy,C组CTDIvol为(2.38±0.00) mGy;3组数据两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).A组相对C组DR约51.07％,B组相对C组DR降低约58.20％.3组图像质量均满足诊断要求,差异无统计学意义(P=0.50).结论 低电压联合ATCM技术在幼儿胸部扫描中可以广泛应用,能够有效降低辐射剂量且不影响图像质量.     

MSCT低剂量扫描技术在踝关节隐匿性骨折中的应用

目的:探讨64层CT低剂量扫描技术在踝关节隐匿性骨折中的应用。方法:68例常规X线检查阴性、临床高度怀疑骨折的患者行64层CT低剂量扫描和常规剂量扫描,并行MPR、VR后处理,比较2组扫描图像质量、诊断准确率及辐射剂量。结果:低剂量组与常规剂量组相比,CT图像质量及对踝关节隐匿性骨折的诊断准确率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。低剂量组辐射剂量较常规剂量明显下降,CT容积剂量指数和剂量长度乘积均降低了56%左右。结论:踝关节低剂量CT扫描能准确诊断踝关节隐匿性骨折,同时降低了患者的辐射剂量,完全能够取代常规剂量扫描。     

自动管电压技术在腰椎外伤CT检查中的临床应用

目的探讨自动管电压技术在腰椎外伤CT检查中降低辐射剂量的应用价值。方法对80例腰椎外伤患者根据就诊顺序随机分为2组:A组43例、B组37例,A组采用自动管电压(CARE kV),参考管电压100kV,CARE Dose 4D自动mAs技术,螺距0.8,旋转时间1.0s进行扫描;B组采用固定管电压120kV进行扫描,其它扫描条件与A组相同。记录每次扫描的放射容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)、有效剂量(ED)。对图像进行主观质量评分及测量客观图像噪声评估。结果 A、B两组有效剂量分别为(2.3±1.2)mSv、(3.6±1.5)mSv,A组与B组比较,平均有效剂量(ED)降低了36.1%;主观图像评分:骨窗A组和B组分别为(4.63±0.05)和(4.56±0.08);软组织窗分别为(4.71±0.06)和(4.66±0.13),两者差异没有统计学意义(P0.05);客观图像质量评估:骨窗A、B两组SNR分别为(2.3±0.6)、(2.5±0.7);软组织窗A、B两组SNR分别为(5.7±1.4)、(6.1±0.9),两组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论自动管电压技术在腰椎外伤CT检查中可以减少辐射剂量,图像质量能满足腰椎外伤的诊断要求,都能对腰椎外伤做出明确诊断。     

64层CT多平面重组长骨图像质量与检查参数

目的 研究64层CT长骨扫描和后处理参数对多平面重组(MPR)图像质量的影响,探讨最佳参数.资料与方法 采用64层CT不同的扫描与重组参数获取直接扫描的横断面图像及后处理的横断面及长轴面的MPR图像.对图像质量进行评分,并进行统计学处理.结果 对于长骨CT的MPR图像,薄层厚、大螺距的组合优于大层厚、小螺距组合,最佳参数为层厚0.6 mm,螺距1.5,重组间隔50%,骨算法重组.结论 不同的扫描与后处理参数对长骨CT MPR图像质量有明显影响,上述最佳参数可使64层CT在最短时间内以最小的球管损耗显示最佳的长骨MPR图像.     

16层螺旋CT后处理技术诊断隐匿性骨折的应用价值

目的探讨16层螺旋CT后处理技术(MPR、SSD、VR)对隐匿性骨折的诊断价值。方法 96例经X线平片(CR)检查阴性但临床高度怀疑骨折的急性外伤患者于外伤后1～7 d均经16层螺旋CT各向同性容积扫描,图像拆薄重建,传入vitrea工作站处理,由两名放射科医师共同调整、浏览MPR、SSD、VR及斜面MPR图像,以明确有否骨折。结果经16层CT扫描后处理重建确诊骨折56例,其中,眼眶内壁骨折6例,下颌骨颏部3例,枕骨2例,肩胛骨2例,腕骨5例,肋骨7例,胸椎横突3例,骨盆9例,股骨颈4例、胫骨9例,足跗骨6例。本组16层螺旋CT后处理重建对隐匿性骨折检出率为58%。结论 16层螺旋CT后处理技术,尤其是MPR成像显著提高了细微骨折的检出率,是诊断隐匿性骨折有效而可靠的检查方法。     

多层螺旋CT三维及重建技术对骨盆骨折的诊断价值

目的：探讨多层螺旋CT（MSCT）三维、多平面重建（MPR）及容积再现技术（VR）技术在骨盆骨折中的诊断价值。方法对21例骨盆外伤患者行MSCT扫描后,运用CT、MPR及VR等技术进行图像重建并观察和分析,并与手术所见相对照,判断MSCT重建技术诊断骨盆骨折的优缺点。结果在21例骨盆外伤患者中, MSCT正确诊断骨盆27处骨折,其检出率100％。结论 MSCT、MPR及三维重建能够立体地显示骨盆骨折的部位、形态、骨折块移位特点和类型等空间信息,是一种快速无创伤显示的最佳方法,为临床制定手术方案提供可靠依据,具有重要的临床诊断价值。     

自动管电流技术在盆腔16层螺旋CT检查中的应用

目的 评价自动管电流技术在盆腔CT检查中的图像质量及辐射剂量控制中的价值.方法 将90例接受盆腔CT检查患者随机平均分成3组(每组30例):固定管电流组,自动mA组(噪声指数NI=10)和自动mA组(NI=15),比较每组的图像质量、容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)的差别.结果 图像质量:自动mA组噪声高于固定组(P<0.05),但所有检查图像质量均满足诊断要求.辐射剂量:与固定管电流技术(21.72 mGy)相 比,自动管电流组CTDIvol明显降低(15.67 mGy±2.49 mGy,13.53 mGy±3.92 mGy).结论 与固定管电流相比,自动管电流技术能显著降低盆腔CT的辐射剂量,同时图像质量可满足诊断要求.     

螺旋CT三维后重建技术在颌面骨折中的应用

目的:探讨螺旋CT容积再现技术(volume rendering technique,VRT)和多平面重建(multiplanar reconstruction,MPR)在颌面骨折中的应用价值。方法:对90例颌面部骨折病例行螺旋CT薄层扫描,VRT及MPR重建,分析其病变显示率和空间显示效果。结果:90例颌面部外伤病例共有203处骨折,VRT图像显示骨折187处,不能显示骨折16处,漏诊率7.88%;MPR图像显示全部骨折,通过调节窗宽窗位显示副鼻窦腔和软组织病变。结论:螺旋CT薄层扫描及后处理技术在颌面外伤病例中可做为常规检查,VR与MPR相结合能提高诊断准确率,对于临床诊断和治疗具有实际应用价值。     

64层螺旋CT自动管电流调节技术在婴幼儿胸部低剂量CT扫描中应用的可行性研究

目的 探讨应用64层螺旋CT(MSCT),采用适宜噪声指数的Z轴自动管电流调节技术获得稳定的婴幼儿胸部CT扫描图像,并降低射线剂量的可行性研究.方法 选取100例根据临床需要行64层MSCT胸部扫描的3岁以下婴幼儿患儿,按年龄和体重用随机数字表法分为2组,每组各50例.对照组(中位年龄1.7岁)采用固定管电流扫描技术:1岁以下120 mA,≥1岁者150 mA;研究组(中位年龄1.4岁)采用z轴自动管电流调节扫描技术:1岁以下预设噪声指数为8,≥1岁为9,毫安设置范围为10～250 mA,其余扫描参数条件2组一致.记录2组CT剂最指数(CTDIvol)值.2名医师独立对图像质量采用5分制进行评估,＞13分被认为符合临床诊断要求.采用Kappa方法评价不同观察者评定结果间的一致性.结果 对照组的平均客观噪声和CTDIvol分别为(4.78 4±0.58)和(6.68±0.62)mGy,研究组的平均客观噪声和CTDIvol分别是(7.84±0.66)和(2.34±0.71)mGy;研究组和对照组的平均管电流分为(41.6 4±11.6)和(99.2±7.7)mAs.研究组的平均CTDIvol较对照组下降了 65%.研究组和对照组平均图像质量评分分别为(3.46±0.40)和(4.65±0.46)分,所用图像均获得了满意的临床诊断要求,2名医师的评估结果获得了中等一致性(Kappa值分别为0.474和0.536).结论 64层MSCT自动管电流调节技术应用于婴幼儿胸部扫描时可以在降低射线剂量的基础卜获得稳定的图像质量,噪声指数设定在8或9较为适宜.     

埋伏阻生牙64排螺旋CT低剂量扫描的应用价值

目的:探讨64排螺旋CT低剂量扫描对颌骨埋伏阻生牙的应用价值。方法:对80例埋伏阻生牙的患者行64排螺旋CT检查,根据管电流分为200、100、50和20mA四组,对原始图像进行多平面重建(MPR)、容积成像(VR)、曲面重建、齿科软件重建及最大密度投影(MIP),对不同扫描参数的图像质量进行评价,记录CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)和剂量长度乘积(DLP),并进行统计学分析。结果:①100mA组、50mA组图像质量均可满足临床诊断要求,但与200mA组评分差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。②100mA组、50mA组的CTDIvol分别为11.67和5.84mGy,DLP分别为58.59和29.30mGy.cm,100mA、50mA组CTDIvol、DLP分别较200mA组下降约50%和75%。结论:颌骨埋伏阻生牙64排螺旋CT低剂量扫描图像质量有所下降,但能满足临床诊断需要,辐射剂量明显下降。     

自动管电流调节技术对主动脉夹层术后的评价及其辐射剂量的研究

目的探讨64排螺旋CT(MSCT),采用固定噪声指数(NI)的Z轴自动管电流调节(ATCM)技术在主动脉夹层术后CT造影中对图像质量及辐射剂量的影响。资料与方法随机将本院主动脉夹层术后的患者100例分为2组,每组50例。A组采用固定管电流扫描技术,均采用280 mA。B组采用Z轴ATCM扫描技术,管电流为100～350 mA,根据体重指数(BMI)不同分为两组:BMI>25 kg/m2者,NI=10;BMI<25 kg/m2者,NI=12,其余扫描参数均一致。将所有图像均传输至ADW 4.3工作站,进行三维及二维后处理,同时记录机器自动生成的CT剂量指数(CTDlvol)、相应剂量长度乘积(DLP)。结果 B组在不影响诊断的情况下,辐射剂量较A组CTDlvol降低了28.3%、DLP降低了30.4%。A组CTDIvol均值为(19.13±1.94)mGy;DLP均值为(1205.59±197.12)mGy.cm,B组BMI>25 kg/m2者CTDIvol均值为(14.82±2.97)mGy;DLP均值为(887.6±177.51)mGy.cm,BMI<25kg/m2者CTDIvol均值为(12.61±2.17)mGy;DLP均值为(789.86±139.33)mGy.cm,所有图像均能满足诊断需要。结论 64排螺旋CT采用固定NI的ATCM技术在主动脉夹层CT造影中可获得较好图像质量,在满足诊断需求的同时降低了患者辐射剂量。     

多层螺旋CT膝关节低剂量扫描对影像质量的影响

目的:探讨多层螺旋CT低剂量膝关节扫描的可行性及其对图像质量的影响。方法:收集2009年5月~10月,100例行膝关节CT扫描者根据扫描的管电压高低分为2组(其他扫描条件不变),每组50例,A组110kV和B组80kV(管电压选择110kV和80kV是依据分别观察10例在此条件下扫描的患者图像,应用80kV而不影响诊断)。测量膝关节髌骨上缘水平后方肌肉软组织固定ROI的CT值,以CT值的标准差(SD)作为图像噪声。通过CT机自动得到平均容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol),再计算出剂量长度乘积(DLP)。获得的图像通过双盲法进行质量评分,对两组CTDIvol值、DLP值、图像噪声、及图像质量评分均值用t检验进行比较。结果:A组和B组的CTDIvol值分别为(5.29±0.23)和(2.08±0.15)mGy,DLP值分别为(61.26±11.64)和(24.21±4.64)mGy.cm,B组较A组下降约(60.68)%,两者之间差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为(82.4)和(20.91),P0.01,B组噪声均值略高于A组(分别为12.22±2.97和16.55±2.96),t=-7.299,P=0.000,但两组图像质量平均评分分别为(4.86±0.40)分和(4.82±0.44)分,差异无统计学意义(t=0.475,P0.05)。结论:16层螺旋CT应用低kV设置(80kV)扫描膝关节可大幅度降低辐射剂量且所得图像质量不影响诊断。     

Reduction of radiation dose estimates in cardiac 64-slice CT angiography in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this prospective investigation in patients after bypass graft surgery were (1) to estimate radiation dose for routine bypass graft computed tomography (CT) angiography, (2) to study the impact of anatomically adapted and ECG-controlled tube current modulation on radiation dose estimates, and (3) effects on qualitative and quantitative image quality parameters. METHODS: Radiation dose was estimated for 194 consecutive patients undergoing 64-slice CT angiography (Somatom Sensation 64 Cardiac, Siemens Medical Solutions). The impact of anatomically adapted tube current modulation was studied in 2 consecutive patients groups. Furthermore, the impact of ECG-controlled tube current modulation, applied as indicated, was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Mean radiation dose estimate for a 64-slice CT bypass graft study was 18.9 +/- 6.0 mSv (CTDIvol 42.3 +/- 12.9 mGy). The application of anatomically adapted tube current modulation had no effect on dose parameters (CTDIvol 43.3 +/- 13.2 vs. 40.1 +/- 12.1 mGy for those with versus those without anatomically adapted tube current modulation, P = 0.1). Additional implementation of ECG-controlled tube current modulation resulted in reduced dose parameters (CTDIvol of 32.9 +/- 2.6 vs. 58.9 +/- 3.9 mGy and radiation dose estimates: 14.7 +/- 1.9 mSv vs. 26.5 +/- 2.1 mSv for those with versus those without ECG pulsing, both P < 0.01). There was no deterioration in image quality with use of tube current modulation algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: The radiation burden associated with 64-slice bypass graft CT angiographies is substantial. Anatomically adapted tube current modulation does not reduce radiation dose parameters, whereas ECG-controlled tube current modulation was associated with a 45% reduction in dose estimates. Application of both tube current modulation algorithms did not result in reduced image quality.     

64层螺旋CT 的自动管电流调制技术（ATCM）的控制参数和辐射剂量的胸部模体实验研究

目的：通过胸部模体扫描探讨影响自动管电流技术的控制参数及影响因素对管电流mA调制效果和辐射剂量以及图像噪声的影响。方法使用GE lightspeed VCT 对模拟胸部模体进行扫描,实验组使用不同的噪声指数（noise index ,NI）,调制方法,扫描层厚,定位像,管电压等组合扫描,并记录CTDIvol值以及测量图像的中心,右侧和体前空气的感兴趣区的标准差（standard deviation ,SD）值。对照组使用固定管电流200mA扫描,比较各种组合的辐射剂量和成像噪声。结果对照组的 CTDIvol 为10．07mGy ,实验组 A ,B ,C ,D ,E 的 CTDIvol 分别为18．58mGy ,24．56mGy ,14.98mGy ,12.46mGy ,11．49mGy均大于对照组。使用smartmA进行角度调制的C组比A组的CTDIvol降低约15％;而使用侧位定位像扫描的实验组D的辐射剂量也与使用正位像的实验组C辐射剂量不同;使用相同的NI值扫描,层厚越薄,调制的管电流越大,辐射剂量越大。图像中心区域的噪声（6．12±0．85）H U的变化要比体侧和体前的噪声（6．73±1．78）HU ,（7．29±1．23）HU的变化小,各层的一致性要好于体侧和体前的噪声。但由于有最大mA调制800mA的限制,在实验组B的肩部几乎都是最大mA扫描,而最后的CTDIvol为31．76mGy。使用联合调制后,各层的平均mA明显减少,而图像噪声的没有统计学改变;NI值升高,辐射剂量减少;管电压改变,辐射剂量改变,但图像噪声不变。结论ATCM技术可以通过实时调整管电流获得各层图像一致的噪声水平。联合调制比Z轴调制更有效的控制辐射剂量而不会带来图像质量的损失。定位像的选择,NI值的设定,扫描层厚的选择,最大mA的设定会影响辐射剂量。     

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.     

64层螺旋CT自动毫安技术对降低下肢动脉 血管成像辐射剂量的研究

目的 探讨64层螺旋CT自动毫安技术(ATCM)对降低下肢动脉血管成像辐射剂量的可行性。方法 通过预实验改变噪声指数(NI)调节管电流,得出NI值为10 HU时图像质量与辐射剂量匹配较佳。搜集52例疑有下肢动脉闭塞糖尿病及高血压病患者病例,随机分为实验组和对照组行自肾下腹主动脉至足底的CT容积扫描,每组病例26例。对照组采用常规固定300 mA(FM组),实验组采用NI为10 HU的自动毫安(ATCM组)技术。分别选择肾下腹主动脉、髋关节水平股动脉、 NFDB1 动脉及踝关节胫前动脉平面作为观察平面,对两种毫安技术的图像质量、图像噪声和辐射剂量均采用 t 检验方法进行统计学分析。结果 FM组的辐射剂量CTDI_vol为10.81 mGy,平均DLP为(1280.4±124.7)mGy·cm,ATCM组的平均CTDI_vol为(5.14±1.23)mGy,平均DLP为(582.86±150.41)mGy·cm,比FM组降低约54.4%,两组差异有统计学意义(CTDI_vol、DLP的 t 值分别为13.13、17.36, P 值均<0.05)。FM组的4个选取平面图像噪声分别为13.8±4.04、14.53±2.79、5.69±1.38、(4.75±1.38) HU。ATCM组分别为10.76±2.11、12.13±2.96、10.47±2.96、(6.17±1.53) HU,两组差异有统计学意义( t 值分别为2.911、3.038、7.287及3.186, P 值均<0.05),ATCM组肾下腹主动脉、髋关节水平股动脉层面的图像噪声较FM组的低,而 NFDB1 动脉、踝关节胫前动脉层面的图像噪声较FM组的高,ATCM组图像噪声变异度小,图像更加均匀。FM组图像质量评分平均为2.654±0.562,ATCM组图像评分平均为2.462±0.582,两组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义( t =1.21, P ＞0.05)。结论 使用噪声指数为10的下肢动脉ATCM技术,在保证图像质量的情况下可以降低辐射剂量约54.4%。     

双源CT冠状动脉造影MinDose技术的应用价值

目的 探讨MinDose技术在双源CT冠状动脉造影中的辐射剂量及对图像质量的影响.方法 连续选取120例患者进行双源CT冠状动脉造影,将患者随机分成A1和A2组,每组60例.A1组ECG-Pulsing预设窗外管电流降为最大管电流的20%,A2组窗外管电流应用MinDose技术降为4%.然后对A1和A2组的图像质量、图像噪声、容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)和有效剂量(E)进行评估.结果 A1和A2两组图像质量评分分别为4.6±0.3和4.5±0.5,差异无统计学意义(t=0.2,P＞0.05).A1和A2两组平均容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)分别为(40.2±9.6)和(36.4±9.1)mGy,有效剂量(E)分别为(9.1±2.2)和(8.1±1.9)mSv,差异均有统计学意义(t=2.2、2.7,P＜0.05).结论 应用MinDose技术不仅可以明显降低辐射剂量,而且能满足诊断要求.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the radiation dose and image quality of MinDose techniques in dual-source CT coronary artery angiography.Methods 120 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac CT scans were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Group A1 with the tube current reduced to 20% of the normal tube current outside the pulsing window,and Group A2 with the tube current reduced to 4% of the normal tube current outside the pulsing window (MinDose).The image quality,noise,volume CT dose index (CTDIvol),and effective dose (E) of these two groups were evaluated.Results The mean score of imaging quality of Group A1 was (4.3 ± 0.3 ),not significantly different from that of Group A2 [(4.5 ±0.4),t=0.16,P＞0.05].The value of CTDIvol of Group A1 was (40.2 ±9.6) mGy,significantly higher than that of Group A2 [( 36.4 ± 9.1 ) mGy,t = 3.2,P ＜ 0.05].The E value of Group A1 was (9.1± 2.2) mSv ,significantly higher than that of A2 [( 8.1 ± 1.9) mSv,t = 2.7,P ＜ 0.05].Conclusion Application of the MinDose technique not only reduces the radiation dose to the patient,but also meets the requirement of diagnosis.     

Chest CT performed with z-axis modulation: scanning protocol and radiation dose

Institutional review board approval of the study protocol and waiver of informed consent were obtained. This study was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the scanning protocol and radiation dose associated with z-axis automatic tube current modulation in multi-detector row CT scanning of the chest. Fifty-three patients (mean age, 54 years; age range, 26-77 years; 25 men, 28 women) underwent 16-detector row chest CT with z-axis modulation and noise indexes of 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 HU. Two radiologists independently compared images acquired with z-axis modulation and fixed tube current (180-300 mA) techniques for image noise, diagnostic acceptability, and depiction of peripheral bronchovascular markings. Tube current-time product was calculated for each study. There was good interobserver agreement between the two readers (kappa = 0.72). Compared with the fixed tube current technique, z-axis modulation provides acceptable image noise for chest CT, with an 18% and 26% reduction in tube current-time product at 10.0- and 12.5-HU noise indexes, respectively.     

Techniques and applications of automatic tube current modulation for CT

Introduction of slip-ring technology with subsequent development of single- and multi-detector row helical computed tomographic (CT) scanners have expanded the applications of CT, leading to a substantial increase in the number of CT examinations being performed. Owing to concerns about the resultant increase in associated radiation dose, many technical innovations have been introduced. One such innovation is automatic tube current modulation. The purpose of automatic tube current modulation is to maintain constant image quality regardless of patient attenuation characteristics, thus allowing radiation dose to patients to be reduced. This review discusses the principles, clinical use, and limitations of different automatic tube current modulation techniques.