The effect of iterative reconstruction on quantitative computed tomography assessment of coronary plaque composition

To compare coronary plaque size and composition as well as degree of coronary artery stenosis on coronary Computed Tomography angiography (CCTA) using three levels of iterative reconstruction (IR) with standard filtered back projection (FBP). In 63 consecutive patients with a clinical indication for CCTA 55 coronary plaques were analysed. Raw data were reconstructed using standard FBP and levels 2, 4 and 6 of a commercially available IR algorithm (iDose⁴). CT attenuation and noise were measured in the aorta and two coronary arteries. Both signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. The amount of lipid, fibrous and calcified plaque components and mean cross-sectional luminal area were analysed using dedicated software. Image noise was reduced by 41.6 % (p < 0.0001) and SNR and CNR in the aorta were improved by 73.4 % (p < 0.0001) and 72.9 % (p < 0.0001) at IR level 6, respectively. IR improved objective image quality measures more in the aorta than in the coronary arteries. Furthermore, IR had no significant effect on measurements of plaque volume and cross-sectional luminal area. The application of IR significantly improves objective image quality, and does not alter quantitative analysis of coronary plaque volume, composition and luminal area.     

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 %.     

Impact of knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction on myocardial late iodine enhancement in computed tomography and comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance

We evaluated the image quality and diagnostic performance of late iodine enhancement computed tomography (LIE-CT) with knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR) for the detection of myocardial infarction (MI) in comparison with late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI). The study investigated 35 patients who underwent a comprehensive cardiac CT protocol and LGE-MRI for the assessment of coronary artery disease. The CT protocol consisted of stress dynamic myocardial CT perfusion, coronary CT angiography (CTA) and LIE-CT using 256-slice CT. LIE-CT scans were acquired 5 min after CTA without additional contrast medium and reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), a hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), and IMR. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed. Sensitivity and specificity of LIE-CT for detecting MI were assessed according to the 16-segment model. Image quality scores, and diagnostic performance were compared among LIE-CT with FBP, HIR and IMR. Among the 35 patients, 139 of 560 segments showed MI in LGE-MRI. On LIE-CT with FBP, HIR, and IMR, the median SNRs were 2.1, 2.9, and 6.1; and the median CNRs were 1.7, 2.2, and 4.7, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 56 and 93% for FBP, 62 and 91% for HIR, and 80 and 91% for IMR. LIE-CT with IMR showed the highest image quality and sensitivity (p?<?0.05). The use of IMR enables significant improvement of image quality and diagnostic performance of LIE-CT for detecting MI in comparison with FBP and HIR.     

Image quality of Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D of coronary CT angiography of 640-slice CT: comparison with filtered back-projection

To assess the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) of 640-slice CT reconstructed by Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction (AIDR) three-dimensional (3D) in comparison with the conventional filtered back-projection (FBP). CCTA images of 51 patients were scanned at the lowest tube voltage possible on condition that the built-in automatic exposure control system could suggest the optimal tube current. They were, then, reconstructed with FBP and AIDR 3D (standard). Objective measurements including CT density, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were performed. Subjective assessment was done by two radiologists, using a 5-point scale (0:nondiagnostic-4:excellent) based on the 15-coronary segment model which was grouped into three parts as the proximal, mid, and distal segmental classes. Radiation dose was also measured. AIDR images showed lower noise than FBP images (45.0 ± 9.4 vs. 73.4 ± 14.6 HU, p < 0.001) without any significant difference in CT density (665.5 ± 131.7 vs. 668 ± 136.3 HU, p = 0.8). Both SNR (15.0 ± 2.1 vs. 9.2 ± 1.7) and CNR (16.8 ± 2.3 vs. 10.4 ± 1.8) were significantly higher for AIDR than FBP (p < 0.001). Total subjective image quality score was also significantly improved in AIDR compared with FBP (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4, p < 0.001), with better interpretability of the mid and distal segmental classes (100 vs. 95 % for the mid, p < 0.001; 100 vs. 90 % for the distal, p < 0.001). Mean effective radiation dose was 2.0 ± 1.0 mSv. The AIDR 3D reconstruction algorithm reduced image noise by 39 % compared with the FBP without affecting CT density, thus improving SNR and CNR for CCTA. Its advantages in interpretability were also confirmed by subjective evaluation by experts.     

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.     

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.     

Image quality in low-dose coronary computed tomography angiography with a new high-definition CT scanner

A new generation of high definition computed tomography (HDCT) 64-slice devices complemented by a new iterative image reconstruction algorithm—adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction, offer substantially higher resolution compared to standard definition CT (SDCT) scanners. As high resolution confers higher noise we have compared image quality and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from HDCT versus SDCT. Consecutive patients (n = 93) underwent HDCT, and were compared to 93 patients who had previously undergone CCTA with SDCT matched for heart rate (HR), HR variability and body mass index (BMI). Tube voltage and current were adapted to the patient’s BMI, using identical protocols in both groups. The image quality of all CCTA scans was evaluated by two independent readers in all coronary segments using a 4-point scale (1, excellent image quality; 2, blurring of the vessel wall; 3, image with artefacts but evaluative; 4, non-evaluative). Effective radiation dose was calculated from DLP multiplied by a conversion factor (0.014 mSv/mGy × cm). The mean image quality score from HDCT versus SDCT was comparable (2.02 ± 0.68 vs. 2.00 ± 0.76). Mean effective radiation dose did not significantly differ between HDCT (1.7 ± 0.6 mSv, range 1.0–3.7 mSv) and SDCT (1.9 ± 0.8 mSv, range 0.8–5.5 mSv; P = n.s.). HDCT scanners allow low-dose 64-slice CCTA scanning with higher resolution than SDCT but maintained image quality and equally low radiation dose. Whether this will translate into higher accuracy of HDCT for CAD detection remains to be evaluated.     

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。     

迭代重建在双源CT冠状动脉成像中的应用

目的与滤过反投影法(FBP)对比,评价迭代重建(IR)在双源CT(DSCT)冠状动脉成像中对图像质量的影响。方法对57例患者进行DSCT冠状动脉成像检查,分别采用常规FBP法和IR法对最佳期相图像进行重建。对图像质量进行主观评价,测量两种重建方法所得冠状动脉图像的CT值、噪声、SNR及CNR。结果 57例患者冠状动脉图像质量评分中,IR图像质量为优的血管段比例为83.18%(628/755),高于FBP重建图像(595/755,78.81%,P=0.030)。FBP重建与IR图像强化水平(CT值)分别为(311.49±63.76)HU、(310.57±64.45)HU(P=0.280),图像噪声分别为(19.58±3.47)HU、(13.11±3.06)HU(P<0.001),SNR分别为16.27±3.89、24.48±5.73(P<0.001),CNR分别为20.63±4.24、30.84±7.24(P<0.001)。结论 DSCT冠状动脉成像中应用IR法可在保证冠状动脉腔内强化程度不变的同时明显降低图像噪声,改善图像质量。     

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.     

A novel iterative reconstruction algorithm allows reduced dose multidetector-row CT imaging of mechanical prosthetic heart valves

Multidetector-row CT is promising for prosthetic heart valve (PHV) assessment but retrospectively ECG-gated scanning has a considerable radiation dose. Recently introduced iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms may enable radiation dose reduction with retained image quality. Furthermore, PHV image quality on the CT scan mainly depends on extent of PHV artifacts. IR may decrease streak artifacts. We compared image noise and artifact volumes in scans of mechanical PHVs reconstructed with conventional filtered back projection (FBP) to lower dose scans reconstructed with IR. Four different PHVs (St. Jude, Carbomedics, ON-X and Medtronic Hall) were scanned in a pulsatile in vitro model. Ten retrospectively ECG-gated CT scans were performed of each PHV at 120 kV, 600 mAs (high-dose CTDI_vol 35.3 mGy) and 120 kV, 300 mAs (low-dose CTDI_vol 17.7 mGy) on a 64 detector-row scanner. Diastolic and systolic images were reconstructed with FBP (high and low-dose) and the IR algorithm (low-dose only). Hypo- and hyperdense artifact volumes were determined using two threshold filters. Image noise was measured. Mean hypo- and hyperdense artifact volumes (mm³) were 1,235/5,346 (high-dose FBP); 2,405/6,877 (low-dose FBP) and 1,218/5,333 (low-dose IR). Low-dose IR reconstructions had similar image noise compared to high-dose FBP (16.5 ± 1.7 vs. 16.3 ± 1.6, mean ± SD, respectively, P = 1.0). IR allows ECG-gated PHV imaging with similar image noise and PHV artifacts at 50% less dose compared to conventional FBP in an pulsatile in vitro model.     

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.     

Image quality of low-dose CCTA in obese patients: impact of high-definition computed tomography and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction

The accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in obese persons is compromised by increased image noise. We investigated CCTA image quality acquired on a high-definition 64-slice CT scanner using modern adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR). Seventy overweight and obese patients (24 males; mean age 57 years, mean body mass index 33 kg/m²) were studied with clinically-indicated contrast enhanced CCTA. Thirty-five patients underwent a standard definition protocol with filtered backprojection reconstruction (SD-FBP) while 35 patients matched for gender, age, body mass index and coronary artery calcifications underwent a novel high definition protocol with ASIR (HD-ASIR). Segment by segment image quality was assessed using a four-point scale (1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = moderate, 4 = non-diagnostic) and revealed better scores for HD-ASIR compared to SD-FBP (1.5 ± 0.43 vs. 1.8 ± 0.48; p < 0.05). The smallest detectable vessel diameter was also improved, 1.0 ± 0.5 mm for HD-ASIR as compared to 1.4 ± 0.4 mm for SD-FBP (p < 0.001). Average vessel attenuation was higher for HD-ASIR (388.3 ± 109.6 versus 350.6 ± 90.3 Hounsfield Units, HU; p < 0.05), while image noise, signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to noise ratio did not differ significantly between reconstruction protocols (p = NS). The estimated effective radiation doses were similar, 2.3 ± 0.1 and 2.5 ± 0.1 mSv (HD-ASIR vs. SD-ASIR respectively). Compared to a standard definition backprojection protocol (SD-FBP), a newer high definition scan protocol in combination with ASIR (HD-ASIR) incrementally improved image quality and visualization of distal coronary artery segments in overweight and obese individuals, without increasing image noise and radiation dose.     

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。     

CT coronary angiography: impact of adapted statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) on coronary stenosis and plaque composition analysis

To assess the impact of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) on coronary plaque volume and composition analysis as well as on stenosis quantification in high definition coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We included 50 plaques in 29 consecutive patients who were referred for the assessment of known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) with contrast-enhanced CCTA on a 64-slice high definition CT scanner (Discovery HD 750, GE Healthcare). CCTA scans were reconstructed with standard filtered back projection (FBP) with no ASIR (0 %) or with increasing contributions of ASIR, i.e. 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 % (no FBP). Plaque analysis (volume, components and stenosis degree) was performed using a previously validated automated software. Mean values for minimal diameter and minimal area as well as degree of stenosis did not change significantly using different ASIR reconstructions. There was virtually no impact of reconstruction algorithms on mean plaque volume or plaque composition (e.g. soft, intermediate and calcified component). However, with increasing ASIR contribution, the percentage of plaque volume component between 401 and 500 HU decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Modern image reconstruction algorithms such as ASIR, which has been developed for noise reduction in latest high resolution CCTA scans, can be used reliably without interfering with the plaque analysis and stenosis severity assessment.     

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。     

Effect of kVp on image quality and accuracy in coronary CT angiography according to patient body size: a phantom study

The aim is to investigate the effect of tube voltage and chest wall thickness on image quality, stenosis measurement, and radiation dose in coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in a phantom study. A phantom with tubes in a box at its center and concentric cylindrical plastic chambers of three layers at its periphery was constructed. The concentric cylinders were filled with oil or left empty to simulate different degrees of obesity. Retrospective CT scanning was performed at different kVps and mAs. Image noise, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), stenosis measurement, and radiation dose were obtained. A CNR higher than 10 was considered to be acceptable for clinical practice. Mean image noise was 51.7 at 80 kVp, 31.6 at 100 kVp, and 24.7 at 120 kVp (P < 0.001). A CNR greater than 10 could be achieved with all the images using 80 kVp as well as using 100 or 120 kVp. However, CNRs at 100 and 120 kVp were significantly higher than the CNR at 80 kVp (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between 100 and 120 kVp. All stenosis measurements were overestimated. Accuracy of stenosis measurement was significantly correlated with CNR (P < 0.05), but not with kVps. Mean doses were 2.07 mSv at 80 kVp, 3.37 mSv at 100 kVp, and 5.17 mSv at 120 kVp (P < 0.001). CNR per radiation dose was highest at 80 kVp, regardless of chest wall thickness. For CCTA, using 80 kVp with high mAs is the best choice, regardless of chest wall thickness, for minimal radiation dose and sufficient image quality.     

新一代基于模型的迭代重建在低剂量上腹部CT中的应用

目的 比较自适应统计迭代重建（ASIR）、常规基于模型的迭代重建（MBIRc）、新一代基于模型的迭代重建（MBIRn）中优化低密度对比设置的MBIR_NR403种算法对低剂量上腹部CT图像质量的影响。方法 采用CT扫描静止状态下水模,比较0.625 mm层厚时滤波反投影算法（FBP）、ASIR、MBIRc和MBIR_NR40的空间分辨率和密度分辨率。1年内接受2次腹部增强CT扫描受检者60例,初次检查采用常规辐射剂量（噪声指数=10）扫描,FBP重建。复查时采用低辐射剂量方案（噪声指数=20）扫描,分别采用标准算法ASIR、MBIRc和MBIR_NR40三种方法重建为0.625 mm层厚的图像后进行对比分析。测量皮下脂肪、背部肌肉、肝脾实质CT值和噪声,计算以皮下脂肪为背景的肝脾实质CNR,采用单因素方差分析比较各重建算法噪声和CNR。由2名放射科医师以常规剂量FBP重建为基础,采用半定量目测评分法盲法进行噪声和细节结构、病变边缘清晰度评分,比较主观评分差异,评价观察者间一致性。结果 体模研究提示MBIRc空间分辨率最高,MBIR_NR40密度分辨率最高。临床研究显示初次检查剂量长度乘积（DLP）为（368.03±146.25） mGy·cm,有效剂量（ED）为（5.52±2.19） mSv;复查时DLP为（93.18±41.21） mGy.cm,ED为（1.40±0.62） mSv,分别下降约74.68%和74.64%。MBIR_NR40重建图像肌肉、脂肪噪声低于MBIRc、ASIR重建和常规剂量FBP重建（P均<0.05）。MBIR_NR40重建图像肝脾CNR大于MBIRc、ASIR重建和常规剂量FBP重建（P均<0.05）。2名放射科医师主观评分一致性优良。低剂量MBIR_NR40主观图像噪声最低、显示上腹部细节结构和病变边缘特征最清晰,优于MBIRc,MBIRc优于常规剂量FBP,低剂量ASIR最差,差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。结论 减少辐射剂量约75%低剂量上腹部成像时,MBIR重建图像质量优于ASIR、MBIRc重建图像及常规剂量FBP图像。     

Influence of iterative image reconstruction on CT-based calcium score measurements

Iterative reconstruction techniques for coronary CT angiography have been introduced as an alternative for traditional filter back projection (FBP) to reduce image noise, allowing improved image quality and a potential for dose reduction. However, the impact of iterative reconstruction on the coronary artery calcium score is not fully known. In 112 consecutive stable patients with suspected coronary artery disease, the coronary calcium scores were assessed. Comparisons were made between the Agatston, volume and mass scores obtained with traditional FBP, and by using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR). A significant reduction of the Agatston score, volume score and mass score was observed for ASIR when compared to FBP, with median differences of resp. 26, 5 mm³ and 1 mg. Using the ASIR reconstruction, the number of patients with a calcium score of zero increased by 13 %. Iterative CT reconstruction significantly reduces the Agatston, volume and mass scores. Since the calcium score is used as a prognostic tool for coronary artery disease, caution must be taken when using iterative reconstruction.     

High-definition computed tomography for coronary artery stents: image quality and radiation doses for low voltage (100 kVp) and standard voltage (120 kVp) ECG-triggered scanning

The noninvasive assessment of coronary stents by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is an attractive method. However, the radiation dose associated with CCTA remains a concern for patients. The purpose of this study is to compare the radiation doses and image qualities of CCTA performed using tube voltages of 100 or 120 kVp for the evaluation of coronary stents. After receiving institutional review board approval, 53 consecutive patients with previously implanted stents (101 stents) underwent 64-slice CCTA. Patients were divided into three different protocol groups, namely, prospective ECG triggering at 100 kVp, prospective ECG triggering at 120 kVp, or retrospective gating at 100 kVp. Two reviewers qualitatively scored the quality of the resulting images for coronary stents and determined levels of artificial lumen narrowing (ALN), stent lumen attenuation increase ratio (SAIR), image noise, and radiation dose parameters. No significant differences were found between the three protocol groups concerning qualitative image quality or SAIR. Coronary lumen attenuation and in-stent attenuation of 100 kVp prospective CCTA (P-CCTA) were higher than in the 120 kVp P-CCTA protocol (all Ps < 0.001). Mean ALN was significantly lower for 100 kVp P-CCTA than for 100 kVp retrospective CCTA (R-CCTA, P = 0.007). The mean effective radiation dose was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for 100 kVp P-CCTA (3.3 ± 0.4 mSv) than for the other two protocols (100 kVp R-CCTA 6.7 ± 1.0 mSv, 120 kVp P-CCTA 4.6 ± 1.2 mSv). We conclude that the use of 100 kVp P-CCTA can reduce radiation doses for patients while maintaining the imaging quality of 100 kVp R-CCTA and 120 kVp P-CCTA for the evaluation of coronary stents.