Computer-simulation technique for low dose computed tomographic screening

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess the relative influence of noise and artifact in detecting lung nodules on low dose computed tomographic (CT) screening. METHODS: We develop the computer-simulation technique that allows tube current simulation and virtual nodule insertion in any CT images. The tube current simulation uses a reduction model that adds random Gaussian noise distribution to existing projection data. The virtual nodules are generated using a dedicated CT simulation tool with same scanner geometry. RESULTS: The coefficient of the correlations between the contrast-to-noise ratio of the actual scan and simulated tube current images was 0.98. There was no difference in CT number between virtual nodules and actual nodules [t test results = 0.60, t50(0.01) = 2.70 at 10 mA] and the coefficient of the correlations of the image noise was 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique is useful for systematic evaluation of radiation dose reduction and structure visibility in low-dose CT screening.