A rational approach to dose reduction in CT: individualized scan protocols

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that dose reduction and constant image quality can be achieved by adjusting X-ray dose to patient size. To establish the relation between patient size, image quality and dose we scanned 19 patients with reduced dose. Image noise was measured. Four radiologists scored image quality subjectively, whereby a higher score meant less image quality. A reference patient diameter was determined for which the dose was just sufficient. Then 22 patients were scanned with the X-ray dose adjusted to their size. Again, image noise was measured and subjective image quality was scored. The dose reduction compared with the standard protocol was calculated. In the first group the measured noise was correlated to the patient diameter (rho=0.78). This correlation is lost in the second group (rho=-0.13). The correlation between patient diameter and subjective image quality scores changes from rho=0.60 (group 1) to rho=-0.69 (group 2). Compared with the standard protocol, the dose was reduced (mean 28%, range 0-76%) in 19 of 22 patients (86%). Dose reduction and constant noise can be achieved when the X-ray dose is adjusted to the patient diameter. With constant image noise the subjective image quality increases with larger patients.     

Direct detector radiography versus dual reading computed radiography: feasibility of dose reduction in chest radiography

The image quality of dual-reading computed radiography and dose-reduced direct radiography of the chest was compared in a clinical setting. The study group consisted of 50 patients that underwent three posteroanterior chest radiographs within minutes, one image obtained with a dual read-out computed radiography system (CR; Fuji 5501) at regular dose and two images with a flat panel direct detector unit (DR; Diagnost, Philips). The DR images were obtained with the same and with 50% of the dose used for the CR images. Images were evaluated in a blinded side-by-side comparison. Eight radiologists ranked the visually perceivable difference in image quality using a three-point scale. Then, three radiologists scored the visibility of anatomic landmarks in low and high attenuation areas and image noise. Statistical analysis was based on Friedman tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests at a significance level of P<0.05. DR was judged superior to CR for the delineation of structures in high attenuation areas of the mediastinum even when obtained with 50% less dose (P<0.001). The visibility of most pulmonary structures was judged equivalent with both techniques, regardless of acquisition dose and speed level. Scores for image noise were lower for DR compared with CR, with the exception of DR obtained at a reduced dose. Thus, in this clinical preference study, DR was equivalent or even superior to the most modern dual read-out CR, even when obtained with 50% dose. A further dose reduction does not appear to be feasible for DR without significant loss of image quality.     

Attenuation-based automatic kilovolt (kV)-selection in computed tomography of the chest: Effects on radiation exposure and image quality

Objectives

To evaluate an automated attenuation-based kV-selection in computed tomography of the chest in respect to radiation dose and image quality, compared to a standard 120 kV protocol.

Materials and methods

104 patients were examined using a 128-slice scanner. Fifty examinations (58 ± 15 years, study group) were performed using the automated adaption of tube potential (100–140 kV), based on the attenuation profile of the scout scan, 54 examinations (62 ± 14 years, control group) with fixed 120 kV. Estimated CT dose index (CTDI) of the software-proposed setting was compared with a 120 kV protocol. After the scan CTDI volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded. Image quality was assessed by region of interest (ROI) measurements, subjective image quality by two observers with a 4-point scale (3 – excellent, 0 – not diagnostic).

Results

The algorithm selected 100 kV in 78% and 120 kV in 22%. Overall CTDIvol reduction was 26.6% (34% in 100 kV) overall DLP reduction was 22.8% (32.1% in 100 kV) (all p < 0.001). Subjective image quality was excellent in both groups.

Conclusion

The attenuation based kV-selection algorithm enables relevant dose reduction (∼27%) in chest-CT while keeping image quality parameters at high levels.     

Management of patient dose and image noise in routine pediatric CT abdominal examinations

The aim was to propose a strategy for finding reasonable compromises between image noise and dose as a function of patient weight. Weighted CT dose index (CTDI_w) was measured on a multidetector-row CT unit using CTDI test objects of 16, 24 and 32 cm in diameter at 80, 100, 120 and 140 kV. These test objects were then scanned in helical mode using a wide range of tube currents and voltages with a reconstructed slice thickness of 5 mm. For each set of acquisition parameter image noise was measured and the Rose model observer was used to test two strategies for proposing a reasonable compromise between dose and low-contrast detection performance: (1) the use of a unique noise level for all test object diameters, and (2) the use of a unique dose efficacy level defined as the noise reduction per unit dose. Published data were used to define four weight classes and an acquisition protocol was proposed for each class. The protocols have been applied in clinical routine for more than one year. CTDI_vol values of 6.7, 9.4, 15.9 and 24.5 mGy were proposed for the following weight classes: 2.5–5, 5–15, 15–30 and 30–50 kg with image noise levels in the range of 10–15 HU. The proposed method allows patient dose and image noise to be controlled in such a way that dose reduction does not impair the detection of low-contrast lesions. The proposed values correspond to high- quality images and can be reduced if only high-contrast organs are assessed.     

本院CT辐射剂量参考水平与警示值的建立及其在胸部CT剂量优化中的运用尝试

目的 通过建立本医疗机构胸部CT辐射剂量参考水平与警示值,并以此指导本院进行胸部CT扫描方案与检查流程的优化,控制CT受检者所受剂量水平。方法 连续调取浙江大学医学院附属第二医院2018年1月1日至2019年12月31日进行胸部CT扫描的205 511例受检者资料,根据检查时间将受检者分为改进前和改进后两组。改进前组为2018年度进行胸部CT检查的受检者,共90 507例,改进后组为2019年度进行检查的受检者,共115 004例。设定2018年度胸部CT辐射剂量分布的均值为本院胸部CT辐射剂量指导水平（DRL）,第75个百分位数和第25个百分位数为本院辐射剂量诊断参考范围（diagnostic reference range,DRR）的上限和下限,第97.5个百分位数为本院CT辐射剂量警示值,超过DRR上限则认为辐射剂量偏高,超过警示值则认为辐射剂量超高。根据2018年度胸部CT超高剂量扫描的原因分析结果,对2019年度受检者的胸部CT的扫描方案与检查流程进行改进。统计改进前后行胸部平扫CT、胸部增强CT、肺癌筛查低剂量CT的受检者人次、偏高剂量扫描人次、超高剂量扫描人次、单次扫描剂量;统计改进前后因不同原因造成剂量超高的人次、占比。将改进前后两组受检者各项参数进行统计学比较。结果 改进后本院胸部平扫CT受检者的平均扫描剂量下降8.67%,两组比较差异有统计学意义（t=55.71,P<0.05）,胸部低剂量CT受检者的平均扫描剂量下降20.13%,差异有统计学意义（t=81.99,P<0.05）;改进后胸部增强CT受检者的平均扫描剂量与改进前差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;改进后辐射剂量偏高的胸部CT受检者比率较改进前减少9.18%,其中胸部平扫CT、胸部低剂量CT受检者比率分别减少3.66%、17.15%,改进后辐射剂量偏高的胸部增强CT受检者比率增加1.7%;改进后辐射剂量超高的胸部平扫CT、胸部增强CT、胸部低剂量CT受检者比率较改进前分别减少0.55%、1.06%、1.74%;超高剂量扫描的受检者中,改进后剂量可优化的受检者比率较改进前分别减少4.72%、31.49%、19.18%。结论 建立本院胸部CT辐射剂量参考水平及剂量警示值有助于推动剂量优化,降低受检者平均剂量,避免高剂量扫描。     

Multislice CT of the pelvis: dose reduction with regard to image quality using 16-row CT

To optimize examination protocols of 16-row multi-detector CT (MDCT) of pelvis for dose reduction with regard to image quality. MDCT of pelvis was performed on 12 cadaver specimens with stepwise reduction of tube current from 160 mA (113, 80, 56, 40, 28) to 20 mA at 120 kV. Scan parameters were 16×1.5 mm collimation. Reconstructions of axial and coronal images were used for evaluation of cortex, trabeculum, image quality, image noise, acetabulum and iliosacral (ISJ) joints. After data were blinded, evaluation of images was done by three radiologists according to 5-point Likert scale. Accuracy of the observers in sorting films according to dose reduction was determined with kappa coefficient. Mean values of image evaluation were determined. Pronounced deterioration of image quality for all criteria was observed between 80 and 28 mA. Adequate image quality was obtained at 40 mA [effective dose (E): 2.2 mSv, CTDI_w: 2.8 mGy] for criterion detailed definition of acetabulum and ISJ and at 80 mA (E: 4.4 mSv, CTDI_w: 5.6 mGy) for remaining criteria. Moderate agreement was observed between the three observers (kappa coefficient: 0.31). All observers were excellent in arranging images according to decreasing dose. Using 16-row MDCT image quality of pelvis is acceptable at 80 mA and 120 kV. This translates into a dose reduction of 33% of average value of the nationwide survey of the German Roentgen Society (1999) for this type of examination.J. Gurung and M.F. Khan contributed in equal measure to this studyThis revised version was published online in April 2005 with corrections to author line and addresses.     

两种剂量估算方法在成人胸部CT辐射剂量评估中的应用价值

目的 探讨容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）与体型特异性剂量估算（SSDE）两种辐射剂量估算方法在评估成人胸部CT扫描辐射剂量中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析2017年3月至4月浙江中医药大学附属第一医院128例进行胸部CT平扫且所有图像均能满足诊断要求的受检者的CTDI_vol与SSDE。将受检者按照不同体质量指数（BMI）分为3组：A组,16 ≤ BMI<21.1 kg/m²,38例;B组,21.1 ≤ BMI<23.9 kg/m²,53例;C组,23.9 ≤ BMI<34.1 kg/m²,37例。在两乳头层面测量每例受检者的前后径（AP）、左右径（LAT）,记录每例受检者的CTDI_vol值,计算每例受检者的有效直径（ED）、转换因子（f_size）和SSDE。同时,比较不同体质量指数组CTDI_vol与SSDE之间的差异。结果 3组受检者的SSDE均高于CTDI_vol,A、B、C组分别增加了50.13%、42.83%、33.68%。CTDI_vol和SSDE估算方法3组辐射剂量比较差异均有统计学意义（t=-48.873、-57.001、-32.651,P<0.05）。3组受检者间的ED、f_size、CTDI_vol和SSDE差异均有统计学意义（F=51.456、47.749、113.916、106.449,P<0.05）。结论 SSDE能够评估不同体型的受检者在胸部CT扫描中所受到的辐射剂量,而CTDI_vol过低地估计了受检者受到的辐射剂量,且BMI越小的受检者被低估的剂量值越大,实际受到的辐射剂量越多。     

探讨胸部正侧位定位像在CT CARE Dose 4D技术中降低成人患者辐射剂量的临床价值

目的 探讨胸部正侧位定位像在CT CARE Dose 4D技术中进一步降低成人患者辐射剂量的应用价值和意义。方法 选取胸部CT平扫病例120例,按随机数字表法分为两组,每组60例;试验组使用胸部正侧位定位像定位,对照组使用正位定位像定位,两组均使用CARE Dose 4D技术扫描;记录两组病例的CTDI_vol、DLP及图像噪声,同时由2位医师按双盲法对两组病例图像质量行5分制评分;比较两组病例的CTDI_vol、DLP、图像噪声的差异,对两位医师主观评分进行χ²检验,并用Kappa检验,检验两位医生主观评价结果上的一致性。结果 试验组和对照组病例的平均CTDI_vol和DLP分别为(5.11±0.87)、(6.56±1.74)mGy和(159.58±30.65)、(211.5±65.89)mGy·cm,差异有统计学意义(t=-5.75、-5.88,P<0.05);胸锁关节、气管分叉、左心室水平图像平均噪声值:试验组为12.6±1.8、10.9±1.4、11.1±1.8,对照组为11.5±1.7、10.5±1.6、10.9±1.9,其中在胸锁关节水平两组图噪声值差异有统计学意义(t=5.03,P<0.05),气管分叉、左心室水平噪声差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组病例主观图像质量评分均达到临床诊断要求,2名医师的评估结果一致(χ²=1.37,P>0.05)。结论 成人胸部CT扫描在CARE Dose 4D技术下,通过使用正侧位定位像可以在保证图像质量的同时,进一步降低患者辐射剂量,对临床有一定的应用价值。     

胸部能谱成像模式与常规CT扫描的辐射剂量及图像质量的仿真体模研究

目的 通过仿真胸部体模研究胸部能谱CT不同方案成像模式与常规胸部CT扫描的辐射剂量、图像质量、对比噪声比及主观评分对比,获得最佳能谱扫描参数。方法 对仿真胸部体模分别进行常规胸部CT扫描以及3种不同扫描方式的能谱CT成像。3种能谱模式为宝石能谱CT （GSI）Assist模式（方案A）、管电流平均值时的GSI模式（方案B）及管电流最大值时的GSI模式（方案C）。所有扫描方式分别在噪声指数（NI）=9和11时,螺距0.984∶1,依次扫描。记录辐射剂量,同时测量感兴趣区（ROIs）5个不同层面水平的脂肪和肌肉组织的图像噪声值（SD）以评价图像质量。所有扫描序列由两位资深放射医师对肺窗肺纹理及分支5分制主观评分。结果 NI=9和11时,常规CT平扫与方案A、B、C的有效剂量（E）值分别为（8.0、8.5、6.2、10.4）和（5.3、5.1、4.3、6.2）mSv。NI=9时,常规胸部CT平扫与方案A、C的SD值差异有统计学意义（F=4.496,P<0.05）;NI=11时,方案A、B、C与常规胸部CT平扫SD值差异有统计学意义（F=8.425,P<0.05）;常规胸部CT扫描中,NI分别为9和11时SD值差异有统计学意义（t=－2.570,P<0.05）;在相同能谱扫描模式中,NI不同,SD值差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。NI相同扫描模式不同及扫描模式相同NI不同时,CNR及主观评分差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 合理的能谱扫描模式与常规扫描的辐射剂量没有明显差异,但能谱扫描模式可以获得较高的图像质量。此外,选择合适的噪声指数在图像质量相仿的同时可以明显降低辐射剂量。综合辐射剂量及图像质量,能谱CT智能模式可以达到辐射剂量及图像质量的双向平衡。     

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 multidetector CT of the urinary tract. Studies in a phantom model

A novel ureter phantom was developed for investigations of image quality and dose in CT urography. The ureter phantom consisted of a water box (14 cm×32 cm×42 cm) with five parallel plastic tubes (diameter 2.7 mm) filled with different concentrations of contrast media (1.88–30 mg iodine/ml). CT density of the tubes and noise of the surrounding water were determined using two multidetector scanners (Philips MX8000 with four rows, Siemens Sensation 16 with 16 rows) with varying tube current–time product (15–100 mAs per slice), voltage (90 kV, 100 kV, 120 kV), pitch (0.875–1.75), and slice thickness (1 mm, 2 mm, 3.2 mm). Contrast-to-noise ratio as a parameter of image quality was correlated with dose (CTDI) and was compared with image evaluation by two radiologists. The CT densities of different concentrations of contrast media and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher when low voltages (90 kV versus 120 kV, 100 kV versus 120 kV) were applied. Smaller slice thickness (1 mm versus 2 mm) did not change CT density but decreased contrast-to-noise ratio due to increased noise. Contrast phantom studies showed favourable effects of low tube voltage on image quality in the low dose range. This may facilitate substantial dose reduction in CT urography.     

Dose reduction in chest CT: Comparison of the adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D,adaptive iterative dose reduction,and filtered back projection reconstruction techniques

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR) and AIDR 3D in improving the image quality in low-dose chest CT (LDCT).

Materials and methods

Fifty patients underwent standard-dose chest CT (SDCT) and LDCT simultaneously, performed under automatic exposure control with noise index of 19 and 38 (for a 2-mm slice thickness), respectively. The SDCT images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (SDCT-FBP images), and the LDCT images with FBP, AIDR and AIDR 3D (LDCT-FBP, LDCT-AIDR and LDCT-AIDR 3D images, respectively). On all the 200 lung and 200 mediastinal image series, objective image noise and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured in several regions, and two blinded radiologists independently assessed the subjective image quality. Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test with Bonferroni's correction was used for the statistical analyses.

Results

The mean dose reduction in LDCT was 64.2% as compared with the dose in SDCT. LDCT-AIDR 3D images showed significantly reduced objective noise and significantly increased SNR in all regions as compared to the SDCT-FBP, LDCT-FBP and LDCT-AIDR images (all, P ≤ 0.003). In all assessments of the image quality, LDCT-AIDR 3D images were superior to LDCT-AIDR and LDCT-FBP images. The overall diagnostic acceptability of both the lung and mediastinal LDCT-AIDR 3D images was comparable to that of the lung and mediastinal SDCT-FBP images.

Conclusions

AIDR 3D is superior to AIDR. Intra-individual comparisons between SDCT and LDCT suggest that AIDR 3D allows a 64.2% reduction of the radiation dose as compared to SDCT, by substantially reducing the objective image noise and increasing the SNR, while maintaining the overall diagnostic acceptability.     

儿童胸部CT检查极限低剂量的可行性

目的 以Philips iCT扫描仪为例,探讨机器极限低剂量进行儿童胸部CT成像的可行性。方法 临床建议胸部CT扫描的连续28例儿童患者纳入研究,年龄1个月~7岁,中位年龄8个月。采用Philips iCT 256层螺旋CT扫描仪,进行极限低剂量扫描方案扫描：80 kV,10 mAs,0.625 mm×128,螺距1。首先用迭代重建（iDose⁴ 4）、分别以肺算法和标准算法获得肺算法组和标准算法组两组4 mm层厚图像,再回顾性重建层厚0.67 mm图像（iDose⁴ 4,Smooth A）,转换为4 mm层厚图像（图像转换组）并重组出气道冠状面多平面重组（MPR）图像和容积成像图像。3组横断面图像在同一肺窗条件下进行噪声测量（SD值）和主观评价（5分制）。记录剂量长度乘积（DLP）,并计算有效剂量E。结果 肺算法组、标准算法组和图像转换组的SD值分别为26.7±7.6、15.1±5.5和16.7±4.9,3组间差异具有统计学意义（F=29.6,P<0.05）,肺算法组噪声高于标准算法组和图像转换组（均数差分别为11.6和9.6,P<0.05）,标准算法组与图像转换组之间差异没有统计学意义（P>0.05）。主观评价3组图像均完全达到诊断水平。冠状面MPR和容积图像帮助更好地阅读横断面图像。平均DLP和E分别为（8.65±2.97）mGy·cm和（0.21±0.10）mSv,最低分别至4.40 mGy·cm和0.08 mSv。结论 以Philips iCT扫描仪为例,机器极限低剂量应用于儿童胸部CT扫描完全可行,充分利用迭代重建算法和图像转换可保障图像质量,结合三维重组可更好地进行胸部影像诊断。     

Hepatic CT perfusion measurements: A feasibility study for radiation dose reduction using new image reconstruction method

Objectives

To assess the effects of image reconstruction method on hepatic CT perfusion (CTP) values using two CT protocols with different radiation doses.

Materials and methods

Sixty patients underwent hepatic CTP and were randomly divided into two groups. Tube currents of 210 or 250 mA were used for the standard dose group and 120 or 140 mA for the low dose group. The higher currents were selected for large patients. Demographic features of the groups were compared. CT images were reconstructed by using filtered back projection (FBP), image filter (quantum de-noising, QDS), and adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR). Hepatic arterial and portal perfusion (HAP and HPP, ml/min/100 ml) and arterial perfusion fraction (APF, %) were calculated using the dual-input maximum slope method. ROIs were placed on each hepatic segment. Perfusion and Hounsfield unit (HU) values, and image noises (standard deviations of HU value, SD) were measured and compared between the groups and among the methods.

Results

There were no significant differences in the demographic features of the groups, nor were there any significant differences in mean perfusion and HU values for either the groups or the image reconstruction methods. Mean SDs of each of the image reconstruction methods were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) for the standard dose group than the low dose group, while mean SDs for AIDR were significantly lower than those for FBP for both groups (p = 0.0006 and 0.013). Radiation dose reductions were approximately 45%.

Conclusions

Image reconstruction method did not affect hepatic perfusion values calculated by dual-input maximum slope method with or without radiation dose reductions. AIDR significantly reduced images noises.     

X-ray imaging of the chest in Switzerland in 1998: a nationwide survey

The use in Switzerland of three chest X-ray imaging modalities is studied. The frequency and dosimetric aspects associated with chest radiography, chest CT, and photofluorography are investigated and the Swiss figures are compared with those of other countries. The frequencies are established by means of a nationwide survey performed in 1998, whereas the doses are determined by modelling, based on the technical parameters of the examinations. The annual frequencies of chest radiography, chest CT, and photofluorography are 201, 7, and 7 per thousand population, respectively. The standard effective doses related to these three types of examinations are 0.057, 9, and 0.13 mSv, respectively. The collective dose associated with chest X-ray imaging amounts to 606 man.Sv, representing 8.5% of the total collective dose due to diagnostic and interventional radiology. The geographic and seasonal variations, as well as the distribution with the medical specialty and with the age of the patient, are established. The Swiss results compare well with the average data published in the literature for other countries of similar health care level. Chest radiography shows a significant decrease with time. It dropped by a factor of 2 in 20 years. The conformity of the indication of chest X-ray modalities with referral guidelines is also investigated. Electronic Publication     

64排螺旋CT在线剂量调节技术在胸部CT扫描中的应用价值

目的探讨64排螺旋CT在线剂量调节技术（4D CARE Dose）在胸部CT扫描中的应用价值。方法选择我院2011年6月进行胸部螺旋CT扫描的患者60例,按体重分级后随机分为实验组和对照组,对照组使用固定曝光参数扫描,实验组使用自动曝光控制参数扫描,分别记录每次扫描的CT容积剂量指数（CTDI vol）,对比分析,并运用SPSS 13.0软件进行统计学分析（可信度为95%）。结果在图像质量满足临床影像诊断的前提下,运用4D CARE Dose剂量调节的容积剂量指数（实验组）,体重65kg以下组最小剂量3.62mGy,最大剂量6.42mGy;体重65-75kg组最小剂量4.89mGy,最大剂量8.43mGy;体重75kg以上组最小剂量6.37mGy,最大剂量10.22mGy。固定扫描参数的容积剂量指数（对照组）体重65kg以下组剂量6.68mGy;体重65-75kg组剂量9.32mGy;体重75kg以上组剂量12.08mGy。结论胸部螺旋64排螺旋CT扫描时,运用在线剂量调节技术（4D CARE Dose）与固定扫描条件相比,患者接受辐射剂量明显降低。     

双源双能量CT肺动脉成像辐射剂量与图像质量的比较研究

_目的：比较第一代双源双能量 CT（DECT）与第二代双源双能量 CT 肺动脉成像（CTPA）的辐射剂量和图像质量。方法：120例疑似肺栓塞患者行 DE-CTPA 检查,其中40例患者行第二代双源 DECT 80/Sn140 kV 检查（第一组）,40例患者行第二代双源 DECT 100/Sn140 kV 检查（第二组）,40例患者行第一代双源 DECT 140/80 kV 检查（第三组）。测量每例患者肺动脉主干、肺动脉段、空气及背部脂肪的 CT 值及标准差,对肺动脉图像进行主观评分,计算图像信噪比（SNR）、对比噪声比（CNR）及每例患者的有效剂量（ED）。结果：第一组肺动脉平均 CT 值[（354．1±73．4）HU]明显高于第二组[（290．1±73．1）HU,P＜0．001]和第三组[（303．9±73．3）HU,P＜0．001],但第二组与第三组差异无统计学意义（P＝0．399）;第三组平均 SNR（24．8±8．4）低于第一组（40．4±12．9,P＜0．001）和第二组（44．6±12．9,P＜0．001）,但第一组与第二组差异无统计学意义（P＝0．115）。第一组平均 CNR（435．3±77．7）明显高于第二组（355．8±77．8,P＜0．001）和第三组（384．8±79．0,P＝0．005）,但第二组与第三组差异无统计学意义（P＝0．100）。三组图像主观质量评分差异无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。第一组的 ED[（1．2±0．3）mSv]明显低于第二组[（2．4±0．7）mSv]和第三组[（3．0±0．7）mSv],差异均有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。结论：第二代双源 DECT 80/Sn140 kV 扫描方案可在大幅度降低辐射剂量的同时获得满足诊断需求的图像。     

Radiation Dose Reduction of Chest CT with Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space - Part I: Studies on Image Quality Using Dual Source CT

Objective

To determine whether the image quality (IQ) is improved with iterative reconstruction in image space (IRIS), and whether IRIS can be used for radiation reduction in chest CT.

Materials and Methods

Standard dose chest CT (SDCT) in 50 patients and low dose chest CT (LDCT) in another 50 patients were performed, using a dual-source CT, with 120 kVp and same reference mAs (50 mAs for SDCT and 25 mAs for LDCT) employed to both tubes by modifying a dual-energy scan mode. Full-dose data were obtained by combining the data from both tubes and half-dose data were separated from a single tube. These were reconstructed by using a filtered back projection (FBP) and IRIS: full-dose FBP (F-FBP); full-dose IRIS (F-IRIS); half-dose FBP (H-FBP) and half-dose IRIS (H-IRIS). Objective noise was measured. The subjective IQ was evaluated by radiologists for the followings: noise, contrast and sharpness of mediastinum and lung.

Results

Objective noise was significantly lower in H-IRIS than in F-FBP (p < 0.01). In both SDCT and LDCT, the IQ scores were highest in F-IRIS, followed by F-FBP, H-IRIS and H-FBP, except those for sharpness of mediastinum, which tended to be higher in FBP. When comparing CT images between the same dose and different reconstruction (F-IRIS/F-FBP and H-IRIS/H-FBP) algorithms, scores tended to be higher in IRIS than in FBP, being more distinct in half-dose images. However, despite the use of IRIS, the scores were lower in H-IRIS than in F-FBP.

Conclusion

IRIS generally helps improve the IQ, being more distinct at the reduced radiation. However, reduced radiation by half results in IQ decrease even when using IRIS in chest CT.     

不同年龄段儿童与成人肺部CT扫描体型特异性剂量估计

目的 使用常规辐射剂量评估参数与体型特异性剂量估计方法比较不同年龄段儿童和成人肺部CT扫描时所受辐射剂量的差异。方法 回顾性连续抽样华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院2017年1月至2018年7月肺部CT扫描患者,共406例,按照年龄分为6组（0~2岁、3~6岁、7~10岁、11~14岁、15~18岁、18岁以上）。基于MATLAB平台开发的dicom数据处理软件,抽取每例患者的容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）值、剂量长度乘积（DLP）值,同时根据美国医学物理师学会（AAPM）220报告提出的体型特异性剂量估计（SSDE）方法,计算每例患者的水当量直径D_w及SSDE值。分析分别使用两种方法时,不同年龄段儿童和成人肺部CT扫描时所受辐射剂量的差异。结果 各年龄组CTDI_vol值均显著低于SSDE值,差异有统计学意义（t=-36.36、-32.83、-30.36、-28.74、-23.89,P<0.05）,不同年龄组SSDE值较CTDI_vol值分别增加137%、94%、79%、57%、42%。成人组的CTDI_vol值同样低于SSDE值,差异有统计学意义（t=-21.92,P<0.05）,SSDE值较CTDI_vol值增加41%。随着年龄的升高,各年龄组儿童患者CTDI_vol值、DLP值、D_w值、SSDE值逐渐升高,并均明显小于成人组,差异有统计学意义（F=63.39、203.28、89.27、103.44,P<0.05）。各年龄组的转换系数f随着年龄的增加显著降低,均明显高于成人组,差异有统计学意义（F=109.83,P<0.05）。结论 在肺部扫描中,相比于成人,CTDI_vol会严重地低估儿童所受的辐射剂量,年龄越小的患者,被低估得越严重,而SSDE方法考虑到受检者体型差异,能够更准确地反映不同患者所受的辐射剂量。