An initial randomised study assessing free-breathing CCTA using 320-detector CT

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of free-breathing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in adults using with a 320-detector multidetector CT (MDCT).

Methods

In 74 patients who underwent CCTA, 37 CCTA examinations were performed during free-breathing, and the remaining 37 CCTA examinations were produced with the standard breath-holding method. The quality scores for 16 segments of all coronary arteries were analysed and defined as: 1 (excellent), 2 (good), and 3 (poor). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and effective radiation dose of each image were compared between the two methods.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the quality scores between the breath-holding and free-breathing methods (1.10?±?0.31 vs. 1.12?±?0.33; P?=?0.443). The SNR and CNR were not significantly different between the two methods. The overall mean effective radiation dose revealed no significant difference between the two methods (P?=?0.585).

Conclusions

Free-breathing CCTA using 320-detector MDCT showed no significant difference in image quality compared with standard breath-holding CCTA. For patients with difficulties of breath-holding or non-negligible apnoea-related heart rate variability, free-breathing CCTA can be an alternative solution for coronary artery evaluation.

Key Points

? Cardiac CT is becoming widely used and some patients are inevitably breathless. ? Multidetector CT (e.g. 320) offers new opportunities for the breathless patient. ? Free breathing images yielded similar image quality to those obtained using breath-holding. ? However, a possibility of higher radiation dose precludes its routine application.     

Dose reduction in multislice CT by means of bismuth shields: results of in vivo measurements and computed evaluation

Purpose

We investigated the amount of patient dose reduction in the thyroid, lens of the eye and the breast when using bismuth protections in multislice computed tomography (CT) exams as well as their influence on the quality of diagnostic images.

Materials and methods

The radiation dose was measured by using thermoluminescence dosimeters. The study was conducted on the two CT scanners installed in our radiology department (64 and eight slices). The shield effects on the CT image were evaluated by measuring the signal-to-noise ratio in a phantom and in vivo, and by verifying the presence of artefacts on patients’ images. The obtained organ-dose reduction factors were used to evaluate the effects of shielding on the effective dose.

Results

The shielding attenuation ranged from 30% to 60% depending on the CT scan protocols and organs. The difference between shielded and unshielded signal-to-noise ratio was statistically significant but within the standard requirements for quality assurance. Results were in agreement with the radiologists’ perception of image quality. The use of the shields allowed up to 38% reduction of effective dose.

Conclusions

Use of bismuth shields significantly decreases both organ and effective radiation dose, with a consequent reduction in health risk for the patient, quantified in 1.4 fewer cases of radiation-induced tumours every 5 years in our centre (12,100 exams/year), in agreement with the risk factors proposed by Publication 60 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The relative inexpensiveness of these protections, their easy application and their substantial lack of influence on image quality suggest their massive introduction into routine clinical practice.     

The effect of adaptive iterative dose reduction on image quality in 320-detector row CT coronary angiography

Objective

To evaluate the effect of adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR) on image noise and image quality as compared with standard filtered back projection (FBP) in 320-detector row CT coronary angiography (CTCA).

Methods

50 patients (14 females, mean age 68±9 years) who underwent CTCA (100 kV or 120 kV, 400–580 mA) within a single heartbeat were enrolled. Studies were reconstructed with FBP and subsequently AIDR. Image noise, vessel contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the coronary arteries were evaluated. Overall image quality for coronary arteries was assessed using a five-point scale (1, non-diagnostic; 5, excellent).

Results

All the examinations were performed in a single heartbeat. Image noise in the aorta was significantly lower in data sets reconstructed with AIDR than in those reconstructed with FBP (21.4±3.1 HU vs 36.9±4.5 HU; p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between FBP and AIDR for the mean vessel contrast (HU) in the proximal coronary arteries. Consequently, CNRs in the proximal coronary arteries were higher in the AIDR group than in the FBP group (p<0.001). The mean image quality score was improved by AIDR (3.75±0.38 vs 4.24±0.38; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The use of AIDR reduces image noise and improves image quality in 320-detector row CTCA.CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is a robust non-invasive imaging modality with high spatial and temporal resolution that enables accurate diagnosis or exclusion of coronary artery disease [1-4]. However, CTCA usually exposes the patient to a substantial amount of radiation (9.4–21.4 mSv) [5-7]. Therefore, several scanning techniques, such as ECG-based tube current modulation, prospective ECG triggering and reduced tube voltage scanning, have been developed to reduce the patient''s radiation exposure [6-8]. Reductions of the tube current also lead to lower radiation exposure, as the tube current correlates to dose in a linear fashion. However, lower radiation leads to an increase in CT image noise because the current reconstruction method, filtered back projection (FBP), is unable to consistently generate diagnostic-quality images with reduced tube currents [9].Recently, the adaptive iterative dose reduction technique has been developed as a new reconstruction algorithm to improve image noise [10-12], and has already been shown to reduce the radiation dose in clinical practice [13-16]. Adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR) developed for CT by Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a modified iterative reconstruction technique in which the original high-noise image undergoes a number of reconstructions that reduce image noise until the resultant image displays the desired noise level. This technique is expected to reduce the radiation dose for a similar noise level to FBP.To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the quality of CT images using AIDR. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of AIDR regarding image noise and image quality in comparison with FBP, using the same raw data set for both FBP and AIDR, in 320-detector row CTCA.     

Performance of turbo high-pitch dual-source CT for coronary CT angiography: first ex vivo and patient experience

Objectives

To evaluate image quality, maximal heart rate allowing for diagnostic imaging, and radiation dose of turbo high-pitch dual-source coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).

Methods

First, a cardiac motion phantom simulating heart rates (HRs) from 60-90 bpm in 5-bpm steps was examined on a third-generation dual-source 192-slice CT (prospective ECG-triggering, pitch 3.2; rotation time, 250 ms). Subjective image quality regarding the presence of motion artefacts was interpreted by two readers on a four-point scale (1, excellent; 4, non-diagnostic). Objective image quality was assessed by calculating distortion vectors. Thereafter, 20 consecutive patients (median, 50 years) undergoing clinically indicated CCTA were included.

Results

In the phantom study, image quality was rated diagnostic up to the HR75 bpm, with object distortion being 1 mm or less. Distortion increased above 1 mm at HR of 80-90 bpm. Patients had a mean HR of 66 bpm (47-78 bpm). Coronary segments were of diagnostic image quality for all patients with HR up to 73 bpm. Average effective radiation dose in patients was 0.6?±?0.3 mSv.

Conclusions

Our combined phantom and patient study indicates that CCTA with turbo high-pitch third-generation dual-source 192-slice CT can be performed at HR up to 75 bpm while maintaining diagnostic image quality, being associated with an average radiation dose of 0.6 mSv.

Key points

? CCTA is feasible with the turbo high-pitch mode. ? Turbo high-pitch CCTA provides diagnostic image quality up to 73 bpm. ? The radiation dose of high-pitch CCTA is 0.6 mSv on average.     

Feasibility of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography with 30 mL iodinated contrast agent at 70 kVp: initial experience

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, image quality and radiation dose of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with 30 mL contrast agent at 70 kVp.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with suspected coronary artery disease, a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m², sinus rhythm and a heart rate (HR) of less than 70 beats per minute (bpm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Thirty mL of 370 mg I/mL iodinated contrast agent was administrated at a flow rate of 5 mL/s. All patients underwent prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA on a second-generation dual-source CT system at 70 kVp using automated tube current modulation.

Results

Fifty-six patients (96.6 %) had diagnostic CCTA images and two patients (3.4 %) had one vessel with poor image quality each rated as non-diagnostic. No significant effects of HR, HR variability and BMI on CCTA image quality were observed (all P?>?0.05). Effective dose was 0.17?±?0.02 mSv and the size-specific dose estimate was 1.03?±?0.13 mGy.

Conclusion

Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp with 30 mL of contrast agent can provide diagnostic image quality at a radiation dose of less than 0.2 mSv in patients with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m² and an HR of less than 70 bpm.

Key points

? Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp/30 mL contrast agent is feasible. ? Diagnostic image quality can be obtained at a radiation dose of less than 0.2 mSv. ? This protocol is suitable for normal-weight patients with slow heart rate.     

Minimizing the acquisition phase in coronary CT angiography using the second generation 320-row CT

Purpose

We aimed to compare the radiation dose and image quality of a minimal phase window centered at 77 % compared with a wide phase window in coronary CT angiography using the second-generation 320-row CT.

Materials and methods

Eighty patients with heart rate ≤75 bpm were retrospectively included. The first 40 patients underwent scanning with a wide phase window (65–85 %), while the last 40 patients underwent scanning with a minimal phase window centered at 77 %. Subjective image quality was graded using a 4-point scale (4 = excellent). Image noise and contrast-to-noise ratio at the proximal segments were also analyzed. The mean effective dose was derived from the dose length product multiplied by a chest conversion coefficient (κ = 0.014 mSv mGy^?1 cm^?1).

Results

Minimal phase window scanning centered at 77 % reduced the radiation dose by 30 % compared with wide phase window scanning (1.7 vs 2.4 mSv, p = 0.0009). The subjective image quality showed no significant difference (3.75 vs 3.76, p = 0.77). No significant difference was observed in the image noise, CT number, and contrast-to-noise ratio.

Conclusions

Radiation dose could be reduced while maintaining image quality by use of a minimal phase window centered at 77 % compared with a wide phase window in coronary CT angiography using the second generation 320-row CT.     

Radiation dose and image quality of X-ray volume imaging systems: cone-beam computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography and digital fluoroscopy

Objective

Radiation dose and image quality estimation of three X-ray volume imaging (XVI) systems.

Methods

A total of 126 patients were examined using three XVI systems (groups 1–3) and their data were retrospectively analysed from 2007 to 2012. Each group consisted of 42 patients and each patient was examined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and digital fluoroscopy (DF). Dose parameters such as dose–area product (DAP), skin entry dose (SED) and image quality parameters such as Hounsfield unit (HU), noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were estimated and compared using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

Mean DAP and SED were lower in recent XVI than its previous counterparts in CBCT, DSA and DF. HU of all measured locations was non-significant between the groups except the hepatic artery. Noise showed significant difference among groups (P?<?0.05). Regarding CNR and SNR, the recent XVI showed a higher and significant difference compared to its previous versions. Qualitatively, CBCT showed significance between versions unlike the DSA and DF which showed non-significance.

Conclusion

A reduction of radiation dose was obtained for the recent-generation XVI system in CBCT, DSA and DF. Image noise was significantly lower; SNR and CNR were higher than in previous versions. The technological advancements and the reduction in the number of frames led to a significant dose reduction and improved image quality with the recent-generation XVI system.

Key Points

? X-ray volume imaging (XVI) systems are increasingly used for interventional radiological procedures. ? More modern XVI systems use lower radiation doses compared with earlier counterparts. ? Furthermore more modern XVI systems provide higher image quality. ? Technological advances reduce radiation dose and improve image quality.     

Relationship between diverse patient body size- and image acquisition-related factors,and quantitative and qualitative image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography: a multicenter observational study

Purpose

We investigated the effects of patient- and image acquisition-related factors on the image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Materials and methods

We enrolled 1197 patients (728 men; 65 ± 12 years). All underwent CCTA under the routine scan protocol in 23 participating hospitals. The subjective image quality (3-point Likert scale: excellent, good, and poor) and the attenuation of the left and right coronary artery (LCA, RCA) were recorded; the effects of patient and image acquisition-related factors on vascular attenuation were then compared.

Results

The mean LCA attenuation was 515.2 ± 65.8 (excellent), 401.4 ± 63.4 (good), and 319.5 ± 47.6 HU (poor). The corresponding RCA attenuation was 496.6 ± 67.6, 390.5 ± 58.5, and 308.5 ± 50.7 HU, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between sufficient coronary attenuation (> 400 HU) and the age, gender, body surface area (BSA), number of detectors, contrast synchronization, scan mode, and the fractional contrast dose. Multivariate analysis revealed that the bolus tracking method, prospective electrocardiogram gating, and fractional contrast dose were significantly associated with sufficient coronary enhancement.

Conclusion

BSA and fractional contrast dose are the most important patient- and image acquisition-related factors for sufficient coronary attenuation in CCTA.

     

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.     

Prospectively ECG-triggered sequential dual-source coronary CT angiography in patients with atrial fibrillation: comparison with retrospectively ECG-gated helical CT

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of applying prospectively ECG-triggered sequential coronary CT angiography (CCTA) to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and evaluate the image quality and radiation dose compared with a retrospectively ECG-gated helical protocol.

Methods

100 patients with persistent AF were enrolled. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to a prospective protocol and the other patients to a retrospective protocol using a second-generation dual-source CT (DS-CT). Image quality was evaluated using a four-point grading scale (1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = moderate, 4 = poor) by two reviewers on a per-segment basis. The coronary artery segments were considered non-diagnostic with a quality score of 4. The radiation dose was evaluated.

Results

Diagnostic segment rate in the prospective group was 99.4 % (642/646 segments), while that in the retrospective group was 96.5 % (604/626 segments) (P?<?0.001). Effective dose was 4.29?±?1.86 and 11.95?±?5.34 mSv for each of the two protocols (P?<?0.001), which was a 64 % reduction in the radiation dose for prospective sequential imaging compared with retrospective helical imaging.

Conclusion

In AF patients, prospectively ECG-triggered sequential CCTA is feasible using second-generation DS-CT and can decrease >60 % radiation exposure compared with retrospectively ECG-gated helical imaging while improving diagnostic image quality.

Key Points

? Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) can be difficult in patients with arrhythmias. ? Prospectively ECG-triggered sequential CCTA is feasible in patients with atrial fibrillation. ? Prospective sequential imaging can improve quality compared with retrospective analysis. ? Prospective sequential imaging decreases radiation exposure by 64 % compared with retrospective mode.     

Quality control within the multicentre perfusion CT study of primary colorectal cancer (PROSPeCT): results of an iodine density phantom study

Objectives

To assess the cross-centre consistency of iodine enhancement, contrast-to-noise ratio and radiation dose in a multicentre perfusion CT trial of colorectal cancer.

Materials and methods

A cylindrical water phantom containing different iodine inserts was examined on seven CT models in 13 hospitals. The relationship between CT number (Hounsfield units, HU) and iodine concentration (milligrams per millilitre) was established and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) calculated. Radiation doses (CTDI_vol, DLP) were compared across all sites.

Results

There was a linear relationship between CT number and iodine density. Iodine enhancement varied by a factor of at most 1.10, and image noise by at most 1.5 across the study sites. At an iodine concentration of 1 mg ml^?1 and 100 kV, CNRs ranged from 3.6 to 4.8 in the 220-mm phantom and from 1.4 to 1.9 in the 300-mm phantom. Doses varied by a factor of at most 2.4, but remained within study dose constraints. Iterative reconstruction algorithms did not alter iodine enhancement but resulted in reduced image noise by a factor of at most 2.2, allowing a potential dose decrease of at most 80 % compared to filtered back projection (FBP).

Conclusions

Quality control of CT performance across centres indicates that CNR values remain relatively consistent across all sites, giving acceptable image quality within the agreed dose constraints.

Key Points

? Quality control is essential in a multicentre setting to enable CT quantification. ? CNRs in a body-sized phantom had the recommended value of at least 1.5. ? CTDIs and DLPs varied by factors of 1.8 and 2.4 respectively.     

Dose levels at coronary CT angiography��a comparison of Dual Energy-, Dual Source- and 16-slice CT

Purpose

To compare the dose estimates and image quality of Dual Energy CT (DECT), Dual Source CT (DSCT) and 16-slice CT for coronary CT angiography (cCTA).

Methods

Sixty-eight patients were examined with 16 - slice MDCT (group 1), 68 patients with DSCT (group 2) and 68 patients using DSCT in dual energy mode (DECT group 3). CT dose index volume, dose length product, effective dose, signal-to-noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio were compared. Subjective image quality was rated by two observers, blinded to technique.

Results

The mean estimated radiation dose of all patients investigated on a 16 - slice MDCT was 12?±?3.59?mSv, for DSCT in single energy 9.8?±?4.77?mSv and for DECT 4.54?±?1.87?mSv. Dose for CTA was significantly lower in group 3 compared to group 1 and 2. The image noise was significantly lower in Group 2 in comparison to group 1 and group 3. There was no significant difference in diagnostic image quality comparing DECT and DSCT.

Conclusion

cCTA shows better dose levels at both DECT and DSCT compared to 16-slice CT. Further, DECT delivers significantly less dose than regular DSCT or single source single energy cCTA while maintaining diagnostic image quality.     

Dual source multidetector CT-angiography before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) using a high-pitch spiral acquisition mode

Objectives

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical valve replacement in high risk patients. Angiography of the aortic root, aorta and iliac arteries is required to select suitable candidates, but contrast agents can be harmful due to impaired renal function. We evaluated ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral dual source Computed Tomography (CT) with minimized volume of contrast agent to assess aortic root anatomy and vascular access.

Methods

42 patients (82?±?6?years) scheduled for TAVI underwent dual source (DS) CT angiography (CTA) of the aorta using a prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral mode (pitch?=?3.4) with 40?mL iodinated contrast agent. We analyzed aortic root/iliac dimensions, attenuation, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), image noise and radiation exposure.

Results

Aortic root/iliac dimensions and distance of coronary ostia from the annulus could be determined in all cases. Mean aortic and iliac artery attenuation was 320?±?70 HU and 340?±?77 HU. Aortic/iliac CNR was 21.7?±?6.8 HU and 14.5?±?5.4 HU using 100?kV (18.8?±?4.1 HU and 8.7?±?2.6 HU using 120?kV). Mean effective dose was 4.5?±?1.2?mSv.

Conclusions

High-pitch spiral DSCTA can be used to assess the entire aorta and iliac arteries in TAVI candidates with a low volume of contrast agent while preserving diagnostic image quality. Key Points ? Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) offers an alternative to surgical valve replacement in high risk patients. ? Such procedures require essential information about aortic root anatomy and vascular access. ? High pitch ECG-triggered dual source Computed Tomography (CT) can provide this information ? Sufficient image quality can be maintained even with low volumes of contrast agent and reduced x-ray exposure.     

Dual energy CT ventilation imaging after aerosol inhalation of iodinated contrast medium in rabbits

Purpose

To obtain consistent CCTA image quality and patient dose optimization with an individualized tube current selection method based on analysis of CT scout scans.

Methods and materials

The study received a waiver of informed consent from the institutional review board. Initially 100 patients (Group A) underwent CCTA with a fixed mA. The scout view pixel value and CCTA image noise were measured. Their correlation was studied to establish a formula to determine the required mA for obtaining a CT exam with a specific image noise. One hundred patients (Group B) were then scanned with the formula-determined mA. CCTA image quality, image noise and effective dose from the two groups were statistically analyzed. CT findings for 32 Group B patients were compared with the conventional coronary angiography.

Results

An average CCTA image noise of 27.6 HU was obtained (target 27 HU) using the formula with more uniform image noise in Group B (standard deviation 2.4 HU) than in Group A (4.1 HU). There was no statistical difference between image quality scores for the two groups. The effective dose for Group B (7.8 mSv) was 30% lower than for Group A (11.2 mSv) (p < 0.01). CCTA sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and stenosis detection accuracy were 94.9%, 92.1%, 88.9%, 96.5% and 93.2%, respectively, for stenosis greater than 50%.

Conclusion

CCTA mA selection based upon the image characteristics of the CT scout view provides an individualized protocol that generates consistent image quality and helps to reduce overall patient dose.     

Reduced radiation dose and improved image quality at cardiovascular CT angiography by automated attenuation-based tube voltage selection: intra-individual comparison

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of automated tube voltage selection on radiation dose and image quality at cardiovascular CT angiography (CTA).

Methods

We retrospectively analysed paired studies in 72 patients (41 male, 60.5?±?16.5 years), who had undergone CTA acquisitions of the heart or aorta both before and after the implementation of an automated x-ray tube voltage selection algorithm (ATVS). All other parameters were kept identical between the two acquisitions. Subjective image quality (IQ) was rated and objective IQ was measured by image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and figure of merit (FOM). Image quality parameters and effective dose were compared between acquisitions.

Results

Overall subjective image quality improved with the percentage of cases scored as adequate or higher increasing from 79 % to 92 % after implementation of ATVS (P?=?0.03). SNR (14.1?±?5.9, 15.7?±?6.1, P?=?0.009), CNR (11.6?±?5.3, 13.2?±?5.6, P?=?0.011), and FOM (19.9?±?23.3, 43.8?±?51.1, P?P?=?0.048) and mean effective dose (10.6?±?5.9 mSv, 8.8?±?5.0 mSv, P?=?0.003) were significantly lower after implementation of ATVS.

Conclusions

Automated tube voltage selection can operator-independently optimize cardiovascular CTA image acquisition parameters with improved image quality at reduced dose.

Key Points

? Automatic tube voltage selection optimizes tube voltage for each individual patient. ? In this population, overall radiation dose decreased while image quality improved. ? This tool may become valuable for improving dose/quality ratio.     

Coronary CT angiography: image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and potential for radiation dose reduction using a novel iterative image reconstruction technique��comparison with traditional filtered back projection

Objectives

To compare image noise, image quality and diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography (cCTA) using a novel iterative reconstruction algorithm versus traditional filtered back projection (FBP) and to estimate the potential for radiation dose savings.

Methods

Sixty five consecutive patients (48 men; 59.3?±?7.7?years) prospectively underwent cCTA and coronary catheter angiography (CCA). Full radiation dose data, using all projections, were reconstructed with FBP. To simulate image acquisition at half the radiation dose, 50% of the projections were discarded from the raw data. The resulting half-dose data were reconstructed with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE). Full-dose FBP and half-dose iterative reconstructions were compared with regard to image noise and image quality, and their respective accuracy for stenosis detection was compared against CCA.

Results

Compared with full-dose FBP, half-dose iterative reconstructions showed significantly (p?=?0.001 ?C p?=?0.025) lower image noise and slightly higher image quality. Iterative reconstruction improved the accuracy of stenosis detection compared with FBP (per-patient: accuracy 96.9% vs. 93.8%, sensitivity 100% vs. 100%, specificity 94.6% vs. 89.2%, NPV 100% vs. 100%, PPV 93.3% vs. 87.5%).

Conclusions

Iterative reconstruction significantly reduces image noise without loss of diagnostic information and holds the potential for substantial radiation dose reduction from cCTA.     

Assessment of the efficiency of new bismuth composite shields in radiation dose decline to breast during chest CT

Background

Bismuth shield has been recently introduced for radiation protection of patient radiosensitive organs such as breast during chest CT with image diagnosis capability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose reduction and image quality conserve using new bismuth-silicon composite shields during chest CT.

Radiation dose reduction by using 100-kV tube voltage in cardiac 64-slice computed tomography: A comparative study

Objective

To evaluate a 100-kilovoltage (kV) tube voltage protocol regarding radiation dose and image quality, in comparison with the standard 120 kV setting in cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods

103 patients undergoing retrospective ECG-gated helical 64-slice CCTA were enrolled (100 kV group: 51 patients; 120 kV group: 52 patients). Inclusion criteria were: (1) BMI <28 kg/m²; (2) weight <85 kg; (3) coronary calcium score <300 Agatston Units (AU). Quantitative image quality parameters were calculated [image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), intracoronary CT-attenuation (HU)]. Each coronary artery segment (AHA/ACC-16-segments-classification) was evaluated for image quality on a 4-point scale.

Results

There was no statistical difference in age, gender, BMI and eff. tube current (mA s), and the use of ECG-tube current modulation (50.9% vs. 50% of patients) between both groups. 84.2% of patients in the 100 kV group had zero calcium score or less than100 AU, the remaining had between 100 and 300 AU.The effective radiation dose was significantly lower in the 100 kV group with mean 7.1 mSv ± 2.4 (range, 3.4-11.1) compared to the 120 kV group with 13.4 mSv ± 5.2 (range, 6.3-22.7) (p < 0.001) (dose reduction, 47%).In the 100 kV group, the use of ECG-dependent tube current modulation reduced the radiation exposure (by 44.8%) to 5.3 mSv ± 1.1 (range, 3.4-8.5 mSv) (p < 0.001), the dose without was 9.6 mSv ± 1.1 (range, 6.3-11.1).Image noise in the coronary arteries was not different between both groups with 29.8 and 30.5 SD [HU], respectively. CNR in the 100 kV group was with 20.9 ± 6.8 for the coronary arteries and with 19.9 ± 5.9 for the aorta similar to the 120 kV group.Intraluminal CT-attenuation (HU) of the coronary arteries were higher in the 100 kV group (p < 0.001).Image quality on 100 kV scans was excellent in 86.3%, good in 9.2%, acceptable in 3.1% of coronary segments; 1.4% were non-interpretable (in 1/4 due to increased image noise because of BMI >25 kg/m²).

Conclusions

The 100 kV protocol significantly reduces the radiation dose in CCTA in patients with a low BMI <25 kg/m² and a low calcium load while maintaining high image quality and the advantages of helical scan algorithm.     

Low-tube-voltage (80 kVp) CT aortography using 320-row volume CT with adaptive iterative reconstruction: lower contrast medium and radiation dose

Objectives

To evaluate CT aortography at reduced tube voltage and contrast medium dose while maintaining image quality through iterative reconstruction (IR).

Methods

The Institutional Review Board approved a prospective study of 48 patients who underwent follow-up CT aortography. We performed intra-individual comparisons of arterial phase images using 120 kVp (standard tube voltage) and 80 kVp (low tube voltage). Low-tube-voltage imaging was performed on a 320-detector CT with IR following injection of 40 ml of contrast medium. We assessed aortic attenuation, aortic attenuation gradient, image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), volume CT dose index (CTDI_vol), and figure of merit (FOM) of image noise and CNR. Two readers assessed images for diagnostic quality, image noise, and artefacts.

Results

The low-tube-voltage protocol showed 23–31 % higher mean aortic attenuation and image noise (both P?<?0.01) than the standard-tube-voltage protocol, but no significant difference in the CNR and aortic attenuation gradients. The low-tube-voltage protocol showed a 48 % reduction in CTDI_vol and an 80 % increase in FOM of CNR. Subjective diagnostic quality was similar for both protocols, but low-tube-voltage images showed greater image noise (P?=?0.01).

Conclusions

Application of IR to an 80-kVp CT aortography protocol allows radiation dose and contrast medium reduction without affecting image quality.

Key Points

? CT aortography at 80 kVp allows a significant reduction in radiation dose. ? Addition of iterative reconstruction reduces image noise and improves image quality. ? The injected contrast medium dose can be substantially reduced at 80 kVp. ? Aortic enhancement is uniform despite a reduced volume of contrast medium.     

Clinical evaluation of automatic tube voltage selection in chest CT angiography

Objective

To evaluate the clinical impact of automatic tube voltage selection on chest CT angiography (CTA).

Methods

Ninety-three patients were prospectively evaluated with a CT protocol aimed at comparing two successive CTAs acquired under similar technical conditions except for the kV selection: (1) the initial CTA was systematically obtained at 120 kVp and 90 ref mAs; (2) the follow-up CTA was obtained with an automatic selection of the kilovoltage (Care KV; Siemens Healthcare) for optimised CTA.

Results

At follow-up, 90 patients (97 %) underwent CTA with reduced tube voltage, 100 kV (n?=?26; 28 %) and 80 kV (n?=?64; 69 %), resulting in a significant dose-length-product reduction (follow-up: 87.27; initial: 141.88 mGy.cm; P?<?0.0001; mean dose reduction: 38.5 %) and a significant increase in the CNR at follow-up (follow-up: 11.5?±?3.5 HU; initial: 10.9?±?3.7 HU; P?=?0.03). The increase in objective image noise at follow-up (follow-up: 23.2?±?6.7 HU vs. 17.8?±?5.1 HU; P?<?0.0001) did not alter the diagnostic value of images.

Conclusion

Automatic tube voltage selection reduced the radiation dose delivered during chest CT angiograms by 38.5 % while improving the contrast-to-noise ratio of the examinations.

Key Points

? As low a dose as possible must be used for CT angiography. ? Automatic tube voltage selection permits reduced patient exposure. ? Lowering the kVp enables increased intravascular attenuation. ? Automatic tube voltage selection does not compromise the overall image quality.