RSNA 2010 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2010


SSE23-01

Investigation of a Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction Technique for Radiation Dose Reduction with Preservation of Diagnostic Quality in Cadaveric Models

Scientific Formal (Paper) Presentations

Presented on November 29, 2010
Presented as part of SSE23: Physics (Reconstruction)

Participants

Barry David Daly MD, Presenter: Data Safety Monitoring Board, Watermark Research Partners, LLC, Indianapolis, IN
Dhruv Mehta MS, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Katrina M. Read MS, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Lisa Anne Miller MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Alexis Rose Boscak MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

The growing role and volume of CT studies in clinical investigation have raised major concerns about increased individual and population radiation dose. Through quantitative and qualitative assessments on cadaver data we investigated the clinical potential of a hybrid iterative reconstruction technique (IRT) for radiation dose reduction while maintaining diagnostic CT image quality.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Three human cadavers were scanned on a multidetector row CT scanner (MDCT, Brilliance 64, Philips Medical, Highland Heights, OH) at standard dose based on body habitus & weights of 80-205 lbs (120 kVp, 164, 252, 387 mAs, respectively) and subsequently at multiple reduced mA levels. Sample images with subtle anatomic findings, focal pathology and/or artifacts in the mediastinum, lungs, liver, pelvis, and bone were reconstructed with standard filtered back projection (FBP) and the hybrid IRT. Both image quality and artifact presence were blindly scored by 3 experienced radiologists on a 1-5-point scale on all datasets. Quantum noise was measured at shoulder, chest, liver, and pelvis levels. 

RESULTS

Mean reader scores of image quality and artifact presence showed no significant difference between standard-dose FBP and low-dose IRT datasets with body habitus dependant dose reduction of 58%-66% (Wilcoxon rank test). Quantitative measurements of image noise showed no significant difference between standard-dose FBP and low-dose IRT datasets with body habitus dependant dose reduction of 58%-73% (paired t test).

CONCLUSION

In this cadaveric study, subjective reader evaluations and quantitative noise measurements confirm that hybrid IRT can provide diagnostic CT studies of equivalent quality, with a 58%-66% reduction in radiation dose compared with standard-dose studies using FBP reconstruction. Data from this study will provide guidelines for use of IRT applicable to the body habitus of a wide range of patients. These results have special significance as regulatory agencies look for ways to address both acute and cumulative radiation burden in routine clinical imaging.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

The introduction of IRT into clinical use will allow major reductions in radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Cite This Abstract

Daly, B, Mehta, D, Read, K, Miller, L, Boscak, A, Investigation of a Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction Technique for Radiation Dose Reduction with Preservation of Diagnostic Quality in Cadaveric Models.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9007111.html