Boris Bodelle MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Boris Schulz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Firas Al-Butmeh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Lehnert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Julian Lukas Wichmann MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Claudia Frellesen, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ralf W. Bauer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Siemens AG Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG

Josef Matthias Kerl MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Siemens AG Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG

Thomas Josef Vogl MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare image quality (IQ) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in brain computed tomography (CT) with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) and filtered-back-projection (FBP) reconstruction techniques at standard and low dose tube current levels.

The study was approved by the IRB. 54 patients (mean age 64 ± 20 years) in group 1 and 40 patients in group 2 (mean age 57 ± 23 years) received CT at two different tube current–time products (group 1: 340 mAs; group 2: 260 mAs) in a multi-detector CT. Images were reconstructed with FBP and five different iterative strengths (S1-5) and were ranked (5-point scale) by two radiologists for IQ and ICH in a blinded manner. Image noise (IN), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), dose-length product (DLP, mGycm) and mean effective dose (mSv) were calculated.

FBP at standard 340 mAs and S1 at 260 mAs showed no statistical significance (p < 0.05) for subjective rating. IN was higher (p < 0.05) in group 2. SNR increased with higher strength of SAFIRE in both groups. There was predominantly no significant difference in SNR between FBP and S1. Highest SNR was achieved with S5. Best score for subjective rating of IQ/ICH was achieved with S3/S4-5. Patients were exposed to a significantly lower dose in group 2 (mean: 744 mGycm/1.71 mSv) than group 1 (mean: 1045 mGycm/2.40 mSv, p<0.01).

SAFIRE provides better IQ and visualization of ICH in brain CT. Dose reduction by almost one-third is possible without significant loss in diagnostic quality.

Sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction technique provides better image quality and visualization of intracranial hemorrhage in brain CT with almost one-third dose reduction compared with FBP.

Bodelle, B, Schulz, B, Al-Butmeh, F, Lehnert, T, Wichmann, J, Frellesen, C, Bauer, R, Kerl, J, Vogl, T, Acute Intracranial Hemorrhage in Computed Tomography - Benefits of Sinogram-affirmed Iterative Reconstruction Techniques.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13017183.html