Youkyung Lee1, Kwang Nam Jin, Nyoung Keun Lee. 1. Department of Radiology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare image quality of iterative reconstruction (IR) to filtered back projection (FBP) in low-dose computed tomography of the chest. METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled. Eight series of images were reconstructed using FBP and 7 levels of IR in each subject. Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and SNR improvement were measured. Two radiologists evaluated subjective artifact, image artificiality, and subjective overall image quality with 4- or 5-point scales. RESULTS: Iterative reconstruction showed significantly lower image noise (135.5 ± 36.6 vs 219.9 ± 40.9) and higher SNR (0.36 ± 0.12 vs 0.21 ± 0.05) than FBP (P < 0.001). Signal-to-noise ratio improvement was 72.4% ± 44.9%. Subjective artifact of FBP was significantly higher than IR images (P < 0.001). Image artificiality of IR was significantly higher than that of FBP (P < 0.001). Overall, subjective image quality was poor in FBP and acceptable or good in IR. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of IR, low-dose computed tomography of the chest would achieve less image noise and better image quality compared to the FBP.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare image quality of iterative reconstruction (IR) to filtered back projection (FBP) in low-dose computed tomography of the chest. METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled. Eight series of images were reconstructed using FBP and 7 levels of IR in each subject. Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and SNR improvement were measured. Two radiologists evaluated subjective artifact, image artificiality, and subjective overall image quality with 4- or 5-point scales. RESULTS: Iterative reconstruction showed significantly lower image noise (135.5 ± 36.6 vs 219.9 ± 40.9) and higher SNR (0.36 ± 0.12 vs 0.21 ± 0.05) than FBP (P < 0.001). Signal-to-noise ratio improvement was 72.4% ± 44.9%. Subjective artifact of FBP was significantly higher than IR images (P < 0.001). Image artificiality of IR was significantly higher than that of FBP (P < 0.001). Overall, subjective image quality was poor in FBP and acceptable or good in IR. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of IR, low-dose computed tomography of the chest would achieve less image noise and better image quality compared to the FBP.
Authors: Cristiano Rampinelli; Daniela Origgi; Vittoria Vecchi; Luigi Funicelli; Sara Raimondi; Paul Deak; Massimo Bellomi Journal: Radiol Med Date: 2015-02-06 Impact factor: 3.469