Holger Haubenreisser1, Christian Fink1, John W Nance1, Martin Sedlmair2, Bernhard Schmidt2, Stefan O Schoenberg1, Thomas Henzler3. 1. Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany. 2. Siemens Healthcare, Division CT, Forchheim, Germany. 3. Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany. Electronic address: thomas.henzler@medma.uni-heidelberg.de.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To prospectively compare image quality of cranial computed tomography (CCT) examinations with varying slice widths using traditional filtered back projection (FBP) versus sinogram-affirmed iterative image reconstruction (SAFIRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 29 consecutive patients (14 men, mean age: 72 ± 17 years) referred for a total of 40 CCT studies were prospectively included. Each CCT raw data set was reconstructed with FBP and SAFIRE at 5 slice widths (1-5mm; 1mm increments). Objective image quality was assessed in three predefined regions of the brain (white matter, thalamus, cerebellum) using identical regions of interest (ROIs). Subjective image quality was assessed by 2 experienced radiologists. Objective and subjective image quality parameters were statistically compared between FBP and SAFIRE reconstructions. RESULTS: SAFIRE reconstructions resulted in mean noise reductions of 43.8% in the white matter, 45.6% in the thalamus and 42.0% in the cerebellum (p<0.01) compared to FBP on non contrast-enhanced 1mm slice width images. Corresponding mean noise reductions on 1mm contrast-enhanced studies were 45.7%, 47.3%, and 45.0% in the white matter, thalamus, and cerebellum, respectively (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in mean attenuation of any region or slice width between the two reconstruction methods (all p>0.05). Subjective image quality of IR images was mostly rated higher than that of the FBP images. CONCLUSION: Compared to FBP, SAFIRE provides significant reductions in image noise while increasing subjective image in CCT, particularly when thinner slices are used. Therefore, SAFIRE may allow utilization of thinner slices in CCT, potentially reducing partial volume effects and improving diagnostic accuracy.
PURPOSE: To prospectively compare image quality of cranial computed tomography (CCT) examinations with varying slice widths using traditional filtered back projection (FBP) versus sinogram-affirmed iterative image reconstruction (SAFIRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 29 consecutive patients (14 men, mean age: 72 ± 17 years) referred for a total of 40 CCT studies were prospectively included. Each CCT raw data set was reconstructed with FBP and SAFIRE at 5 slice widths (1-5mm; 1mm increments). Objective image quality was assessed in three predefined regions of the brain (white matter, thalamus, cerebellum) using identical regions of interest (ROIs). Subjective image quality was assessed by 2 experienced radiologists. Objective and subjective image quality parameters were statistically compared between FBP and SAFIRE reconstructions. RESULTS: SAFIRE reconstructions resulted in mean noise reductions of 43.8% in the white matter, 45.6% in the thalamus and 42.0% in the cerebellum (p<0.01) compared to FBP on non contrast-enhanced 1mm slice width images. Corresponding mean noise reductions on 1mm contrast-enhanced studies were 45.7%, 47.3%, and 45.0% in the white matter, thalamus, and cerebellum, respectively (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in mean attenuation of any region or slice width between the two reconstruction methods (all p>0.05). Subjective image quality of IR images was mostly rated higher than that of the FBP images. CONCLUSION: Compared to FBP, SAFIRE provides significant reductions in image noise while increasing subjective image in CCT, particularly when thinner slices are used. Therefore, SAFIRE may allow utilization of thinner slices in CCT, potentially reducing partial volume effects and improving diagnostic accuracy.
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Authors: Holger Wenz; Máté E Maros; Mathias Meyer; Alex Förster; Holger Haubenreisser; Stefan Kurth; Stefan O Schoenberg; Thomas Flohr; Christianne Leidecker; Christoph Groden; Johann Scharf; Thomas Henzler Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-08-19 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Holger Wenz; Máté E Maros; Mathias Meyer; Joshua Gawlitza; Alex Förster; Holger Haubenreisser; Stefan Kurth; Stefan O Schoenberg; Christoph Groden; Thomas Henzler Journal: Eur J Radiol Open Date: 2016-07-26