Iterative reconstruction and individualized automatic tube current selection reduce radiation dose while maintaining image quality in 320-multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography

M C Williams, N W Weir, S Mirsadraee, F Millar, A Baird, F Minns, N G Uren, G McKillop, R K Bull, E J R van Beek, J H Reid, D E Newby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim

To assess the effect of two iterative reconstruction algorithms (AIDR and AIDR3D) and individualized automatic tube current selection on radiation dose and image quality in computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA).

Materials and methods

In a single-centre cohort study, 942 patients underwent electrocardiogram-gated CTCA using a 320-multidetector CT system. Images from group 1 (n = 228) were reconstructed with a filtered back projection algorithm (Quantum Denoising Software, QDS+). Iterative reconstruction was used for group 2 (AIDR, n = 379) and group 3 (AIDR3D, n = 335). Tube current was selected based on body mass index (BMI) for groups 1 and 2, and selected automatically based on scout image attenuation for group 3. Subjective image quality was graded on a four-point scale (1 = excellent, 4 = non-diagnostic).

Results

There were no differences in age (p = 0.975), body mass index (p = 0.435), or heart rate (p = 0.746) between the groups. Image quality improved with iterative reconstruction and automatic tube current selection [1.3 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.2–1.4), 1.2 (1.1–1.2) and 1.1 (1–1.2) respectively; p < 0.001] and radiation dose decreased [274 (260–290), 242 (230–253) and 168 (156–180) mGy cm, respectively; p < 0.001].

Conclusion

The application of the latest iterative reconstruction algorithm and individualized automatic tube current selection can substantially reduce radiation dose whilst improving image quality in CTCA.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e570-7
JournalClinical Radiology
Volume68
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2013

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