Pediatric 320-row cardiac computed tomography using electrocardiogram-gated model-based full iterative reconstruction

Abstract

BackgroundFull iterative reconstruction algorithm is available, but its diagnostic quality in pediatric cardiac CT is unknown.ObjectiveTo compare the imaging quality of two algorithms, full and hybrid iterative reconstruction, in pediatric cardiac CT.Materials and methodsWe included 49 children with congenital cardiac anomalies who underwent cardiac CT. We compared quality of images reconstructed using the two algorithms (full and hybrid iterative reconstruction) based on a 3-point scale for the delineation of the following anatomical structures: atrial septum, ventricular septum, right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle, main pulmonary artery, ascending aorta, aortic arch including the patent ductus arteriosus, descending aorta, right coronary artery and left main trunk. We evaluated beam-hardening artifacts from contrast-enhancement material using a 3-point scale, and we evaluated the overall image quality using a 5-point scale. We also compared image noise, signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio between the algorithms.ResultsThe overall image quality was significantly higher with full iterative reconstruction than with hybrid iterative reconstruction (3.67±0.79 vs. 3.31±0.89, P=0.0072). The evaluation scores for most of the gross structures were higher with full iterative reconstruction than with hybrid iterative reconstruction. There was no significant difference between full and hybrid iterative reconstruction for the presence of beam-hardening artifacts. Image noise was significantly lower in full iterative reconstruction, while signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher in full iterative reconstruction.ConclusionThe diagnostic quality was superior in images with cardiac CT reconstructed with electrocardiogram-gated full iterative reconstruction.

Chest Computerized Tomography Images under Iterative Model Reconstruction Algorithm in Patients with Lung Cancer

“…In addition, there were reports that the IMR algorithm [15], as an emerging full model iterative reconstruction technology, was mainly used in computer-aided medical imaging diagnosis and analysis to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy, image-based pathological analysis, tumor microenvironment, and heterogeneity research. For example, the highthroughput processing of multimodal images and the analysis of graphics into data can provide quantification of diagnosis basis and have powerful image noise reduction capabilities [16,17]. Based on traditional chest CT, the image quality using the IMR algorithm is good and the noise is low.…”

User-Friendly Vendor-Specific Guideline for Pediatric Cardiothoracic Computed Tomography Provided by the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging Congenital Heart Disease Study Group: Part 1. Imaging Techniques

“…It is not surprising that CT images reconstructed using these new algorithms are not always favorably ranked by radiologists with different and complex subjective criteria and opinions. In general, newer iterative reconstruction algorithms are better than old ones in terms of image noise reduction as well as preservation of anatomic details, contrast, and sharpness (6768). A lower limit in reducing radiation dose without image degradation or a point of diminishing returns by utilizing an iterative reconstruction algorithm was reported to be present; therefore, the image quality may begin to deteriorate below this limit (6970).…”

“…For pediatric cardiac CT, four scan modes, which are target scan, prospective scan, and continuous scans with and without ECG modulation, may be utilized according to the heart rate and the required acquisition window in the cardiac cycle. Among them, the single-beat target scan with the minimum acquisition window is usually sufficient for pediatric cardiac CT (68).…”

“…To reduce the radiation dose of pediatric cardiac CT, ECG-controlled tube current modulation in retrospectively ECG-gated spiral or helical scan and organ-based tube current modulation are available as in other vendors. The most recent version (FIRST; Canon Medical Systems) of iterative reconstruction algorithm can improve image quality of a low-dose ECG-gated pediatric cardiothoracic CT, compared with those an older version (68).…”

Volumetric Paranasal Sinus Tomography in Pediatric Patients: How much can We Decrease the Dose?

“…Çocuk hastalarda tanıya giderken mümkün olan en düşük dozda, tanıya izin veren tetkikler tercih edilmekte ve yaklaşım ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable, makul derecede erişilebilir) prensibi olarak tanımlanmaktadır (17) . 320 dedektörlü BT cihazı (Aquilion ONE, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Japan) klinikte kullanıma girmesiyle birlikte özellikle çocuk hastalarda düşük dozda tetkikler elde edilmesini mümkün kılmıştır (18,19) . Radyasyon dozunu etkileyen diğer parametreler arasında kilovolt, radyasyona maruz kalınan süre (ekspojur zamanı) ve görüntülenen bölgenin uzunluğu bulunmaktadır.…”