Radiation Dose Reduction at Multidetector CT with Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction for Evaluation of Urolithiasis: How Low Can We Go?

Abstract

Image quality improvements with ASIR at reduced radiation dose of 1.8 mGy enabled effective evaluation of urinary calculi without substantially affecting diagnostic confidence. © RSNA, 2012.

Optimizing z-axis coverage of abdominal CT scans of the urinary tract: a proposed alternative proximal landmark for acquisition planning

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] The researchers primarily evaluated the possibility of reducing the dose by increasing the pitch, 8 lowering the tube current, 9-11 using automatic tube current modulation, 12 reducing the tube voltage 13,14 and using iterative reconstruction algorithms. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Another simple and effective way to reduce the dose is to limit acquisition coverage from the top of the kidneys to the lower edge of the bladder. For the lower acquisition limit, the lower edge of the symphysis pubis bone is an accurate landmark.…”

Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm Improves Image Quality and Helps to Decrease Radiation Dose in 256-Slides Craniocervical CTA

“…The strategy of this study was to reduce the estimated radiation dose during the craniocervical CTA and have better image quality by using iDose 4 in image reconstruction compared to FBP CT. Thus we conclude that HIR algorithm not only improves the image quality but also helps to reduce the radiation dose.…”

“…4 th generation iterative reconstruction technique is better in preventing photon starvation artifacts (streaks, bias) prior to image creation and in maintaining image texture. iDose…”

“…Several approaches have been taken to reduce CT radiation doses, the most important of which is appropriate use by the development of evidencebased recommendations on when the benefits of CT image acquisition outweigh the risks as well as costs. Different iterative reconstruction algorithm has been shown to improve image quality in various CT examinations [3][4][5][6]. The old method were low tube voltage, low tube current have been tested in several studies to decrease radiation dose but clinical implementation is limited because of increased noise and artifacts which can affect the accuracy of diagnosis [7][8][9][10].…”

Ultrasonography is an Adequate Initial Screening Test for Urinary Calculi

“…Kilkarni et al have shown that you can reduce the mean radiation dose for the evaluation of urolithiasis down to 1.8 mSv without compromising diagnostic accuracy, and for patients weighing less than 200 pounds the dose can be as low as 1.3 mSv which is a radiation dose similar to a 2 shot film of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. 9 My opponents will say that sure this is all well and good but most centers are not performing low dose CT. I counter simply with the question "why not?…”