Tradeoff between noise reduction and inartificial visualization in a model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm on coronary computed tomography angiography

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the image quality performance of coronary CT angiography (CTA) under the different settings of forward-projected model-based iterative reconstruction solutions (FIRST).Thirty patients undergoing coronary CTA were included. Each image was reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D (AIDR-3D), and 2 model-based iterative reconstructions including FIRST-body and FIRST-cardiac sharp (CS). CT number and noise were measured in the coronary vessels and plaque. Subjective image-quality scores were obtained for noise and structure visibility.In the objective image analysis, FIRST-body produced the significantly highest contrast-to-noise ratio. Regarding subjective image quality, FIRST-CS had the highest score for structure visibility, although the image noise score was inferior to that of FIRST-body.In conclusion, FIRST provides significant improvements in objective and subjective image quality compared with FBP and AIDR-3D. FIRST-body effectively reduces image noise, but the structure visibility with FIRST-CS was superior to FIRST-body.

Comparing model based iterative reconstruction to hybrid based iterative reconstruction in stenosis detection during ECG-gated coronary CTA

“…This could be due to the evolving nature of the radiologist's eye ability to detect stenosis as they are used to visualizing high levels of noise from FBP, with MBIR containing less noise than HBIR. Similar studies have demonstrated this phenomenon in their ndings, suggesting that image noise and image appearance have a trade-off relationship (29). A recent study claimed that MBIR has a unique blotchy image appearance deemed "arti cial" or "waxy" in appearance with regards to coronary arteries and pathology evaluation (29).…”

“…Similar studies have demonstrated this phenomenon in their ndings, suggesting that image noise and image appearance have a trade-off relationship (29). A recent study claimed that MBIR has a unique blotchy image appearance deemed "arti cial" or "waxy" in appearance with regards to coronary arteries and pathology evaluation (29). This appearance was proposed to be a contributing factor that affected the diagnostic capability.…”

Evaluation of four computed tomography reconstruction algorithms using a coronary artery phantom

“…FBP was previously used as a traditional technique for CT image reconstruction; however, IR replaced FBP over the past decade because of reduced image noise and preserved image quality even under low-dose CT scanning ( 2 ). However, a trade-off relationship exists between the image quality (e.g., spatial resolution and image texture) and noise reduction for both FBP and IR ( 2 , 18 ). A prior-generation deep learning-based image denoising technique was a clinically useful method that provided lower image noise than HIR in a short reconstruction time (approximately 1–2 min for coronary CTA) without degradation of the spatial resolution ( 19 ).…”

Can fully iterative reconstruction technique enable routine abdominal CT at less than 1 mSv?

“…FIRST algorithm has been evaluated for radiation dose reduction in patients with lung nodules [14,17] and those undergoing CT angiography of the abdomen [12] or coronary arteries [13,[18], [19], [20]]. Our radiation doses (2.2 ± 0.8 mGy) were substantially lower than the prior abdominal CT angiography study with FIRST (7 ± 2.8 mGy) [12].…”