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European Radiology

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01-01-2017 | Computed Tomography

Automatic spectral imaging protocol selection and iterative reconstruction in abdominal CT with reduced contrast agent dose: initial experience

Authors: Peijie Lv, Jie Liu, Yaru Chai, Xiaopeng Yan, Jianbo Gao, Junqiang Dong

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, image quality, and radiation dose of automatic spectral imaging protocol selection (ASIS) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) with reduced contrast agent dose in abdominal multiphase CT.

Methods

One hundred and sixty patients were randomly divided into two scan protocols (n = 80 each; protocol A, 120 kVp/450 mgI/kg, filtered back projection algorithm (FBP); protocol B, spectral CT imaging with ASIS and 40 to 70 keV monochromatic images generated per 300 mgI/kg, ASIR algorithm. Quantitative parameters (image noise and contrast-to-noise ratios [CNRs]) and qualitative visual parameters (image noise, small structures, organ enhancement, and overall image quality) were compared.

Results

Monochromatic images at 50 keV and 60 keV provided similar or lower image noise, but higher contrast and overall image quality as compared with 120-kVp images. Despite the higher image noise, 40-keV images showed similar overall image quality compared to 120-kVp images. Radiation dose did not differ between the two protocols, while contrast agent dose in protocol B was reduced by 33 %.

Conclusion

Application of ASIR and ASIS to monochromatic imaging from 40 to 60 keV allowed contrast agent dose reduction with adequate image quality and without increasing radiation dose compared to 120 kVp with FBP.

Key Points

• Automatic spectral imaging protocol selection provides appropriate scan protocols.

• Abdominal CT is feasible using spectral imaging and 300 mgI/kg contrast agent.

• 50-keV monochromatic images with 50 % ASIR provide optimal image quality.

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Title: Automatic spectral imaging protocol selection and iterative reconstruction in abdominal CT with reduced contrast agent dose: initial experience
Authors: Peijie Lv
Jie Liu
Yaru Chai
Xiaopeng Yan
Jianbo Gao
Junqiang Dong
Publication date: 01-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4349-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Automatic spectral imaging protocol selection and iterative reconstruction in abdominal CT with reduced contrast agent dose: initial experience

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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