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01-03-2013 | Computed Tomography

Image quality of ultra-low radiation exposure coronary CT angiography with an effective dose <0.1 mSv using high-pitch spiral acquisition and raw data-based iterative reconstruction

Authors: Annika Schuhbaeck, Stephan Achenbach, Christian Layritz, Jasmin Eisentopf, Franziska Hecker, Tobias Pflederer, Soeren Gauss, Johannes Rixe, Willi Kalender, Werner G. Daniel, Michael Lell, Dieter Ropers

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Objectives

We evaluated the potential of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition with low tube voltage and current in combination with iterative reconstruction to achieve coronary CT angiography with sufficient image quality at an effective dose below 0.1 mSv.

Methods

Contrast-enhanced coronary dual source CT angiography (2 × 128 × 0.6 mm, 80 kV, 50 mAs) in prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition mode was performed in 21 consecutive individuals (body weight <100 kg, heart rate ≤60/min). Images were reconstructed with raw data-based filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR). Image quality was assessed on a 4-point scale (1 = no artefacts, 4 = unevaluable).

Results

Mean effective dose was 0.06 ± 0.01 mSv. Image noise was significantly reduced in IR (128.9 ± 46.6 vs. 158.2 ± 44.7 HU). The mean image quality score was lower for IR (1.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.0001). Of 292 coronary segments, 55 in FBP and 40 in IR (P = 0.12) were graded “unevaluable”. In patients with a body weight ≤75 kg, both in FBP and in IR, the rates of fully evaluable segments were significantly higher in comparison to patients >75 kg.

Conclusions

Coronary CT angiography with an estimated effective dose <0.1 mSv may provide sufficient image quality in selected patients through the combination of high-pitch spiral acquisition and raw data-based iterative reconstruction.

Key Points

• Coronary CT angiography with an estimated effective dose <0.1 mSv is possible.

• Combination of high-pitch spiral acquisition with iterative reconstruction achieves sufficient image quality.

• Diagnostic accuracy remains to be assessed in future trials.

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Title: Image quality of ultra-low radiation exposure coronary CT angiography with an effective dose <0.1 mSv using high-pitch spiral acquisition and raw data-based iterative reconstruction
Authors: Annika Schuhbaeck
Stephan Achenbach
Christian Layritz
Jasmin Eisentopf
Franziska Hecker
Tobias Pflederer
Soeren Gauss
Johannes Rixe
Willi Kalender
Werner G. Daniel
Michael Lell
Dieter Ropers
Publication date: 01-03-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2656-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Image quality of ultra-low radiation exposure coronary CT angiography with an effective dose <0.1 mSv using high-pitch spiral acquisition and raw data-based iterative reconstruction

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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