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01-02-2012 | Computed Tomography

Comparison of image quality and radiation dose of different pulmonary CTA protocols on a 128-slice CT: high-pitch dual source CT, dual energy CT and conventional spiral CT

Authors: Tobias De Zordo, Klemens von Lutterotti, Christian Dejaco, Peter F. Soegner, Renate Frank, Friedrich Aigner, Andrea S. Klauser, Christoph Pechlaner, U. Joseph Schoepf, Werner R. Jaschke, Gudrun M. Feuchtner

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Objectives

To compare image quality and radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source computed tomography (DSCT), dual energy CT (DECT) and conventional single-source spiral CT (SCT) for pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) on a 128-slice CT system.

Methods

Pulmonary CTA was performed with five protocols: high-pitch DSCT (100 kV), high-pitch DSCT (120 kV), DECT (100/140 kV), SCT (100 kV), and SCT (120 kV). For each protocol, 30 sex, age, and body-mass-index (mean 25.3 kg/m²) matched patients were identified. Retrospectively, two observers subjectively assessed image quality, measured CT attenuation (HU±SD) at seven central and peripheral levels, and calculated signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR). Radiation exposure parameters (CTDIvol and DLP) were compared.

Results

Subjective image quality was rated good to excellent in >92% (>138/150) with an interobserver agreement of 91.4%. The five protocols did not significantly differ in image quality, neither by subjective, nor by objective measures (SNR, CNR). By contrast, radiation exposure differed between protocols: significant lower radiation was achieved by using high-pitch DSCT at 100 kV (p < 0.01 in all). Radiation exposure of DECT was in between SCT at 100 kV and 120 kV.

Conclusions

SCT, high-pitch DSCT, and DECT protocols techniques result in similar subjective and objective image quality, but radiation exposure was significantly lower with high-pitch DSCT at 100 kV.

Key Points

New CT protocols show promising results in pulmonary embolism assessment.
High-pitch dual-source CT (DSCT) at 100 kV provides radiation dose savings for pulmonary CTA.
High-pitch DSCT at 100 kV maintains diagnostic image quality for pulmonary CTA.
Dual energy CT uses more radiation but also provides lung perfusion evaluation.
Whether the additional perfusion data is worth the extra radiation remains undetermined.

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Title: Comparison of image quality and radiation dose of different pulmonary CTA protocols on a 128-slice CT: high-pitch dual source CT, dual energy CT and conventional spiral CT
Authors: Tobias De Zordo
Klemens von Lutterotti
Christian Dejaco
Peter F. Soegner
Renate Frank
Friedrich Aigner
Andrea S. Klauser
Christoph Pechlaner
U. Joseph Schoepf
Werner R. Jaschke
Gudrun M. Feuchtner
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2251-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Comparison of image quality and radiation dose of different pulmonary CTA protocols on a 128-slice CT: high-pitch dual source CT, dual energy CT and conventional spiral CT

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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