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01-05-2020 | Acute Pulmonary Embolism | Chest

Acquisition time, radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of dual-source CT scanners in acute pulmonary embolism: a comparative study

Authors: Waleed Abdellatif, Eric Esslinger, Kevin Kobes, Amanda Wong, Jennifer Powell, Ismail Tawakol Ali, Gordon Andrews, Savvas Nicolaou

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Objectives

To compare the scan acquisition time, radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of two dual-source CT scanners (DSCT) for detection of acute pulmonary embolism.

Methods

Two hundred twenty-one scans performed on the 2nd-generation DSCT and 354 scans on the 3rd-generation DSCT were included in this large retrospective study. In a randomized blinded design, two radiologists independently reviewed the scans using a 5-point Likert scale. Radiation dose and objective image quality parameters were calculated.

Results

Mean acquisition time was significantly lower in the 3rd-generation DSCT (2.81 s ± 0.1 in comparison with 9.7 s ± 0.15 [mean ± SD] respectively; p < 0.0001) with the 3rd generation 3.4 times faster. The mean subjective image quality score was 4.33/5 and 4/5 for the 3rd- and 2nd-generation DSCT respectively (p < 0.0001) with strong interobserver reliability agreement. DLP, CTDI_vol, and ED were significantly lower in the 3rd than the 2nd generation (175.6 ± 63.7 mGy cm; 5.3 ± 1.9 mGy and 2.8 ± 1.2 mSv in comparison with 266 ± 255 mGy.cm; 7.8 ± 2.2 mGy and 3.8 ± 4.3 mSv). Noise was significantly lower in the 3rd generation (p < 0.01). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit (FOM), a dose-insensitive index for CNR, were significantly higher in the 3rd-generation DSCT (33.5 ± 23.4; 29.0 ± 21.3 and 543.7 ± 1037 in comparison with 23.4 ± 17.7; 19.4 ± 16.0 and 170.5 ± 284.3).

Conclusion

Objective and subjective image quality are significantly higher on the 3rd-generation DSCT with significantly lower mean acquisition time and radiation dose.

Key Points

• The 3rd-generation DSCT scanner provides an improved image quality, less perceived artifacts, and lower radiation dose in comparison with the 2nd-generation DSCT, when operating in dual-energy (DE) mode.

• The 3.4-times-faster 3rd-generation DSCT scanner can be of particular value in patients with chronic lung diseases or breathing difficulties that prevent adequate breathhold.

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Title: Acquisition time, radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of dual-source CT scanners in acute pulmonary embolism: a comparative study
Authors: Waleed Abdellatif
Eric Esslinger
Kevin Kobes
Amanda Wong
Jennifer Powell
Ismail Tawakol Ali
Gordon Andrews
Savvas Nicolaou
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-019-06650-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Acquisition time, radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of dual-source CT scanners in acute pulmonary embolism: a comparative study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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