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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 10/2020

Open Access 01-10-2020 | Computed Tomography | Computed Tomography

Image quality evaluation of dual-layer spectral CT in comparison to single-layer CT in a reduced-dose setting

Authors: Thuy Duong Do, Stephan Rheinheimer, Hans-Ulrich Kauczor, Wolfram Stiller, Tim Weber, Stephan Skornitzke

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2020

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Abstract

Objectives

To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate image quality in dual-layer CT (DLCT) compared to single-layer CT (SLCT) in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis in a reduced-dose setting.

Methods

Intraindividual, retrospective comparisons were performed in 25 patients who received at least one acquisition of all three acquisition protocols SLCTlow (100 kVp), DLCThigh (120 kVp), and DLCTlow (120 kVp), all covering the venous-phase thorax, abdomen, and pelvis with matched CTDIvol between SLCTlow and DLCTlow. Reconstruction parameters were identical between all scans. Image quality was assessed quantitatively at 10 measurement locations in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis by two independent observers, and subjectively with an intraindividual forced choice test between the three acquisitions. Dose-length product (DLP) and CTDIvol were extracted for dose comparison.

Results

Despite matched CTDIvol in acquisition protocols, CTDIvol and DLP were lower for SLCTlow compared to DLCTlow and DLCThigh (DLP 408.58, 444.68, 647.08 mGy·cm, respectively; p < 0.0004), as automated tube current modulation for DLCTlow reached the lower limit in the thorax (mean 66.1 mAs vs limit 65 mAs). Noise and CNR were comparable between SLCTlow and DLCTlow (p values, 0.29–0.51 and 0.05–0.20), but CT numbers were significantly higher for organs and vessels in the upper abdomen for SLCTlow compared to DLCTlow. DLCThigh had significantly better image quality (Noise and CNR). Subjective image quality was superior for DLCThigh, but no difference was found between SLCTlow and DLCTlow.

Conclusions

DLCTlow showed comparable image quality to SLCTlow, with the additional possibility of spectral post-processing. Further dose reduction seems possible by decreasing the lower limit of the tube current for the thorax.

Key Points

• Clinical use of reduced-dose DLCT is feasible despite the required higher tube potential.
• DLCT with reduced dose shows comparable objective and subjective image quality to reduced-dose SLCT.
• Further dose reduction in the thorax might be possible by adjusting mAs thresholds.
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Metadata
Title
Image quality evaluation of dual-layer spectral CT in comparison to single-layer CT in a reduced-dose setting
Authors
Thuy Duong Do
Stephan Rheinheimer
Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
Wolfram Stiller
Tim Weber
Stephan Skornitzke
Publication date
01-10-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-06894-7

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