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Insights into Imaging

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Open Access 01-10-2013 | Original Article

Comparison of image quality between filtered back-projection and the adaptive statistical and novel model-based iterative reconstruction techniques in abdominal CT for renal calculi

Authors: Varut Vardhanabhuti, Sumaira Ilyas, Catherine Gutteridge, Simon J. Freeman, Carl A. Roobottom

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

Objectives

To compare image quality on computed tomographic (CT) images acquired with filtered back-projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) techniques in CT kidney/ureter/bladder (KUB) examination.

Methods

Eighteen patients underwent standard protocol CT KUB at our institution. The same raw data were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR and MBIR. Objective [mean image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for kidney and mean attenuation values of subcutaneous fat] and subjective image parameters (image noise, image contrast, overall visibility of kidneys/ureters/bladder, visibility of small structures, and overall diagnostic confidence) were assessed using a scoring system from 1 (best) to 5 (worst).

Results

Objective image measurements revealed significantly less image noise and higher CNR and the same fat attenuation values for the MBIR technique (P < 0.05). MBIR scored best in all the subjective image parameters (P < 0.001) with averages ranging between 2.05–2.73 for MBIR, 2.95–3.10 for ASIR and 3.08–3.31 for FBP. No significant difference was observed between FBP and ASIR (P > 0.05), while there was a significant difference between ASIR vs. MBIR (P < 0.05). The mean effective dose was 3 mSv.

Conclusion

MBIR shows superior reduction in noise and improved image quality (both objective and subjective analysis) compared with ASIR and FBP CT KUB examinations.

Main Messages

• There are many reconstruction options in CT.

• Novel model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) showed the least noise and optimal image quality.

• For CT of the kidneys/ureters/bladder, MBIR should be utilised, if available.

• Further studies to reduce the dose while maintaining image quality should be pursued.

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Title: Comparison of image quality between filtered back-projection and the adaptive statistical and novel model-based iterative reconstruction techniques in abdominal CT for renal calculi
Authors: Varut Vardhanabhuti
Sumaira Ilyas
Catherine Gutteridge
Simon J. Freeman
Carl A. Roobottom
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 5/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-013-0273-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Comparison of image quality between filtered back-projection and the adaptive statistical and novel model-based iterative reconstruction techniques in abdominal CT for renal calculi

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Main Messages

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Main Messages

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