CT of the pancreas: comparison of image quality and pancreatic duct depiction among model-based iterative, adaptive statistical iterative, and filtered back projection reconstruction techniques

Abdom Imaging. 2014 Jun;39(3):497-505. doi: 10.1007/s00261-014-0081-5.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare CT images of the pancreas reconstructed with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR), and filtered back projection (FBP) techniques for image quality and pancreatic duct (PD) depiction. Data from 40 patients with contrast-enhanced abdominal CT [CTDIvol: 10.3 ± 3.0 (mGy)] during the late arterial phase were reconstructed with FBP, 40% ASiR-FBP blending, and MBIR. Two radiologists assessed the depiction of the main PD, image noise, and overall image quality using 5-point scale independently. Objective CT value and noise were measured in the pancreatic parenchyma, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the PD was calculated. The Friedman test and post-hoc multiple comparisons with Bonferroni test following one-way ANOVA were used for qualitative and quantitative assessment, respectively. For the subjective assessment, scores for MBIR were significantly higher than those for FBP and 40% ASiR (all P < 0.001). No significant differences in CT values of the pancreatic parenchyma were noted among FBP, 40% ASiR, and MBIR images (P > 0.05). Objective image noise was significantly lower and CNR of the PD was higher with MBIR than with FBP and 40% ASiR (all P < 0.05). Our results suggest that pancreatic CT images reconstructed with MBIR have lower image noise, better image quality, and higher conspicuity and CNR of the PD compared with FBP and ASiR.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Iopamidol
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Observer Variation
  • Pancreas / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Ducts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Iopamidol