Low-dose chest computed tomography with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction, iterative reconstruction in image space, and filtered back projection: studies on image quality

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2013 Jul-Aug;37(4):610-7. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0b013e31828f4dae.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine optimal strength of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) and to evaluate image quality (IQ) of low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) using SAFIRE compared with iterative reconstruction in image space (IRIS) and filtered back projection (FBP).

Methods: Thirty patients underwent LDCT. Computed tomography (CT) was reconstructed using 5 strengths of SAFIRE (S1-S5), IRIS, and FBP. Objective noise of CT was measured. Two radiologists evaluated CT for subjective IQ, beam-hardening artifacts, and overall IQ.

Results: Measured noise was highest in FBP, followed by S1, S2, S3, IRIS, S4, and S5. S2 and S3 demonstrated significantly higher overall IQ scores than the other strengths (P < 0.05). Overall IQ and beam-hardening artifacts of S2 and S3 were significantly better than those in FBP and IRIS (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: S2 or S3 strengths of SAFIRE can be used practically in clinical routines and may have more potential than IRIS and FBP for LDCT with improved IQ.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Algorithms*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiation Protection / methods*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Young Adult