RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Dual-Layer Detector Head CT to Maintain Image Quality While Reducing the Radiation Dose in Pediatric Patients
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 1212
OP 1218
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A7999
VO 44
IS 10
A1 Tan, Zhengwu
A1 Zhang, Lan
A1 Sun, Xiaojie
A1 Yang, Ming
A1 Makamure, Joyman
A1 Wu, Hongying
A1 Wang, Jing
YR 2023
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/44/10/1212.abstract
AB BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiation exposure in the CT diagnostic imaging process is a conspicuous concern in pediatric patients. This study aimed to evaluate whether 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images of the pediatric cranium in dual-layer CT can reduce the radiation dose while maintaining image quality compared with conventional images.MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred six unenhanced pediatric head scans acquired by dual-layer CT were retrospectively assessed. The patients were assigned to 2 groups of 53 and scanned with 250 and 180 mAs, respectively. Dose-length product values were retrieved, and noise, SNR, and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated for each case. Two radiologists blinded to the reconstruction technique used evaluated image quality on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical assessment was performed with ANOVA and the Wilcoxon test, adjusted for multiple comparisons.RESULTS: Mean dose-length product values were 717.47 (SD, 41.52) mGy×cm and 520.74 (SD, 42) mGy×cm for the 250- and 180-mAs groups, respectively. Irrespective of the radiation dose, noise was significantly lower, SNR and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher, and subjective analysis revealed significant superiority of 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images compared with conventional images (all P < .001). SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective evaluation in 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images were not significantly different between the 2 scan groups (P > .05). Radiation dose parameters were significantly lower in the 180-mAs group compared with the 250-mAs group (P < .001).CONCLUSIONS: Dual-layer CT 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images allowed a radiation dose reduction of 28% without image-quality loss in pediatric cranial CT.CNRcontrast-to-noise ratioCTDIvolvolume CT dose indexDECTdual-energy CTDLCTdual-layer CTDLPdose-length productGWMAassessment of GM-WM differentiationPFAAassessment of artifacts in posterior fossaSSAassessment of the subcalvarial spaceSAIsubcalvarial artifact indexVMIvirtual monoenergetic image