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

ObjectivesTo 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.MethodsEighteen 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).ResultsObjective 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.ConclusionMBIR 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.

[1]  D. Davis,et al.  CT in detecting urinary tract calculi: influence on patient imaging and clinical outcomes. , 2002, Radiology.

[2]  R C Smith,et al.  Diagnosis of acute flank pain: value of unenhanced helical CT. , 1996, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[3]  D. Broome,et al.  Effect of reduced radiation CT protocols on the detection of renal calculi. , 2010, Radiology.

[4]  Varut Vardhanabhuti,et al.  Image Quality Assessment in Torso Phantom Comparing Effects of Varying Automatic Current Modulation with Filtered Back Projection, Adaptive Statistical, and Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Techniques in CT. , 2012, Journal of medical imaging and radiation sciences.

[5]  Sana Boudabbous,et al.  Computed tomography of the chest with model-based iterative reconstruction using a radiation exposure similar to chest X-ray examination: preliminary observations , 2013, European Radiology.

[6]  F. G. Sommer,et al.  Unenhanced helical CT for suspected renal colic. , 1999, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[7]  Masaki Katsura,et al.  Comparison of pure and hybrid iterative reconstruction techniques with conventional filtered back projection: image quality assessment in the cervicothoracic region. , 2013, European journal of radiology.

[8]  M. Baker,et al.  Urinary calculi: radiation dose reduction of 50% and 75% at CT--effect on sensitivity. , 2009, Radiology.

[9]  Ehsan Samei,et al.  Radiation Dose Reduction in Abdominal Computed Tomography During the Late Hepatic Arterial Phase Using a Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm: How Low Can We Go? , 2012, Investigative radiology.

[10]  G. Israel,et al.  Impact of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR) on radiation dose and image quality in aortic dissection studies: a qualitative and quantitative analysis. , 2011, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[11]  Young Jun Cho,et al.  Cardiovascular CT angiography in neonates and children: Image quality and potential for radiation dose reduction with iterative image reconstruction techniques , 2013, European Radiology.

[12]  Jiang Hsieh,et al.  Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique for radiation dose reduction in chest CT: a pilot study. , 2011, Radiology.

[13]  Masaki Katsura,et al.  Model-based iterative reconstruction technique for radiation dose reduction in chest CT: comparison with the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique , 2012, European Radiology.

[14]  Jiang Hsieh,et al.  Abdominal CT: comparison of adaptive statistical iterative and filtered back projection reconstruction techniques. , 2010, Radiology.

[15]  Udo Hoffmann,et al.  Coronary artery plaques: cardiac CT with model-based and adaptive-statistical iterative reconstruction technique. , 2012, European journal of radiology.

[16]  S. Yilmaz,et al.  Renal colic: comparison of spiral CT, US and IVU in the detection of ureteral calculi , 1999, European Radiology.

[17]  Varut Vardhanabhuti,et al.  Image quality assessment of standard- and low-dose chest CT using filtered back projection, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction, and novel model-based iterative reconstruction algorithms. , 2013, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[18]  Naveen M. Kulkarni,et al.  Radiation dose reduction at multidetector CT with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction for evaluation of urolithiasis: how low can we go? , 2012, Radiology.

[19]  E. Ueno,et al.  Improved Delineation of Arteries in the Posterior Fossa of the Brain by Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction in Volume-Rendered 3D CT Angiography , 2013, American Journal of Neuroradiology.

[20]  M. Körner,et al.  Filtered back projection, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction, and a model-based iterative reconstruction in abdominal CT: an experimental clinical study. , 2013, Radiology.

[21]  Hiroaki Sugiura,et al.  Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Technique for Ultralow-Dose Computed Tomography of the Lung: A Pilot Study , 2012, Investigative radiology.

[22]  M. Kalra,et al.  Patient size compensated automatic tube current modulation in multi-detector row CT of the abdomen and pelvis. , 2011, Academic radiology.

[23]  E. Ueno,et al.  Improved delineation of the anterior spinal artery with model-based iterative reconstruction in CT angiography: a clinical pilot study. , 2013, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[24]  David H. Kim,et al.  Abdominal CT with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR): initial results of a prospective trial comparing ultralow-dose with standard-dose imaging. , 2012, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[25]  Masaki Katsura,et al.  Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Technique for Ultralow-Dose Chest CT: Comparison of Pulmonary Nodule Detectability With the Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction Technique , 2013, Investigative radiology.

[26]  R. Vanninen,et al.  Patients with acute flank pain: comparison of MR urography with unenhanced helical CT. , 2002, Radiology.

[27]  W. Kalender,et al.  Multisection CT protocols: sex- and age-specific conversion factors used to determine effective dose from dose-length product. , 2010, Radiology.