Physician preference between low-dose computed tomography with a sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction algorithm and routine-dose computed tomography with filtered back projection in abdominopelvic imaging

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2013 Nov-Dec;37(6):932-6. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000024.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to directly compare the preference between low-dose sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) and routine filtered back projection (FBP) abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT).

Methods: A retrospective review identified 41 subjects who had undergone 2 different CT examinations at different times (a CT with reduced radiation dose SAFIRE and also a CT with routine-dose FBP). Radiation dose, patient size, and image noise were recorded. Two independent readers assessed the paired CT studies for preference in image quality in regard to 3 clinically relevant diagnostic endpoints (bowel pathology, biliary pathology, and general purpose).

Results: Radiation dose was significantly lower for SAFIRE (mean, 7.6 mGy; range, 4.1-15.4 mGy) than FBP (12.9 mGy; 6.7-31.6 mGy) (P < 0.001). Sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction was preferred for the general purpose and bowel evaluations, particularly when the level of radiation dose reduction was less than 33%. The preference for interpretation of the biliary system was equivocal, especially when the level of radiation reduction was increased greater than 33%. Filtered back projection was preferred when SAFIRE had a radiation reduction from FBP of greater than 50%.

Conclusions: For abdominopelvic CT, low-dose CT with SAFIRE may produce preferred image quality over FBP up to levels of 50% dose reduction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Algorithms*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Pelvis / diagnostic imaging
  • Professional Competence*
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiation Protection
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiography, Abdominal / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*