Feasibility of ultra-low radiation dose reduction for renal stone CT using model-based iterative reconstruction: prospective pilot study

Clin Imaging. 2015 Jan-Feb;39(1):99-103. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.10.013. Epub 2014 Oct 22.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare dose, reader assessments, and noise between ultra-low-dose (ULD) and low-dose (LD) renal stone computed tomography (CT) using multiple reconstruction methods.

Materials and methods: Prospective study of 19 patients having noncontrast LD and ULD renal stone CT reconstructed using filtered back projection, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR). Dose, noise measurements, and subjective image assessments were recorded.

Results: ULD volume CT dose index was 61% less. Noise was 50% less with ULD MBIR than with LD ASIR (P<.001); no other significant differences existed.

Conclusion: ULD MBIR is comparable to our standard of care, LD ASIR, with 61% lower dose and 50% less noise.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR); Radiation dose; Renal stones.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Kidney Calculi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*