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Impact of iterative reconstruction on CNR and SNR in dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging in an animal model

  • Cardiac
  • Published:
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Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate a new iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithm for radiation dose, image quality (IQ), signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).

Methods

ECG-gated 256-slice MDCT dynamic MPI was performed in six pigs after subtotal balloon occlusion of one artery. Two 100 kVp protocols were compared: high dose (HD): 150 mAs; low dose (LD): 100 mAs. HD images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), LD images with FBP and different strengths of IR (L1, L4, and L7). IQ (5-point scale), SNR, and CNR (ischemic vs. normal myocardium) values derived from the HD (FBP) images and the different LD images were compared.

Results

Mean SNR values for myocardium were 16.3, 11.3, 13.1, 17.1, and 28.9 for the HD, LD (FBP), LD (L1), LD (L4), and LD (L7) reconstructions, respectively. Mean CNR values were 8.9, 6.3, 7.8, 9.3, and 12.8. IQ was scored as 4.6, 3.3, 4.4, 4.7, and 3.4, respectively. A significant loss of IQ was observed for the LD (L7) images compared to the HD (FBP) images (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Appropriate levels of iterative reconstruction can improve SNR and CNR, facilitating radiation dose savings in CT-MPI without influencing diagnostic quality.

Key Points

• Iterative reconstruction (IR) can reduce radiation dose in myocardial perfusion CT.

• Our study also demonstrated improvements in image quality (noise, SNR, and CNR).

• Dynamic CT-MPI could help determine the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery disease.

• With dynamic CT MPI, myocardial blood flow can be determined quantitatively.

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Abbreviations

CCTA:

Coronary CT angiography

CNR:

Contrast-to-noise ratio

CT:

Computed tomography

FBP:

Filtered back projection

HD:

High dose

IQ:

Image quality

IR:

Iterative reconstruction

LD:

Low dose

MDCT:

Multidetector CT

MPI:

Myocardial perfusion imaging

ROI:

Region of interest

SNR:

Signal-to-noise ratio

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Radiologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, München, Deutschland

    B. M. Gramer, D. Muenzel, V. Leber, E. J. Rummeny & A. M. Huber

  2. ZPF - Zentrum für präklinische Forschung des Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, München, Deutschland

    A.-K. von Thaden

  3. Research Group MITI des Klinikums rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, München, Deutschland

    H. Feussner & A. Schneider

  4. Clinical Science (Computed Tomography), Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH, USA

    M. Vembar

  5. Physics (Computed Tomography), Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH, USA

    N. Soni

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  1. B. M. Gramer
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  2. D. Muenzel
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  3. V. Leber
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  4. A.-K. von Thaden
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  5. H. Feussner
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  6. A. Schneider
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  7. M. Vembar
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  9. E. J. Rummeny
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  10. A. M. Huber
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Correspondence to B. M. Gramer.

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Gramer, B.M., Muenzel, D., Leber, V. et al. Impact of iterative reconstruction on CNR and SNR in dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging in an animal model. Eur Radiol 22, 2654–2661 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2525-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2525-z

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