Full and hybrid iterative reconstruction to reduce artifacts in abdominal CT for patients scanned without arm elevation

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1085-1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koichiro Yasaka ◽  
Toshihiro Furuta ◽  
Takatoshi Kubo ◽  
Eriko Maeda ◽  
Masaki Katsura ◽  
...  

Background Abdominal computed tomography (CT) without arm elevation is associated with degraded image quality due to streak artifacts. Purpose To compare the degree of streak artifacts in abdominal CT images without arm elevation between full iterative reconstruction (IR), hybrid IR, and filtered back projection (FBP) using two commercially available scanners. Material and Methods First, a phantom study simulating CT examination without arm elevation was performed. Second, unenhanced axial images of 33 patients (17 and 16 patients for each vendor) who underwent CT without arm elevation were reconstructed with full IR, hybrid IR and FBP. A radiologist placed 50 parallel lines with lengths of 50 pixels vertical to the streaks and quantitatively evaluated the images for streak artifacts in the phantom study. Two radiologists evaluated the images of patients for streak artifacts (on the liver and the kidney) and diagnostic acceptability using a four-point scale. Results The phantom study indicated that full IR algorithms were more effective than FBP in reducing streak artifacts. In the clinical patient study, streak artifacts were significantly more reduced with full IR compared with FBP in both the liver and kidney ( P < 0.012). Streak artifact reduction was limited with hybrid IR. Model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) (one of the full IR algorithms) provided diagnostically more acceptable image quality ( P < 0.016) compared with FBP. Conclusion In abdominal CT without arm elevation, full IR enabled a more efficient streak artifact reduction compared with FBP and MBIR was associated with diagnostically more acceptable images.

Author(s):  
J. Abel van Stiphout ◽  
Jan Driessen ◽  
Lennart R. Koetzier ◽  
Lara B. Ruules ◽  
Martin J. Willemink ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To determine the difference in CT values and image quality of abdominal CT images reconstructed by filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR), and deep learning reconstruction (DLR). Methods PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for articles regarding CT densitometry in the abdomen and the image reconstruction techniques FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR. Mean differences in CT values between reconstruction techniques were analyzed. A comparison between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR was made. A comparison of diagnostic confidence between hybrid IR and DLR was made. Results Sixteen articles were included, six being suitable for meta-analysis. In the liver, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was − 0.633 HU (p = 0.483, SD ± 0.902 HU). In the spleen, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was − 0.099 HU (p = 0.925, SD ± 1.061 HU). In the pancreas, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was − 1.372 HU (p = 0.353, SD ± 1.476 HU). In 14 articles, CNR was described. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher CNR. In 9 articles, SNR was described. In all cases but one, DLR showed a significantly higher SNR. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher diagnostic confidence. Conclusions There were no significant differences in CT values reconstructed by FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR in abdominal organs. This shows that these reconstruction techniques are consistent in reconstructing CT values. DLR images showed a significantly higher SNR and CNR, compared to FBP and hybrid IR. Key Points CT values of abdominal CT images are similar between deep learning reconstruction (DLR), filtered back-projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR). DLR results in improved image quality in terms of SNR and CNR compared to FBP and hybrid IR images. DLR can thus be safely implemented in the clinical setting resulting in improved image quality without affecting CT values.


2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 269-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Greffier ◽  
A. Larbi ◽  
J. Frandon ◽  
P.A. Daviau ◽  
J.P. Beregi ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Luuk J. Oostveen ◽  
Frederick J. A. Meijer ◽  
Frank de Lange ◽  
Ewoud J. Smit ◽  
Sjoert A. Pegge ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To evaluate image quality and reconstruction times of a commercial deep learning reconstruction algorithm (DLR) compared to hybrid-iterative reconstruction (Hybrid-IR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithms for cerebral non-contrast CT (NCCT). Methods Cerebral NCCT acquisitions of 50 consecutive patients were reconstructed using DLR, Hybrid-IR and MBIR with a clinical CT system. Image quality, in terms of six subjective characteristics (noise, sharpness, grey-white matter differentiation, artefacts, natural appearance and overall image quality), was scored by five observers. As objective metrics of image quality, the noise magnitude and signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) of the grey and white matter were calculated. Mean values for the image quality characteristics scored by the observers were estimated using a general linear model to account for multiple readers. The estimated means for the reconstruction methods were pairwise compared. Calculated measures were compared using paired t tests. Results For all image quality characteristics, DLR images were scored significantly higher than MBIR images. Compared to Hybrid-IR, perceived noise and grey-white matter differentiation were better with DLR, while no difference was detected for other image quality characteristics. Noise magnitude was lower for DLR compared to Hybrid-IR and MBIR (5.6, 6.4 and 6.2, respectively) and SDNR higher (2.4, 1.9 and 2.0, respectively). Reconstruction times were 27 s, 44 s and 176 s for Hybrid-IR, DLR and MBIR respectively. Conclusions With a slight increase in reconstruction time, DLR results in lower noise and improved tissue differentiation compared to Hybrid-IR. Image quality of MBIR is significantly lower compared to DLR with much longer reconstruction times. Key Points • Deep learning reconstruction of cerebral non-contrast CT results in lower noise and improved tissue differentiation compared to hybrid-iterative reconstruction. • Deep learning reconstruction of cerebral non-contrast CT results in better image quality in all aspects evaluated compared to model-based iterative reconstruction. • Deep learning reconstruction only needs a slight increase in reconstruction time compared to hybrid-iterative reconstruction, while model-based iterative reconstruction requires considerably longer processing time.


2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092110087
Author(s):  
Andrea De Vito ◽  
Cesare Maino ◽  
Sophie Lombardi ◽  
Maria Ragusi ◽  
Cammillo Talei Franzesi ◽  
...  

Background and purpose To evaluate the added value of a model-based reconstruction algorithm in the assessment of acute traumatic brain lesions in emergency non-enhanced computed tomography, in comparison with a standard hybrid iterative reconstruction approach. Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated a total of 350 patients who underwent a 256-row non-enhanced computed tomography scan at the emergency department for brain trauma. Images were reconstructed both with hybrid and model-based iterative algorithm. Two radiologists, blinded to clinical data, recorded the presence, nature, number, and location of acute findings. Subjective image quality was performed using a 4-point scale. Objective image quality was determined by computing the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio. The agreement between the two readers was evaluated using k-statistics. Results A subjective image quality analysis using model-based iterative reconstruction gave a higher detection rate of acute trauma-related lesions in comparison to hybrid iterative reconstruction (extradural haematomas 116 vs. 68, subdural haemorrhages 162 vs. 98, subarachnoid haemorrhages 118 vs. 78, parenchymal haemorrhages 94 vs. 64, contusive lesions 36 vs. 28, diffuse axonal injuries 75 vs. 31; all P<0.001). Inter-observer agreement was moderate to excellent in evaluating all injuries (extradural haematomas k=0.79, subdural haemorrhages k=0.82, subarachnoid haemorrhages k=0.91, parenchymal haemorrhages k=0.98, contusive lesions k=0.88, diffuse axonal injuries k=0.70). Quantitatively, the mean standard deviation of the thalamus on model-based iterative reconstruction images was lower in comparison to hybrid iterative one (2.12 ± 0.92 vsa 3.52 ± 1.10; P=0.030) while the contrast-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio were significantly higher (contrast-to-noise ratio 3.06 ± 0.55 vs. 1.55 ± 0.68, signal-to-noise ratio 14.51 ± 1.78 vs. 8.62 ± 1.88; P<0.0001). Median subjective image quality values for model-based iterative reconstruction were significantly higher ( P=0.003). Conclusion Model-based iterative reconstruction, offering a higher image quality at a thinner slice, allowed the identification of a higher number of acute traumatic lesions than hybrid iterative reconstruction, with a significant reduction of noise.


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