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Assessment of image quality and low-contrast detectability in abdominal CT of obese patients: comparison of a novel integrated circuit with a conventional discrete circuit detector at different tube voltages

Euler, A. ; Heye, T. ; Kekelidze, M. ; Bongartz, G. ; Szucs-Farkas, Z. ; Sommer, C. ; Schmidt, B. ; Schindera, Sebastian

In: European Radiology, 2015, vol. 25, no. 3, p. 687-693

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    Titel
    • Assessment of image quality and low-contrast detectability in abdominal CT of obese patients: comparison of a novel integrated circuit with a conventional discrete circuit detector at different tube voltages
    Autor
    • Euler, A.. Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
    • Heye, T.. Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
    • Kekelidze, M.. Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
    • Bongartz, G.. Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
    • Szucs-Farkas, Z.. Institute of Radiology, Hospital Centre of Biel, Biel, Switzerland
    • Sommer, C.. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
    • Schmidt, B.. Siemens Healthcare Sector, Forchheim, Germany
    • Schindera, Sebastian. Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Basel Hospital, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
    Dokumententyp
    • Postprint
    Sprache
    • Englisch
    Veröffentlicht in
    • European Radiology, 2015, vol. 25, no. 3, p. 687-693. Springer Berlin Heidelberg
    Andere elektronische Ausgabe
    OAI-PMH-ID
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:332091
    Summary
    Objectives: To compare image quality and low-contrast detectability of an integrated circuit (IC) detector in abdominal CT of obese patients with conventional detector technology at low tube voltages. Methods: A liver phantom with 45 lesions was placed in a water container to mimic an obese patient and examined on two different CT systems at 80, 100 and 120kVp. The systems were equipped with either the IC or conventional detector. Image noise was measured, and the contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) was calculated. Low-contrast detectability was assessed independently by three radiologists. Radiation dose was estimated by the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). Results: The image noise was significantly lower, and the CNR was significantly higher with the IC detector at 80, 100 and 120kVp, respectively (P = 0.023). The IC detector resulted in an increased lesion detection rate at 80kVp (38.1% vs. 17.2%) and 100kVp (57.0% vs. 41.0%). There was no difference in the detection rate between the IC detector at 100kVp and the conventional detector at 120kVp (57.0% vs. 62.2%). The CTDIvol at 80, 100 and 120kVp measured 4.5-5.2, 7.3-7.9 and 9.8-10.2mGy, respectively. Conclusions: The IC detector at 100kVp resulted in similar low-contrast detectability compared to the conventional detector with a 120-kVp protocol at a radiation dose reduction of 37%. Key Points : • An integrated circuit (IC) detector significantly improves the quantitative image quality • The IC detector results in a significant improvement of low-contrast detectability • Reduction of tube voltage to 100kVp is feasible in obese patients • The IC detector holds great promise for improving patient safety