Acquisition time, radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of dual-source CT scanners in acute pulmonary embolism: a comparative study

Waleed Abdellatif, Eric Esslinger, Kevin Kobes, Amanda Wong, Jennifer Powell, Ismail Tawakol Ali, Gordon Andrews, Savvas Nicolaou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the scan acquisition time, radiation dose, subjective and objective image quality of two dual-source CT scanners (DSCT) for detection of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: Two hundred twenty-one scans performed on the 2nd-generation DSCT and 354 scans on the 3rd-generation DSCT were included in this large retrospective study. In a randomized blinded design, two radiologists independently reviewed the scans using a 5-point Likert scale. Radiation dose and objective image quality parameters were calculated. Results: Mean acquisition time was significantly lower in the 3rd-generation DSCT (2.81 s ± 0.1 in comparison with 9.7 s ± 0.15 [mean ± SD] respectively; p < 0.0001) with the 3rd generation 3.4 times faster. The mean subjective image quality score was 4.33/5 and 4/5 for the 3rd- and 2nd-generation DSCT respectively (p < 0.0001) with strong interobserver reliability agreement. DLP, CTDIvol, and ED were significantly lower in the 3rd than the 2nd generation (175.6 ± 63.7 mGy cm; 5.3 ± 1.9 mGy and 2.8 ± 1.2 mSv in comparison with 266 ± 255 mGy.cm; 7.8 ± 2.2 mGy and 3.8 ± 4.3 mSv). Noise was significantly lower in the 3rd generation (p < 0.01). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit (FOM), a dose-insensitive index for CNR, were significantly higher in the 3rd-generation DSCT (33.5 ± 23.4; 29.0 ± 21.3 and 543.7 ± 1037 in comparison with 23.4 ± 17.7; 19.4 ± 16.0 and 170.5 ± 284.3). Conclusion: Objective and subjective image quality are significantly higher on the 3rd-generation DSCT with significantly lower mean acquisition time and radiation dose. Key Points: • The 3rd-generation DSCT scanner provides an improved image quality, less perceived artifacts, and lower radiation dose in comparison with the 2nd-generation DSCT, when operating in dual-energy (DE) mode. • The 3.4-times-faster 3rd-generation DSCT scanner can be of particular value in patients with chronic lung diseases or breathing difficulties that prevent adequate breathhold.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2712-2721
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Radiology
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Dual-energy scanned projection
  • Pulmonary artery
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Radiography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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