Original Data Iterative Reconstruction and Intelligent Optimum Tube Voltage Scanning Technology in Reducing Radiation Dose of Temporal Bone Scanning

Purpose To explore the value of low tube voltage, original data iterative reconstruction(SAFIRE) and intelligent optimum tube voltage scanning(CARE kV) technology in reducing radiation dose of high resolution CT(HRCT) temporal bone scanning and its impact on image quality. Materials and Methods Ninety patients with ear problem underwent clinical HRCT scan. All the patients were randomly divided into group A(conventional scanning), group B(CARE kV) and group C(low tube voltage) according to chronological order, with 30 cases in each group. Image quality was doubleblind scored by two qualifed radiologists. CT value, noise, contrast to noise ratio(CNR), signal to noise ratio(SNR), CT dose index volume(CTDIvol), dose-length product(DLP) and effective dose(ED) were compared among three groups. Results Image quality and the average CT value had no statistical difference among three groups(F=3.70, 3.61; P0.05); noise, CNR, SNR, CTDIvol, DLP and ED had statistical difference among three groups(F=1.23, 1.42, 2.05, 2.13, 1.79, 1.32; P0.05). Compared with group B, noise reduced about 14.1% in group C, while CNR and SNR increased about 32.1% and 26.3%, respectively(q=3.64, 3.45, 4.36; P0.05). CTDIvol, DLP and ED were significantly different between group B and group C(q=3.13, 4.24, 4.24; P0.05). Conclusion Scanning with low tube voltage, SAFIRE and CARE kV technology not only effectively reduce radiation dose, but also obtain satisfactory image quality. It should be widely utilized.