Comparison of noise-magnitude and noise-texture across two generations of iterative reconstruction algorithms from three manufacturers

• Published in: Diagnostic and interventional imaging 2019-07, Vol.100 (7-8), p.401-410
• Main Authors: Greffier, J., Larbi, A., Frandon, J., Moliner, G., Beregi, J.P., Pereira, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Image quality enhancement; Iterative reconstruction; Life Sciences; Models, Statistical; Multidetector computed tomography; Noise power spectrum; Optimization; Phantoms, Imaging; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 2211-5684; 2211-5684
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2019.04.006

To compare the noise-magnitude and noise-texture across two generations of iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms proposed by three manufacturers according to the dose level. Five computed tomography (CT) systems equipped with two generations of IR algorithms (hybrid/statistical IR [H/SIR] or full/partial model-based IR [MBIR]) were compared. Acquisitions on Catphan 600 phantom were performed at 120kV and three dose levels (3-, 7- and 12-mGy). Raw data were reconstructed using standard “soft tissue” kernel for filtered back projection and one iterative level of two generations of IR algorithms. Contrast to-noise-ratio (CNR) was computed using three regions of interest: two of them placed in the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and Teflon® inserts and another placed on the solid water. Noise power spectrum (NPS) was computed to assess the noise-magnitude (NPS peak) and noise-texture (NPS spatial frequency). CNR increased significantly in MBIR compared to H/SIR algorithms for General-Electric (GE) Healthcare (45%±12 [SD]) and Philips Healthcare systems (62%±11 [SD]) (P