Impact of iterative model reconstruction combined with dose reduction on the image quality of head and neck CTA in children

摘要

This study aimed to evaluate the imaging quality of head and neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in pediatric patients at a lowered radiation dose by combining an iterative model reconstruction (IMR) with low voltage scanning. Eighty-three pediatric patients were randomized into two groups as follows: Group A (n?=?42), 100?kV/50?ml contrast media (CM), using filtered back projection (FBP); and Group B (n?=?41), 80?kV/30?ml CM, using IMR. The enhanced CT value of the arteries, the image noise, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)/contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), the image quality, the effective radiation dose (ED) and the iodine intake were compared between the two groups. The mean ED and iodine intake of group B were reduced by 69.8% and 40.0%, respectively, compared to those of group A. The mean CT values of the arteries in group B were higher than those in group A ( p