Automated tube voltage adaptation in head and neck computed tomography between 120 and 100 kV: effects on image quality and radiation dose

Abstract

TVA between 100 and 120 kV in combination with TCM led to a radiation dose reduction compared to TCM alone, while keeping CNR constant though maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Advanced Modeled Iterative Reconstruction in Low-Tube-Voltage Contrast-Enhanced Neck CT: Evaluation of Objective and Subjective Image Quality

“…Nevertheless, an average radiation dose reduction of 8%-9% was measured in automated tube voltage adaptation ranging from 100 to 140 kVp. 11 In contrast and despite an increased image noise, prior studies investigating 80-kVp contrast-enhanced neck CT in combination with FBP on the same second-generation DSCT reported an increased tumor delineation and good diagnostic accuracy of benign and malignant pathologies. 4,5,24 The average size-specific dose estimate in our study was 13.59 Ϯ 1.23 mGy, which corresponds to a dose reduction of approximately 35.4% compared with standard 120 kVp.…”

“…[4][5][6] The interaction of these parameters is complex, and manual adjustments may result in nondiagnostic images. Thus, commercially available techniques, including tube current modulation, 7 automatic exposure control, 8,9 automated tube voltage adaptation, 10,11 iterative reconstruction, [12][13][14][15] and selective in-plane shielding (thyroid, eye lens, breast, and gonads), 16 have been introduced to support the radiologic technologist, physicist, and radiologist team in developing appropriate CT protocols. Reduced tube voltage can increase contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of iodine enhancing soft-tissue structures, while the radiation dose is substantially reduced.…”

“…21,22 Tube-voltage reduction is one of several opportunities to reduce radiation exposure substantially in contrast-enhanced neck CT. 11,23 A potential drawback of a reduced tube voltage is an increase in image noise. 4,5,11,23,24 Due to increased image noise, 70 kV(peak) neck CT has compromised image quality in the lower part of the neck.…”

“…21,22 Tube-voltage reduction is one of several opportunities to reduce radiation exposure substantially in contrast-enhanced neck CT. 11,23 A potential drawback of a reduced tube voltage is an increase in image noise. 4,5,11,23,24 Due to increased image noise, 70 kV(peak) neck CT has compromised image quality in the lower part of the neck. 23 As a consequence of limited diagnostic acceptability, May et al 11 excluded 80-kVp acquisitions by using automated tube voltage adaptation in contrast-enhanced neck CT in combination with FBP on a second-generation 128-section DSCT.…”

“…4,5,11,23,24 Due to increased image noise, 70 kV(peak) neck CT has compromised image quality in the lower part of the neck. 23 As a consequence of limited diagnostic acceptability, May et al 11 excluded 80-kVp acquisitions by using automated tube voltage adaptation in contrast-enhanced neck CT in combination with FBP on a second-generation 128-section DSCT. Nevertheless, an average radiation dose reduction of 8%-9% was measured in automated tube voltage adaptation ranging from 100 to 140 kVp.…”