Combined influence of quantum iterative reconstruction level and kernel sharpness on image quality in photon counting CT angiography of the upper leg.

ABSTRACT: Aim was to evaluate the influence of different quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) levels on the image quality of femoral photon-counting CT angiographies (PCD-CTA).Ultra-high resolution PCD-CTA were obtained from both extremities of five extracorporeally-perfused cadavers using constant tube voltage and maximum radiation dose (71.2 ± 11.0 mGy). Images were reconstructed with three kernels (Bv48, Bv60, Bv76) and the four available levels of QIR. Signal attenuation in the arterial lumen, muscle, and fat were measured. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) and blurring scores were calculated for objective assessment. Six radiologists evaluated the subjective image quality using a pairwise comparison tool.Higher QIR level resulted in a decisive image noise reduction, especially with sharper convo

SUBMITTER: Krompaß K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11561153 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature