Single-source chest-abdomen-pelvis cancer staging on a third generation dual-source CT system: comparison of automated tube potential selection to second generation dual-source CT. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Clara; Gruber-Rouh, Tatjana; Leithner, Doris; Zierden, Amelie; Albrecht, Mortiz; Wichmann, Julian; Bodelle, Boris; Elsabaie, Mohamed; Scholtz, Jan-Erik; Kaup, Moritz; Vogl, Thomas; Beeres, Martin
• Is Part Of: Cancer imaging. Volume 16:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Multidetector Computed Tomography -- Cancer -- Cancer Staging -- Neoplasms -- Automated Tube Potential Selection -- Dual-Source CT; Cancer -- Imaging -- Periodicals; 616.994075405
• DOI: 10.1186/s40644-016-0093-1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-5025

Abstract

Abstract Background Evaluation of latest generation automated attenuation-based tube potential selection (ATPS) impact on image quality and radiation dose in contrast-enhanced chest-abdomen-pelvis computed tomography examinations for gynaecologic cancer staging. Methods This IRB approved single-centre, observer-blinded retrospective study with a waiver for informed consent included a total of 100 patients with contrast-enhanced chest-abdomen-pelvis CT for gynaecologic cancer staging. All patients were examined with activated ATPS for adaption of tube voltage to body habitus. 50 patients were scanned on a third-generation dual-source CT (DSCT), and another 50 patients on a second-generation DSCT. Predefined image quality setting remained stable between both groups at 120 kV and a current of 210 Reference mAs. Subjective image quality assessment was performed by two blinded readers independently. Attenuation and image noise were measured in several anatomic structures. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated. For the evaluation of radiation exposure, CT dose index (CTDIvol ) values were compared. Results Diagnostic image quality was obtained in all patients. The median CTDIvol (6.1 mGy, range 3.9–22 mGy) was 40 % lower when using the algorithm compared with the previous ATCM protocol (median 10.2 mGy · cm, range 5.8–22.8 mGy). A reduction in potential to 90 kV occurred in 19 cases, a reduction to 100 kV in 23 patients and a reduction to 110 kV in 3 patients of our experimental cohort. These patients received significantly lower radiation exposure compared to the former used protocol. Conclusion Latest generation automated ATPS on third-generation DSCT provides good diagnostic image quality in chest-abdomen-pelvis CT while average radiation dose is reduced by 40 % compared to former ATPS protocol on second-generation DSCT.