Clinically Acceptable Optimized Dose Reduction in Computed Tomographic Imaging of Necrotizing Pancreatitis Using a Noise Addition Software Tool

This study aimed to determine potential radiation dose reduction of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for imaging necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) using a noise addition tool. Methods Eighty-four patients were identified with at least 1 abdominopelvic CECT for NP within a 2-year period. Sixty consecutive scans were selected as reference radiation dose data sets. A noise addition software was used to simulate 4 data sets of increased noise. Readers rated confidence for identifying (i) anatomic structures, (ii) complications of NP, and (iii) diagnostic acceptability. Noise and dose levels were identified at acceptability threshold where observer scores were statistically indistinguishable from full-dose computed tomographies. Results Observers' perception of image tasks decreased progressively with increasing noise (P
Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography - Category: Radiology Tags: Abdominal Imaging Source Type: research