Evaluation of image quality using 1 : 1 pitch and 1.5 : 1 pitch helical CT in children: a comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the quality of 1 : 1 and 1.5 : 1 pitch helical contrast-enhanced thoracic and abdominal CT images in children who cannot cooperate for breath holding.


METHODS
This is a retrospective study of 33 contrast-enhanced CT examinations in 11 children of 0-4 years of age. All children had an initial CT study using 1 : 1 pitch helical scanning followed over the next 6-36 months by one to four CT examinations with 1.5 : 1 pitch. Radiation dose with the two techniques was measured with a pencil ionization chamber.


RESULTS
The two techniques provided comparable overall image quality. There was 33 % less radiation dose with 1.5 : 1 pitch helical scanning.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1.5 : 1 pitch helical CT provides comparable quality images and a smaller radiation dose than 1 : 1 pitch in examining children aged 0-4 years.
Vade
A
A
Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
Demos
T C
TC
Olson
M C
MC
Subbaiah
P
P
Turbin
R C
RC
Vickery
K
K
Corrigan
K
K
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007472:Iohexol; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol