Improvement in image quality of noncontrast head images in multidetector-row CT by volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional denoising filter.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to improve the contrast-to-noise ratio on noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) images, which are crucial for assessing patients with acute ischemic stroke. We applied a technique combining volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional (3D) denoising filter.


METHODS
We scanned phantoms for low-contrast resolutions and helical/cone-beam artifacts as well as stroke patients using a 16-row multidetector-row CT (MDCT) unit. Volume helical scans with 1-mm collimation and nonhelical scans with 8-mm thickness were performed. From the 1-mm thick volume data, 8-mm thick contiguous images were generated before and after applying a 3D denoising filter.


RESULTS
On images stacked from volume data, the contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly improved by the 3D denoising filter and was nearly the same as that on nonhelical images. On stacked volume images, artifacts due to the cone beam and the helical scan were increased with larger helical pitches, but bone-related streak artifacts in the posterior fossa and underneath the calvarium were reduced when compared with nonhelical images.


CONCLUSIONS
Volume helical scan with a 3D denoising filter effectively improves image quality in noncontrast head MDCT images.
Sasaki
Tadashi
T
Center for Radiological Sciences, Iwate Medical University Hospital, 19-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, 020-8505, Japan. sasachu2555@ybb.ne.jp
Sasaki
Makoto
M
Hanari
Takao
T
Gakumazawa
Hiroshi
H
Noshi
Yasuhiro
Y
Okumura
Miwa
M
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016477:Artifacts; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D020521:Stroke / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*
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