title: Model-based iterative reconstruction compared to adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and filtered back-projection in CT of the kidneys and the adjacent retroperitoneum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively evaluate the perceived image quality of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) compared to adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) and filtered back-projection (FBP) in computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys and retroperitoneum.
  
  
  METHODS
  With investigational review board and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, 17 adults underwent 31 contrast-enhanced CT acquisitions at constant tube potential and current (range 30-300 mA). Each was reconstructed with MBIR, ASIR (50%), and FBP. Four reviewers scored each reconstruction's perceived image quality overall and the perceived image quality of seven imaging features that were selected by the authors as being relevant to imaging in the region and pertinent to the evaluation of high-quality diagnostic CT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MBIR perceived image quality scored superior to ASIR and FBP both overall (P < .001) and for observations of the retroperitoneal fascia (99.2%), corticomedullary differentiation (94.4%), renal hilar structures (96.8%), focal renal lesions (92.5%), and mitigation of streak artifact (100.0%; all, P < .001). MBIR achieved diagnostic overall perceived image quality with approximately half the radiation dose required by ASIR and FBP. The noise curve of MBIR was significantly lower and flatter (P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared to ASIR and FBP, MBIR provides superior perceived image quality, both overall and for several specific imaging features, across a broad range of tube current levels, and requires approximately half the radiation dose to achieve diagnostic overall perceived image quality. Accordingly, MBIR should enable CT scanning with improved perceived image quality and/or reduced radiation exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA. Electronic address: eolcott@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Eric W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Olcott
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA.
authors.forename: Lewis K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: Jarrett
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: F Lior
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Molvin
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: F Edward
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Boas
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5105.
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fleischmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Computed tomography; image reconstruction; kidney; radiation protection; tomography scanners; x-ray computed