title: Comparison of the ultra-low-dose Veo algorithm with the gold standard filtered back projection for detecting pulmonary asbestos-related conditions: a clinical observational study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Radiation delivered during CT is a major concern, especially for individuals undergoing repeated screening. We aimed to compare a new ultra-low-dose algorithm called Veo with the gold standard filtered back projection (FBP) for detecting pulmonary asbestos-related conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
  
  
  METHODS
  Asbestos-exposed workers were recruited following referral to screening for asbestos-related conditions. Two acquisitions were performed on a 64-slice CT: the gold standard FBP followed by Veo reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two radiologists independently assessed asbestos-related abnormalities, pulmonary nodules, radiation doses and image quality (noise).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 27 asbestos-exposed workers (63.3±6.5 years with 11.9±9.7 years of asbestos exposure). We observed 297 pleural plaques in 20 participants (74%). All patients (100%) had pulmonary nodules, totalling 167 nodules. Detection rates did not differ for pleural plaques (Veo 87% vs FBP 97%, NS), pleural thickening (100% for both) and pulmonary nodules (80% for both). Interstitial abnormalities were depicted less frequently with Veo than FBP. False negative and false positive did not exceed 2.7%. Compared with FBP, Veo decreased the radiation dose up to 87% (Veo 0.23±0.07 vs FBP 1.83±0.88 mSv, p<0.001). The objective image noise also decreased with Veo as much as 23% and signal-to-noise ratio increased up to 33%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A low-dose CT with Veo reconstruction substantially reduced radiation. Veo compared favourably with FBP in detecting pleural plaques, pleural thickening and pulmonary nodules. These results should be confirmed on a larger sample size before the use of Veo in clinical routine practice in asbestos-related conditions, especially regarding the low prevalence of interstitial abnormalities in this study.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT01955018.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Marielle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tekath
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise in Physiological and Pathological Conditions EA3533, Blaise Pascal University, Clermont-Ferrand, France INRA, UMR 1019, UNH, CRNH Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dutheil
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Centre Jean Perrin, University Hospital CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bellini
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roche
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Statistics, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Geraldine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Naughton
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chamoux
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Michel
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000592:standards; D011859:Radiography
keywords: OCCUPATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE; PUBLIC HEALTH