title: Added value of integrated circuit detector in head CT: objective and subjective image quality in comparison to conventional detector design.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A new computed tomography (CT) detector with integrated electric components and shorter conducting pathways has recently been introduced to decrease system inherent electronic noise. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefit of such integrated circuit detector (ICD) in head CT by comparing objective and subjective image quality in low-dose examinations with a conventional detector design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a conventional detector, reduced-dose noncontrast head CT (255 mAs; effective dose, 1.7 mSv) was performed in 25 consecutive patients. Following transition to ICD, 25 consecutive patients were scanned using identical imaging parameters. Images in both groups were reconstructed with iterative reconstruction (IR) and filtered back projection (FBP) and assessed in terms of quantitative and qualitative image quality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acquisition of head CT using ICD increased signal-to-noise ratio of gray and white matter by 14% (10.0 ± 1.6 vs. 11.4 ± 2.5; P = .02) and 17% (8.2 ± 0.8 vs. 9.6 ± 1.5; P = .000). The associated improvement in contrast-to-noise ratio was 12% (2.0 ± 0.5 vs. 2.2 ± 0.6; P = .121). In addition, there was a 51% increase in objective image sharpness (582 ± 85 vs. 884.5 ± 191; change in HU/Pixel; P < .000). Compared to standard acquisitions, subjective grading of noise and overall image quality scores were significantly improved with ICD (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.3; P < .000; 2.0 ± 0.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.3; P = .001). Moreover, streak artifacts in the posterior fossa were substantially reduced (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5; P = .004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At the same radiation level, acquisition of head CT with ICD achieves superior objective and subjective image quality and provides potential for significant dose reduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Korn
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bender
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Radiology, Tubingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Spira
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Radiology, Tubingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schabel
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.
authors.forename: Rafeeque
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhadelia
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Radiology, Tubingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Claus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Claussen
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ernemann
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic und Interventional Radiology, Tubingen, Germany; Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Electronic address: hbrodoef@bidmc.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brodoefel
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D004867:Equipment Design; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
keywords: CT detector design; Head CT; integrated electronics; iterative reconstruction