title: Comparison of image quality of shoulder CT arthrography conducted using 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the image quality of shoulder CT arthrography performed using 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four CT examinations were prospectively included. CT scans were performed on each patient at 120 kVp and 140 kVp; other scanning parameters were kept constant. Image qualities were qualitatively and quantitatively compared with respect to noise, contrast, and diagnostic acceptability. Diagnostic acceptabilities were graded using a one to five scale as follows: 1, suboptimal; 2, below average; 3, acceptable; 4, above average; and 5, superior. Radiation doses were also compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Contrast was better at 120 kVp, but noise was greater. No significant differences were observed between the 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols in terms of diagnostic acceptability, signal-to-noise ratio, or contrast-to-noise ratio. Lowering tube voltage from 140 kVp to 120 kVp reduced the radiation dose by 33%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of 120 kVp during shoulder CT arthrography reduces radiation dose versus 140 kVp without significant loss of image quality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
authors.forename: Se Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Hwan
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 156-707, Korea.
authors.forename: Jee Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
authors.forename: Ja-Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
authors.forename: Sae Hoon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
authors.forename: Heung Sik
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Image quality; Radiation dose; Shoulder CT arthrography; Tube voltage