title: Influence of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction on coronary plaque analysis in coronary computed tomography angiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to study the effect of iterative reconstruction (IR) software on quantitative plaque measurements in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with a three clinical risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) had one CCTA performed. Images were reconstructed using FBP, 30% and 60% adaptive statistical IR (ASIR). Coronary plaque analysis was performed as per patient and per vessel (LM, LAD, CX and RCA) measurements. Lumen and vessel volumes and plaque burden measurements were based on automatic detected contours in each reconstruction. Lumen and plaque intensity measurements and HU based plaque characterization were based on corrected contours copied to each reconstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant changes between FBP and 30% ASIR were found except for lumen- (-2.53 HU) and plaque intensities (-1.28 HU). Between FBP and 60% ASIR the change in total volume showed an increase of 0.94%, 4.36% and 2.01% for lumen, plaque and vessel, respectively. The change in total plaque burden between FBP and 60% ASIR was 0.76%. Lumen and plaque intensities decreased between FBP and 60% ASIR with -9.90 HU and -1.97 HU, respectively. The total plaque component volume changes were all small with a maximum change of -1.13% of necrotic core between FBP and 60% ASIR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quantitative plaque measurements only showed modest differences between FBP and the 60% ASIR level. Differences were increased lumen-, vessel- and plaque volumes, decreased lumen- and plaque intensities and a small percentage change in the individual plaque component volumes.
authors: Department of Medical Research, Odense University Hospital Svendborg, Valdemarsgade 53, Svendborg, Denmark; Conrad Research Center, University College Lillebaelt, Blangstedgaardsvej 4, 5220 Odense SØ, Denmark. Electronic address: hepr@ucl.dk.
authors: Helle
authors: H
authors: Precht
authors: Department of Radiology, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; Medis medical imaging systems bv, Schuttersveld 9, 2300 AJ Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: Pieter H
authors: PH
authors: Kitslaar
authors: Department of Radiology, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Broersen
authors: Department of Radiology, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: Jouke
authors: J
authors: Dijkstra
authors: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, Odense C, Denmark; Center of Health Economics Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, Denmark.
authors: Oke
authors: O
authors: Gerke
authors: Department of Clinical Engineering, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 15, Århus N, Denmark.
authors: Jesper
authors: J
authors: Thygesen
authors: Department of Medical Research, Odense University Hospital Svendborg, Valdemarsgade 53, Svendborg, Denmark.
authors: Kenneth
authors: K
authors: Egstrup
authors: Department of Medical Research, Odense University Hospital Svendborg, Valdemarsgade 53, Svendborg, Denmark.
authors: Jess
authors: J
authors: Lambrechtsen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D009336:Necrosis; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012984:Software
keywords: ASIR; Coronary CTA; Iterative reconstructions; Plaque analysis; Radiation dose reduction