title: Efficacy of model-based iterative reconstruction technique in non-enhanced CT of the renal tracts for ureteric calculi.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR), and filtered back projection (FBP) image reconstruction algorithms in the delineation of ureters and overall image quality on non-enhanced computed tomography of the renal tracts (NECT-KUB). This was a prospective study of 40 adult patients who underwent NECT-KUB for investigation of ureteric colic. Images were reconstructed using FBP, SIR, and MBIR techniques and individually and randomly assessed by two blinded radiologists. Parameters measured were overall image quality, presence of ureteric calculus, presence of hydronephrosis or hydroureters, image quality of each ureteric segment, total length of ureters unable to be visualized, attenuation values of image noise, and retroperitoneal fat content for each patient. There were no diagnostic discrepancies between image reconstruction modalities for urolithiasis. Overall image qualities and for each ureteric segment were superior using MBIR (67.5 % rated as 'Good to Excellent' vs. 25 % in SIR and 2.5 % in FBP). The lengths of non-visualized ureteric segments were shortest using MBIR (55.0 % measured 'less than 5 cm' vs. ASIR 33.8 % and FBP 10 %). MBIR was able to reduce overall image noise by up to 49.36 % over SIR and 71.02 % over FBP. MBIR technique improves overall image quality and visualization of ureters over FBP and SIR.
authors: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. tjtanz@gmail.com.
authors: T J
authors: TJ
authors: Tan
authors: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.|Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.|Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
authors: Kenneth K
authors: KK
authors: Lau
authors: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Dana
authors: D
authors: Jackson
authors: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Ardley
authors: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors: Adina
authors: A
authors: Borasu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: FBP; Image quality; Iterative reconstruction; MBIR; Sir; Ureters