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Comparison of physical image qualities and artifact indices for head computed tomography in the axial and helical scan modes

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Abstract

This study aimed to validate the clinically demonstrated equivalency of the axial and helical scan modes (AS and HS, respectively) for head computed tomography (CT) using physical image quality measures and artifact indices (AIs). Two 64-row multi-detector row CT systems (CT-A and CT-B) were used for comparing AS and HSs with detector rows of 64 and 32. The modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and slice sensitivity profile were measured using a CT dose index corresponding to clinical use. The system performance function (SPF) was calculated as MTF2/NPS. The AI of streak artifacts in the skull base was measured using an image obtained of a head phantom, while the AI of motion artifacts was measured from images obtained during the head phantom was in motion. For CT-A, the 50%MTFs were 7% to 9% higher in the HS than the AS, and the higher MTFs of HS associated NPS increases. For CT-B, the MTFs and NPSs were almost equivalent between the AS and HS, respectively. Consequently, the SPFs of AS and HS were nearly identical for both CT systems. For both CT systems, the skull base AI did not differ significantly between AS and HS, while the motion AIs of HS were significantly better than of AS. The superior motion AI in the HS indicated the effectiveness of HS on moving patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiological Technology, Rinku General Medical Center, 2-23, Rinku Orai-kita, Izumisano, Osaka, 598-8577, Japan

    Ichiro Fujimura

  2. Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, 920-0942, Japan

    Katsuhiro Ichikawa

  3. Department of Medical Technology, Osaka General Medical Center, 3-1-56 Bandai-Higashi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8558, Japan

    Yohei Miura

  4. Department of Radiological Technologist, Osaka College of High Technology, 1-2-43 Miyahara, Osaka Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0003, Japan

    Takashi Hoshino

  5. Department of Medical Technology, Osaka City General Hospital, 2-15-16 Miyakojima Hon-Dori, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka, 534-0021, Japan

    Shoichi Terakawa

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  1. Ichiro Fujimura
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  2. Katsuhiro Ichikawa
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Correspondence to Ichiro Fujimura.

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Fujimura, I., Ichikawa, K., Miura, Y. et al. Comparison of physical image qualities and artifact indices for head computed tomography in the axial and helical scan modes. Phys Eng Sci Med 43, 557–566 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-020-00856-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-020-00856-5

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