J Comput Assist Tomogr 2006;30:933-938.
Kubo T, Nishino M, Kino A, Yoshimura N, Lin PP, Takahashi M, Raptopoulos V, Hatabu H.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a 3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter in reducing streak artifacts in low dose chest computed tomographic (CT) images.
METHODS: Fourteen adult patients who underwent low dose chest CT examination (parameters: 25 or 50 mAs, 120 kV) on 64-detector CT scanner were included in this study. We prepared 2 sets of contiguous 5-mm thick images by reconstruction with and without 3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter (filter-processed and unprocessed images). Streak artifacts and visualization of peripheral vessels in both filter-processed and unprocessed images were evaluated using a 5-point scale. Upper, middle, and lower thorax were evaluated separately.
RESULTS: The difference in artifact severity was statistically significant in upper and lower thorax (P = 0.002 and 0.03, respectively), whereas it was not significant in middle thorax (P = 0.13). The difference in the visibility of peripheral pulmonary vessels was not statistically significant in all anatomical regions.
CONCLUSIONS: The 3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter reduced streak artifacts in low dose chest CT in upper and lower thorax.