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Improvement in image quality of noncontrast head images in multidetector-row CT by volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional denoising filter

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to improve the contrast-to-noise ratio on noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) images, which are crucial for assessing patients with acute ischemic stroke. We applied a technique combining volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional (3D) denoising filter.

Materials and methods

We scanned phantoms for low-contrast resolutions and helical/cone-beam artifacts as well as stroke patients using a 16-row multidetector-row CT (MDCT) unit. Volume helical scans with 1-mm collimation and nonhelical scans with 8-mm thickness were performed. From the 1-mm thick volume data, 8-mm thick contiguous images were generated before and after applying a 3D denoising filter.

Results

On images stacked from volume data, the contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly improved by the 3D denoising filter and was nearly the same as that on nonhelical images. On stacked volume images, artifacts due to the cone beam and the helical scan were increased with larger helical pitches, but bone-related streak artifacts in the posterior fossa and underneath the calvarium were reduced when compared with nonhelical images.

Conclusion

Volume helical scan with a 3D denoising filter effectively improves image quality in noncontrast head MDCT images.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Radiological Sciences, Iwate Medical University Hospital, 19-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, 020-8505, Japan

    Tadashi Sasaki, Takao Hanari & Hiroshi Gakumazawa

  2. Department of Radiology, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan

    Makoto Sasaki

  3. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Otawara, Japan

    Yasuhiro Noshi & Miwa Okumura

Authors
  1. Tadashi Sasaki
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  2. Makoto Sasaki
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  3. Takao Hanari
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  4. Hiroshi Gakumazawa
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  5. Yasuhiro Noshi
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  6. Miwa Okumura
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tadashi Sasaki.

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Sasaki, T., Sasaki, M., Hanari, T. et al. Improvement in image quality of noncontrast head images in multidetector-row CT by volume helical scanning with a three-dimensional denoising filter. Radiat Med 25, 368–372 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-007-0145-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-007-0145-3

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