A new study has revealed that an algorithm that takes the patient's size into consideration can cut radiation dose by 41% in lumbar spine CT.

The images were reconstructed using either the standard filtered back projection or iterative reconstruction – a technique designed to reduce image noise. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed the images and then scored them based on level of noise, visibility of structure and confidence of diagnosis. They concluded that regardless of the reconstruction method, the lower kilovoltage images were of diagnostic quality, said Dr. Lim. "We conducted objective measurements of image noise as well," noted Dr. Lim. The objective measurements favored the images that had undergone iterative reconstruction, he said.
Dr. Lim noted that his facility performs between 140-150 lumbar CT exams each month. Based on the results of this study, "the routine lumbar spine CT exam is now conducted at 100 kilovoltage using filtered back projection, he said."
Dr. Lim's study is part of an electronic exhibit that will be available from April 13-April 19 at the ARRS Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.
Source-Eurekalert