Analysis of the Efficiency of Iterative Reconstruction Techniques in Reducing Radiation Dose in Computed Tomography: A Clinical Feasibility Study

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different interactive reconstruction (IR) techniques between computed tomography (CT) equipment to reduce radiation dose during clinical practice, since CT is considered a valuable medical imaging technique and is widely used in clinical practice. Study Design: Clinical feasibility study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out over a semester at a reference clinic in imaging diagnostics located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methodology: Methodology: This study describes the efficiency of iterative reconstruction in the three most common examinations in clinical practice, namely: skull, chest and abdomen. Using two 64-detector row CT scanners, one with and one without IR, and to support data interpretation, a literature review on CT equipment, dosage and protocols was performed. Results: Iterative Reconstruction tends not to result in a significant reduction in radiation dose in all types of examinations. The method varies according to the region of the body, being more significant in the thorax and abdomen and less significant in the skull. However, the application of IR has a smaller standard deviation compared to the conventional technique. Conclusion: The most favorable results were achieved by the CT scanner that did not use Iterative Reconstruction. Since the equipment with the application of IR recorded higher radiation exposure rates compared to the CT scanner without this functionality. It is worth noting that the lower the radiation dose and the higher the quality of the radiographic image, the greater the patient's safety during the procedure.