Effects of different adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V percentage on pediatric abdominal computed tomography

Objective: To study the influence of different adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) percentages on quality of low-dose abdominal CT images of children. Methods: 30 consecutive children underwent abdominal CT plain scan, scanning range: diaphragm to symphysis pubis. All children were scanned at 9 HU (5 mm slice thickness) noise index levels of automatic current modulation with 100 kV on 256-row CT scanner. Images were reconstructed with different ASIR-V percentage from 0% to 100% at a 10% interval. Selected the level of the main level of the portal vein, the lower edge of the liver, and the symphysis pubis. Measured the CT value and standard deviation (SD) of the back muscles, and calculated signal to noise ratio (SNR). The overall subjective image quality and diagnostic acceptability was assessed using a 5-point scoring system (5 good; 1 bad). Weighted Kappa test was used to analyze the image-reviewing consistency of the two reviewers. Results: The image-reviewing results of the two physicians showed good consistency. The score was all ≥ 4 points with ASIR-V of 40%-70% percentage. Conclusion: Low-dose abdominal scanning technique in children combined with 40%-70% ASIR-V reconstruction can acquire good image quality. Rational setting of the iterative weight of CT plain scan in abdomen of children can be useful and valuable. (authors)