Trade-off between the radiation parameters and image quality using iterative reconstruction techniques in head computed tomography: a phantom study

Background: Iterative reconstruction techniques (IRTs) are commonly used in computed tomography (CT) and help to reduce image noise. Purpose: To determine the minimum radiation dose while preserving image quality in head CT using IRTs. Material and Methods: The anthropomorphic phantom was used to scan nine head CT image series with varied radiation parameters. CT dose parameters, including volume CT dose index (CTDIvol [in mGy]) and dose length product (DLP [in mGy/cm]), were recorded for each scan series. Different noise levels (iDoseL1-6) were used in IRT reconstructions for soft and bone tissues. In total, 15 measurements were taken from five regions of interest (ROI) with an area of 10 mm². The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise values obtained at different ROIs were compared among various reconstruction methods with repeated measures of statistical analysis. Results: In the head CT scan, applying IRT iDoseL5 had the lowest noise and highest SNR for soft tissue (P < 0.05), and increased iDose can decrease CT dose by 54.6% without compromising image quality. While for bone tissue reconstruction, no clear association was found between the level of iDose and noise. However, when CTDIvol is >20 mGy, iDoseL4 is slightly superior to other reconstruction methods (P < 0.065). Conclusion: Using IRTs in head CTs reduces radiation dose while maintaining image quality. IDoseL5 provided optimal balance for soft tissue.