Application of iterative algorithm in paranasal sinus MSCT

Objective To study the effect of iterative algorithm (iDose algorithm) on image quality and radiation dose in paranasal sinus MSCT.Methods A proper cadaveric head based on the average CNR (contrast noise ratio) of paranasal sinus images in 53 patients was applied.The cadaveric head was scanned with different parameters of kV and effective mAs.The images were reconstructed with filtered back projection and iterative algorithm (iDose 1-7) respectively.The subjective and objective evaluations were performed for all the images and the optimal parameter combination was found out.Results The CNR of coronal images was slightly higher than that of axial images (t =-6.86,P ＜0.05).The image CNR of protocol (120 kV,100 mAs/slice and iDose5) was close to that of conventional protocol.The protocol of 100 kV,60 mAs/slice and iDose4 offered the images adaptable for diagnosis of inflammation.The protocol of 100 kV,80 mAs/slice and iDose4 offered the images adaptable for diagnosis of inflammation and fracture,and the radiation dose were reduced by 82％ and 75％,respectively.Conclusions Using the iDose algorithm could help to offer diagnostic images for inflammation and fracture and reduce the radiation dose in the paranasal sinus MSCT. Key words: Paranasal sinus;  Tomography, X-ray computed;  Iterative reconstruction; Radiation dose