A CT deep learning reconstruction algorithm: Image quality evaluation for brain protocol at decreasing dose indexes in comparison with FBP and statistical iterative reconstruction algorithms.

Purpose: To characterise the impact of Precise Image (PI) deep learning reconstruction algorithm on image quality, compared to filtered back-projection (FBP) and iDose iterative reconstruction for brain computed tomography (CT) phantom images.

Methods: Catphan-600 phantom was acquired with an Incisive CT scanner using a dedicated brain protocol, at six different dose levels (volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI): 7/14/29/49/56/67 mGy). Images were reconstructed using FBP, levels 2/5 of iDose, and PI algorithm (Sharper/Sharp/Standard/Smooth/Smoother).

"Image quality evaluation of the Precise image CT deep learning reconstruction algorithm compared to Filtered Back-projection and iDose: a phantom study at different dose levels".

Purpose: To characterize the performance of the Precise Image (PI) deep learning reconstruction (DLR) algorithm for abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) imaging.

Methods: CT images of the Catphan-600 phantom (equipped with an external annulus) were acquired using an abdominal protocol at four dose levels and reconstructed using FBP, iDose (levels 2,5) and PI ('Soft Tissue' definition, levels 'Sharper','Sharp','Standard','Smooth','Smoother'). Image noise, image non-uniformity, noise power spectrum (NPS), target transfer function (TTF), detectability index (d'), CT numbers accuracy and image histograms were analyzed.

X-ray population exposure from projection radiology and computed tomography in Emilia-Romagna from 2001 to 2010: comparison of ICRP 60 and ICRP 103 weighting factors.

Purpose: This paper shows the trends from 2001 to 2010 of per caput and collective effective dose (S) to the Emilia-Romagna population due to radiation exposure from projection radiology (PR) and computed tomography (CT), calculated according to both ICRP60 and ICRP103 tissue weighting factors.

Materials And Methods: The frequency of examinations and dose calculations were based on data provided directly by Emilia-Romagna Health Trusts. In particular, effective doses were evaluated using the tissue weighting (w T) factors reported both in ICRP60 (w T,60) and in ICRP103 (w T,103).

Calculation of conversion factors for effective dose for various interventional radiology procedures.

Purpose: To provide dose-area-product (DAP) to effective dose (E) conversion factors for complete interventional procedures, based on in-the-field clinical measurements of DAP values and using tabulated E/DAP conversion factors for single projections available from the literature.

Methods: Nine types of interventional procedures were performed on 84 patients with two angiographic systems. Different calibration curves (with and without patient table attenuation) were calculated for each DAP meter.

Survey of the interventional cardiology procedures in Italy.

Interventional cardiology procedures are increasing because they offer many advantages to patients compared with other techniques: therefore the Italian National Institution for Insurance against Accidents at Work decided to start a survey for monitoring the state-of-the-art regarding the professionals involved in those procedures. The survey covered six cardiology and medical physics Italian departments. Each centre was asked to record 10 examinations for five types of procedures: coronary angiography (CA), electrophysiology studies (ES), pacemaker implantation (PI), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RA).

Effective and equivalent organ doses in patients undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Purpose: Recent recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection state that the use of effective dose (E) for assessing patient exposure has severe limitations, though it can be kept for dose comparisons. In cardiology procedures, the equivalent dose (H(T)) is one of the most appropriate dose quantity to be evaluated for risk-benefit assessment. In this study, both E and H(T) values for ten critical organs in coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) were derived from in-the-field dose-area-product (DAP) measurements in order to provide a database for doses in those procedures.