Effect of Tube Voltage and Radiation Dose on Image Quality in Pediatric Abdominal CT Using Deep Learning Reconstruction: A Phantom Study

Background: Children have a potential risk from radiation exposure because they are more sensitive to than adults. Objective: The purpose of this work is estimate image quality according tube voltage (kV) and dose in pediatric computed tomography (CT) using deep learning reconstruction (DLR). Methods: Phantom images children adults were obtained for kV, dose, methods. CT emits fan beam the opposite detector, geometry detector was symmetrical. acquired at volume index (CTDIvol) 0.5 10.0 mGy voltages 80, 100, 120 kV. A DLR used reconstruct phantom image, filtered back projection (FBP) iterative (IR) also performed comparison with DLR. Image evaluated by measuring contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) noise. Results: Under same imaging conditions, adult phantoms generally provided improved CNR noise compared FBP IR images. At similar noise, FBP, IR, showed reduction images, respectively. In terms effect voltage, 100 kV higher that Conclusion: According results, since maintain lower doses can improve while reducing children’s abdominal scans.