Multiplanar and 3D imaging of the central airways: comparison of image quality and radiation dose of single-detector row CT and multi-detector row CT at differing tube currents in dogs.

PURPOSE To compare in an animal model the image quality of multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images of the central airways by using single-detector row computed tomography (CT) and multi-detector row CT at varied tube currents and to compare radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five dogs each underwent five consecutive helical CT examinations (one single-detector row CT examination at 240 mA and four multi-detector row CT examinations at 240, 120, 40, and 20 mA), with 0.8-second gantry rotation time. Multiplanar reformation and 3D reconstruction images were created from each of the 25 CT acquisitions. The images were randomized and blindly reviewed with consensus agreement by three radiologists who graded image quality by using a five-point scale. In a separate review, the three radiologists independently used a four-point scale to rank the comparative image quality of the multi-detector row CT 3D images, while blinded to specific tube currents. The radiation doses were measured for each type of scan, and the relative radiation dose length products that were normalized to single-detector row CT values were used to compare radiation doses of the various CT techniques. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman analysis of variance test. RESULTS Image quality was consistently ranked higher for multi-detector row CT images than for single-detector row CT images (P =.03). Although there were no distinguishable differences between images obtained with multi-detector row CT at 240, 120, or 40 mA, images obtained with 20 mA were given a significantly (P =.04) lower relative rank (mean, 2.4) than those obtained with higher tube currents (mean, 1.4-1.7). Multi-detector row CT radiation doses were 1.64, 0.82, 0.27, and 0.14 (for 240-, 120-, 40-, and 20-mA multi-detector row CT, respectively) relative to the dose for 240-mA single-detector row CT. CONCLUSION Multi-detector row CT is superior to single-detector row CT for multiplanar and 3D imaging of the central airways. Substantial dose reductions can be made, while maintaining high image quality.