Ingrid Reiser

Professor of Radiology
Biological Sciences Division
The University of Chicago

ireiser@uchicago.edu

Dept. and Web

Radiology

Project Description

Quantitative evaluation of image quality in different clinical dual energy CT implementations

In our previous work, we have developed a theoretical model for the iodine contrast-to-noise ratio achievable in dual energy CT. The model predicts the maximum iodine CNR achievable as a function of high and low kV settings.

In this project, we aim to apply this model to two clinical CT systems, one a kV-switching CT, the other a dual-layer detector-based system. We will estimate parameters of each system such as x-ray tube spectrum and detector efficiency. CNR in mono-energetic images will be estimated using this model, and measured based upon phantom imaging, for a range of CTDIvol settings, and for two different phantom sizes. Experimental and theoretical results will be compared for both dual energy implementations. In addition to CNR, we will estimate the noise-power spectrum and both low- and high-contrast detectability in both systems. The overall goal of this study is to (1) validate the theoretical prediction model and (2) to inform parameter selection in clinical protocols.

Requirement

Python programming, familiarity with dual-energy CT scanning and quality control