Modified simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique for fast, high‐quality CT reconstruction

Abstract

Recent advances in computational power have made it possible to use iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms in clinics for computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Many researchers prefer IR methods to analytical methods because they reduce radiation, image noise, and artefacts. Simultaneous Iterative Reconstruction Technique (SIRT) reduces the number of views needed for CT reconstruction. However, reconstructed images include ray artefacts that can make diagnosis difficult. This study proposes a modified IR algorithm for fast, high-quality CT reconstruction. The modified method incorporates geometric non-linear diffusion in the reconstruction estimate to minimise ray artefacts. This method also converges the algorithms into global minima much faster than other methods, using the minimum number of iterations. To meet the high computational demand of improved IR algorithms, a graphics processing unit was used in this study. The authors expect that the proposed technique can be used to reconstruct high-quality CT images faster and with minimal iterations.