Qualitative and quantitative image analysis of 16 cm wide-coverage computed tomography compared to new-generation dual-source CT.

Abstract

Diagnostic quality of computed tomography (CT) images depends on numerous factors. Recently, two different modalities were introduced for coronary CT angiography (CCTA). This study aims to compare the performance of 16 cm wide-coverage detector CT (WDCT) using the snapshot freeze technique with a new-generation dual-source CT (DSCT) with 66 ms temporal resolution for CCTA. Total 101 patients with suspected coronary heart disease were enrolled. Of these, 50 and 51 patients were examined on WDCT and DSCT, respectively. CT values, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were measured. The image processing efficiency was recorded, followed by statistical comparison of diagnostic accuracy and radiation dose. Ninety-nine patients (98.02%) had satisfactory diagnostic image quality. DSCT was significantly better than WDCT in terms of quantitative image quality, image processing efficiency, and qualitative analysis (P < 0.05). However, radiation dose was significantly lower on WDCT (P < 0.05) as compared to DSCT. Image processing efficiency and image quality of CCTA was higher on DSCT compared to WDCT due to the limitation of maximal tube current of WDCT.