Use of High-Pitch Dual-Source Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis to Markedly Reduce Scan Time

Abstract

Increasing image pitch in computed tomographic (CT) imaging is a method through which scan time can be reduced, which can reduce motion artifacts. In this study, we assess the clinical feasibility of ultrahigh-pitch CT imaging made possible by dual-source CT. Image pitch, total scan time, and image quality assessments were compared between 45 patients who underwent a high-pitch dual-source CT and 34 patients imaged by standard CT technique. Image noise and diagnostic image quality were assessed by 2 independent blinded readers on a 5-point scale. Mean pitch of high-pitch CT was 2.5 (mean scan time, 1.9 seconds) compared with the standard CT mean pitch of 0.6 (mean scan time, 9.8 seconds). There was no statistically significant difference in image noise between high-pitch CT (12.6) and standard CT (12.0); P > 0.3. Although reader 1 rated standard CT as superior to high-pitch CT (P 0.005), reader 2 rated no significant difference. No high-pitch CT studies were rated as limited diagnostically by either reader. High-pitch dual-source CT can reduce scan time while leading to minor losses of image quality, which may be useful in some patients.