Helical multidetector row quantitative computed tomography (QCT) precision

Michael Bligh, Luc Bidaut, R. Allen White, William A. Murphy, Donna M. Stevens, Dianna D. Cody

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    33 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Rationale and Objectives. The impact of varying image acquisition parameters on the precision of measurements using quantitative computed tomography is currently based on studies performed before the advent of helical image acquisition and multidetector-row scanners. The aim of this study was to evaluate helical multidetector-row quantitative computed tomography to determine the factors contributing to the overall precision of measurements on quantitative computed tomography conducted using current vintage computed tomographic (CT) scanners.

    Materials and Methods. The effects of CT protocol parameters (x-ray tube voltage and current, pitch, gantry rotation speed, detector configuration, table height, and reconstruction algorithm) and short-term scanner variation were examined on two commercially available quantitative CT (QCT) systems (ie, a combination of reference phantoms and analysis software) using seven multidetector-row CT scanners (available from a single vendor) operated in helical mode. Combined with simulated patient repositioning using three ex vivo spine specimens, precision (coefficient of variation) estimates were made on the basis of three scenarios: "best case," "routine case," and "worst case."

    Results. The overall best-case QCT precision was 1.4%, provided that no changes were permitted to the bone mineral density (BMD) scan protocol. Routine-case examination (with a BMD reference phantom in place) that permitted some variation in the x-ray tube current and table speed produced a precision of 1.8%. Without any constraints on the clinical QCT examinations, the worst-case precision was estimated at 3.6%.

    Conclusions. Although small in appearance, these errors are for single time points and may increase substantially when monitoring changes through QCT measurements over several time points. This calls for increased caution and attention to detail whenever using helical multidetector-row quantitative computed tomography for the assessment of BMD change.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)150-159
    Number of pages10
    JournalAcademic Radiology
    Volume16
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb 2009

    Keywords

    • Quantitative computed tomography
    • QCT
    • Bone densitometry
    • Quantitation
    • Density calibration
    • Bone mineral density
    • X-ray absorptiometry
    • Body compressive strength
    • In vitro
    • Postmenopausal women
    • Cortical bone
    • Lumbar spine
    • Osteoporosis
    • CT
    • DXA

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