Abstract：Objective: To evaluate sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction technique based on raw data(SAFIRE) and high-pitch dual-source computed tomography on CT pulmonary angiography(CTPA) image quality meeting diagnostic requirements and radiation dose reduction. Methods: CTPA was preformed with three protococols: DSCT singal tube model(120 kV), high-pitch DSCT(100 kV), high-pitch DSCT(80 kV). For each protocol, 20 sex, age, and body-mass-index matched patients were identified. Retrospectively, two observers subjectively assessed image quality, measured CT attenuation(HU±SD) at seven central and peripheral levels, and calculated signal-to-noise-ratio(SNR) and contrast-to-noies-ratio(CNR). Radiation exposure parameters(CTDIvol and DLP) were compared. Using SPASS 16.0 statistical software to analyze data. Results: The three protocols did not significantly differ in image quality, neither by subjective, nor by objective measures(SNR, CNR). By contrast, radiation exposure differed between protocols: significant lower radiation was achieved by using high-pitch DSCT at 80 kV(P<0.001). Conclusion: Combined application of both SAFIRE and high-pitch DSCT can further reduce radiation dose on the base of image quality meeting diagnostic requirement.
2014, Vol. 25 
