ISSN 1004-4140
    CN 11-3017/P

    基于深度学习的图像重建算法对超低管电压低剂量胸部CT成像质量的提升效能分析

    Deep-learning-based Reconstruction Algorithm Increases Reconstruction Quality of Ultralow Tube Voltage and Low-dose Chest CT Images

    • 摘要: 目的:探讨超低管电压扫描联合深度学习人工智能算法重建对低剂量胸部CT图像质量和受检者器官剂量的影响。方法:扫描Lungman PH-1胸部模体,设置两组参数:120kV常规剂量组和70kV低剂量组,分别使用滤波反投影(FBP)、ClearView(CV)20%、40%、60%、80%及ClearInfinity(CI)20%、40%、60%、80%共3类9种算法重建原始图像。测算图像质量客观指标:100Hu实性结节信噪比(SNR),不同密度(100 HU、−630 HU和−800 HU)肺结节的对比噪声比(CNR)、图像质量品质因子(FOM)及胸廓软组织区域CT值标准差(SD)。使用人工智能辅助诊断系统统计肺结节检出率。对−630 Hu磨玻璃结节测算能量、差分熵、对比度、相关性4项纹理参数。采用Likert 5分量表对肩颈交界区肺算法图像中伪影较重部分的噪声、清晰度等方面进行主观评分。采用Monte Carlo模拟估算乳腺、甲状腺和胸腺等器官剂量。对图像质量采用单/多因素方差分析或Scheirer-Ray-Hare检验进行比较。结果:CI 60%~CI 80%重建可显著降低图像噪声、提高结节SNR、CNR与FOM,CI 80%组表现最优。70 kV低剂量组使用60%以上强度CI重建所得图像的人工智能辅助诊断系统肺结节检出率达到100%。70 kV低剂量扫描使用80%强度CI重建图像的肺结节纹理的能量、差分熵、对比度还原度最佳,与120 kV常规剂量FBP图像的平均值偏差分别为18.04%、1.59%和13.54%。40%强度CI重建图像的纹理相关性还原度最佳,平均值偏差为−16.36%。70 kV低剂量与120 kV常规剂量使用CI算法重建图像的主观评分差异无统计学意义,在CI强度大于40%时满足诊断需求。70 kV低剂量组较120 kV常规剂量组甲状腺、乳腺与胸腺的剂量分别降低86.32%、81.79%和81.90%。结论:在超低管电压低剂量胸部CT中,使用CI重建算法(特别是CI 60%~CI 80%)可显著提升图像质量,降低图像噪声,提升肺结节的AI检出率并优化肺结节纹理特征的还原。70 kV超低管电压低剂量扫描结合60%以上强度CI重建可实现图像质量与剂量间的最优平衡,显示出其在临床低剂量胸部CT检查中的应用潜力。

       

      Abstract: Objective: Ultralow tube voltage scanning was combined with a deep-learning-based image reconstruction algorithm (ClearInfinity, CI). The impacts of this method on the image quality and organ radiation dose in low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) were investigated. Methods: A Lungman PH-1 chest phantom was scanned using two protocols: 120 and 70 kV standard- and low-dose protocols, respectively. Images were reconstructed using three algorithms, filtered back-projection (FBP); adaptive iterative reconstruction (ClearView, CV) at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% strengths; and CI at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% strengths, totaling nine reconstruction schemes. Objective image quality metrics for the soft tissue thoracic regions were evaluated, including the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for 100 HU solid nodules, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for nodules with varying densities (100 HU, −630 HU, −800 HU), figure of merit (FOM), and the SD of the CT values. The nodule detection rates were analyzed using an AI-assisted diagnosis system. Four radiomic texture parameters were extracted for −630 HU ground-glass nodules: sum of squares (SumSquares), difference, contrast, and correlation. Image quality was subjectively assessed using a five-point Likert scale, focusing on noise and clarity in high-artifact regions near the cervicothoracic junction. The doses to the breast, thyroid, and thymus were estimated using Monte Carlo simulations. Image quality metrics were compared using one- or multiway ANOVA or the Scheirer-ray-hare test. Results: CI reconstruction at 60%–80% significantly reduced image noise as well as increased the nodule SNR, CNR, and FOM compared with the baseline method. The performance of CI 80% ranked first overall. The AI model detected 100% of the lung nodules at CI reconstruction strengths of 60% or higher with the 70 kV low-dose protocol. The texture of the nodules was most accurately reconstructed with 80% CI under the 70 kV low-dose protocol, with 18.04%, 1.59%, and 13.54% mean deviations in the SumSquares, difference entropy, and contrast, respectively, from those of the 120 kV FBP reference. Correlation restoration was highest at CI 40%, with a mean deviation of −16.36%. The image quality did not subjectively significantly differ between the 70 kV CI and 120 kV FBP images when the CI strength exceeded 40%, and these images were deemed diagnostically acceptable. The doses to the thyroid, breast, and thymus in the 70 kV low-dose protocol were 86.32%, 81.79%, and 81.90% lower, respectively, than in the 120 kV standard-dose protocol. Conclusion: CI reconstruction, particularly at 60%–80% strength, with ultralow tube voltage chest CT considerably enhances image quality, reduces noise, increases the accuracy AI-based nodule detection, and preserves radiomic texture features compared with the baseline method. The 70 kV low-dose protocol combined with CI reconstruction ≥60% balances image quality and radiation dose, demonstrating the potential for clinical application with low-dose chest CT.

       

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