Deep-learning image reconstruction algorithms for CT: A task-based image quality assessment of four CT systems using a phantom

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of iterative reconstruction (IR) and deep-learning image reconstruction (DLR) algorithms developed by four CT vendors in terms of image quality.

Materials and methods

Acquisitions were performed on an image quality phantom at three dose levels (1.8, 6 and 11 mGy) using four CT systems (further referred to as G-CT, P-CT, U-CT, and C-CT). For each CT, raw data were reconstructed using the commonly used soft tissue kernel and level for IR and DLR algorithms. Noise power spectrum and task-based transfer function were computed to assess noise magnitude, noise texture (f_av) and spatial resolution, respectively. Detectability indexes (d’) were computed to model the detection of two abdominal lesions.

Results

Compared to IR, noise magnitude reduction with DLR was similar for all dose levels for G-CT (-21.1 ± 1.5 [standard deviation (SD)] %) and P-CT (-48.4 ± 0.1 [SD] %) but more pronounced at 1.8 mGy and decreased as the dose level increased for U-CT and C-CT. Noise texture was greater with DLR than IR at all dose levels for all CT systems, except for U-CT, which gave similar f_av values. For both inserts, spatial resolution was better with DLR than with IR for all CT systems, except for the low-contrast insert with C-CT at 1.8 and 6 mGy and P-CT at 1.8 mGy. For both simulated lesions and all dose levels, d’ values were greater with DLR than with IR by 77.5 ± 8.7 (SD) % for C-CT, 33.7 ± 5.6 (SD) % for G-CT, 112.7 ± 4.7 (SD) % for P-CT and from 158.3 % to 546.6 % on average for U-CT.

Conclusion

Compared to IR, DLR algorithms reduce the image noise and improve detectability whilst providing similar or better noise texture and spatial resolution.