Initial Performance Evaluation of Iterative Model Reconstruction in Abdominal Computed Tomography

Objective: The aim of this study was to present initial evaluation of the performance of the iterative model reconstruction algorithm (IMR) in abdominal computed tomography (CT). Methods: Computed tomographic examinations were performed for clinical study of 36 patients and for phantom study. We reconstructed the raw data with 1.0- and 5.0-mm slice thicknesses using filtered back projection (FBP), iDose4, and IMR and evaluated image quality objectively and subjectively. Results: For almost all subjective characteristics, the image quality was better using IMR than iDose4. Objective image noise was significantly less using IMR than iDose4 (P < 0.0001). The contrast-noise ratio of both slice thicknesses increased in order from FBP to iDose4 to IMR. The spatial resolution of reconstructed images was almost identical using IMR, FBP, and iDose4. Conclusions: The IMR can significantly improve image noise and low-contrast resolution and maintain edge sharpness in abdominal CT images compared with iDose4 or FBP.