Comparison of Image Quality of Shoulder CT Arthrography Conducted Using 120 kVp and 140 kVp Protocols.
10.3348/kjr.2014.15.6.739
- Author:
Se Jin AHN
1
;
Sung Hwan HONG
;
Jee Won CHAI
;
Ja Young CHOI
;
Hye Jin YOO
;
Sae Hoon KIM
;
Heung Sik KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. drhong@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Comparative Study ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Shoulder CT arthrography;
Radiation dose;
Tube voltage;
Image quality
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Contrast Media/diagnostic use;
Female;
Humans;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Prospective Studies;
Radiation Dosage;
Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted;
Shoulder/*radiography/surgery;
Shoulder Dislocation/pathology/radiography;
Signal-To-Noise Ratio;
*Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- From:Korean Journal of Radiology
2014;15(6):739-745
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To compare the image quality of shoulder CT arthrography performed using 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four CT examinations were prospectively included. CT scans were performed on each patient at 120 kVp and 140 kVp; other scanning parameters were kept constant. Image qualities were qualitatively and quantitatively compared with respect to noise, contrast, and diagnostic acceptability. Diagnostic acceptabilities were graded using a one to five scale as follows: 1, suboptimal; 2, below average; 3, acceptable; 4, above average; and 5, superior. Radiation doses were also compared. RESULTS: Contrast was better at 120 kVp, but noise was greater. No significant differences were observed between the 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols in terms of diagnostic acceptability, signal-to-noise ratio, or contrast-to-noise ratio. Lowering tube voltage from 140 kVp to 120 kVp reduced the radiation dose by 33%. CONCLUSION: The use of 120 kVp during shoulder CT arthrography reduces radiation dose versus 140 kVp without significant loss of image quality.
