Gated cardiac CT in infants: What can we expect from deep learning image reconstruction algorithm?

BACKGROUND: ECG-gated cardiac CT is now widely used in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). Deep Learning Image Reconstruction (DLIR) could improve image quality while minimizing the radiation dose. OBJECTIVES: To define the potential dose reduction using DLIR with an anthropomorphic phantom. METHOD: An anthropomorphic pediatric phantom was scanned with an ECG-gated cardiac CT at four dose levels. Images were reconstructed with an iterative and a deep-learning reconstruction algorithm (ASIR-V and DLIR). Detectability of high-contrast vessels were computed using a mathematical observer. Discrimination between two vessels was assessed by measuring the CT spatial resolution. The potential dose reduction while keeping a similar level of image quality was assessed. RESULTS: DLIR-H enhances detectability by 2.4% and discrimination performances by 20.9% in comparison with ASIR-V 50. To maintain a similar level of detection, the dose could be reduced by 64% using high-strength DLIR in comparison with ASIR-V50. CONCLUSION: DLIR offers the potential for a substantial dose reduction while preserving image quality compared to ASIR-V.

The forensic radiographer: a new member in the medicolegal team.

Multidetector computed tomography is becoming more widespread in forensic medicine. In most services, autopsy assistants perform the radiological examination. We introduced professional radiographers into the legal medicine service and hypothesized they would also be able to take over duties currently reserved for other specialists. The aims of this study were to evaluate if radiographers could be trained as "forensic radiographers" by (1) integrating graduated medical radiographers into the legal medicine service, (2) investigating the advantages of this collaboration, and (3) defining the duties of the forensic radiographers.The study was performed prospectively on a group of 8 recruited radiographers who underwent a testing period with special training. They learned the basics of medicolegal case treatment, the autonomous execution of postmortem computed tomography angiography, and postprocessing of data. Seven of 8 radiographers finished the training and were integrated into our service. Although all radiographers were able to fulfill the duties demanded after the training period, some radiographers could not enter or complete the program because they were unable to work with dead bodies.Our study presents the advantages of integrating radiographers into the medicolegal team and proposes how to train the forensic radiographers. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of these new specialists are defined.