Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT
Published on: June 21, 2011
Image quality and radiation exposure in 320-row temporal bone computed tomography
H C Bauknecht1, E Siebert, A Dannenberg
1Department of Neuroradiology, Chariteplatz 1, Berlin, Germany. christian.bauknecht@charite.de
Objectives:
The aim was to define image quality and radiation exposure in the recently introduced 320-row CT of the temporal bone (tb) in comparison to a 16-row tb CT.
Methods:
A cadaveric head phantom was used for repeated tb volume CT studies (80-120 kV, 25-150 mAs), performed in a 320-row scanner (single rotation, 0.5 mm slice thickness, kernel FC 51) in comparison to 16-row helical CT using standard acquisition parameters (SAP) of 120 kV and 75 mAs (kernel FC 53). Qualitative image evaluation was performed by two radiologists using a 5-point visual analogue scale. Image noise (D(SD)) was determined by region of interest (ROI) based measurements in cadaveric as well as water phantom studies. Dosimetric measurements of the effective dose (ED) and organ dose (OD) of the lens were performed.
Results:
Image quality of 320-row tb CT was equivalent to 16-row CT for SAP scans, resulting in image noise levels (D(SD) 16-/320-row) of 109/237 and 206/446 for air and bone respectively. D(SD) differences were predominantly (>90%) attributable to the different kernels available for tb studies in 16- and 320-row CT. Radiation exposure for 16-/320-row SAP scans amounted to 0.36/0.30 mSv (ED) and 10.0/8.4 mGy (lens dose).
Conclusion:
320-row volume acquisition in tb CT delivers equivalent image quality to 16-row CT while decreasing radiation exposure figures by one sixth. Image noise increase in 320-row CT is negligible with respect to image quality.
Related Concept Videos
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
X-ray Imaging
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
