[Influence on Head Computed Tomography Image by Difference of Beam Hardening Correction Method]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Physics

Background:

• Head computed tomography (CT) imaging is susceptible to beam hardening artifacts.
• The presence of thick cranial bones surrounding brain parenchyma necessitates beam hardening correction.
• Existing beam hardening correction methods vary across different CT apparatus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different beam hardening correction methods on CT values using phantom imaging.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of various beam hardening correction techniques.

Main Methods:

• Phantom imaging was conducted to measure CT value fluctuations and correction amounts.
• Compared three distinct beam hardening correction approaches: 1st pass method, 2nd pass method, and a Brain forward projected model-based iterative reconstruction solution.

Main Results:

• The intensity and precision of beam hardening correction varied significantly depending on the method employed.
• CT value measurements demonstrated differences attributable to the specific correction technique used.

Conclusions:

• The choice of beam hardening correction method influences the accuracy of CT values in head CT examinations.
• Variations in correction methodologies can lead to discrepancies in imaging results for the same subject.