Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT
Published on: June 21, 2011
Image Quality Assessment in Torso Phantom Comparing Effects of Varying Automatic Current Modulation with Filtered
Varut Vardhanabhuti1, Babajide Olubaniyi2, Robert Loader3
1Department of Radiology, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom; Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Objectives:
To compare image quality on computed tomographic (CT) images acquired with different levels of automatic tube current modulation reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), and novel model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) techniques.
Methods:
A torso phantom was scanned at 17 different noise levels of automatic current modulation and images were reconstructed with FBP, ASIR, and MBIR. Objective and subjective image qualities were assessed. Effective dose was also calculated.
Results:
Objective image analysis supports significant noise reduction and superior contrast to noise ratio with new a MBIR technique. Subjective image parameters were maximally rated for MBIR followed by ASIR then FBP. The reconstruction algorithms were evaluated over effective doses ranging from 0.7 to 3 mSv.
Conclusion:
MBIR shows superior reduction in noise and improved image quality (both objective and subjective analysis) compared with ASIR and FBP. It was possible to achieve meaningful image quality even at the highest noise index of 70 achieving substantial dose reduction to as low as 0.7 mSv.
Related Concept Videos
Statistical Significance
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...
Automatic Processing and Automatic Social Behavior
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Passive Filters
Low-Pass Filters
Low-pass filters are designed to transmit signals with frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency, ωc, and attenuate those above it. The cutoff...
Gradually Varying Flow

