[Noise Nonuniformity Dependency on Exposure Settings in Computed Tomography]

In X-ray computed tomography (CT), noise distribution within images is nonuniform and thought to vary with imaging conditions. This study aimed to evaluate noise nonuniformity by altering specific imaging conditions, such as tube voltage, bow-tie filter (BTF), and phantom size.

Using four tube voltages (80, 100, 120, and 135 kV), two BTF types (L and M), and circular water phantoms with diameters of 240, 320, and 400 mm, we employed filtered back projection (FBP) for reconstruction. Noise nonuniformity was assessed by defining six regions of interest (ROI) from the image center to the periphery, and the noise nonuniformity index (NNI) was calculated based on the standard deviation (SD) values within these ROIs.

Results showed consistently larger noise SD values in the central region compared to the peripheral region under all imaging conditions, with the maximum NNI reaching 32.1%. Variations in NNI were observed, reaching up to 5.5 points for tube voltage, 7.8 points for BTF, and 8.2 points for phantom size.

In conclusion, our quantitative assessment revealed moderate dependence of noise nonuniformity on imaging conditions in CT images.