Artificial Intelligence in Computed Tomography Image Reconstruction: A Review of Recent Advances

The development of novel image reconstruction algorithms has been pivotal in enhancing image quality and reducing radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) imaging. Traditional techniques like filtered back projection perform well under ideal conditions but fail to generate high-quality images under low-dose, sparse-view, and limited-angle conditions. Iterative reconstruction methods improve upon filtered back projection by incorporating system models and assumptions about the patient, yet they can suffer from patchy image textures. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, has further advanced CT reconstruction. AI techniques have demonstrated great potential in reducing radiation dose while preserving image quality and noise texture. Moreover, AI has exhibited unprecedented performance in addressing challenging CT reconstruction problems, including low-dose CT, sparse-view CT, limited-angle CT, and interior tomography. This review focuses on the latest advances in AI-based CT reconstruction under these challenging conditions.