The Actual Role of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm Methods in Several Saudi Hospitals As A Tool For Radiation Dose Minimization of Ct Scan Examinations

Abstract

Background

Iterative reconstruction algorithm (IR) techniques were developed to maintain a lower radiation dose for patients as much as possible while achieving the required image quality and medical benefits. The main purpose of the current research was to assess the level and usage extent of IR techniques in computed tomographic (CT) scan exams. Also, the obligation of practitioners in several hospitals in Saudi Arabia to implement IR in CT exams was assessed.

Material and Methodology

The recent research was based on two studies: data collection and a survey study. Data on the CT scan examinations were retrospectively collected from CT scanners. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire to evaluate radiographers’ and radiologists’ perceptions about IR and their practices with IR techniques. The statistical analysis results were performed to measure the usage strength level of IR methods.

Results and Discussions

The IR strength level of 50% was selected for nearly 80% of different CT examinations and patients of different ages and weights. About 46% of the participants had not learned about IR methods during their college studies, and 54% had not received formal training in applying IR techniques. Only 32% of the participants had adequate experience with IR. Half of the participants were not involved in the updating process of the CT protocol.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the majority of radiographer and radiologist at four different hospitals in Saudi Arabia have no explicit or understandable knowledge of selecting IR strength levels during the CT examination of patients. There is a need for more training in IR applications for both radiologists and radiographers. Training sessions were suggested to support radiographers and radiologists to efficiently utilize IR techniques to optimize image quality. Further studies are required to adjust CT exam protocols effectively to utilize the IR technique.

Keywords:

• computed tomography
• CT
• filter back projection
• FBP
• iterative reconstruction algorithms
• IR
• as low as reasonably achievable
• ALARA

Ethics Approval

This study was approved by IRB committee at King Fahad Specialist Hospital (KFSH) ministry of health (MOH), reference number is: EXT0360. The study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent

The informed consent was obtained from the study participants. All participants agreed to contribute at the research.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest for this work and declare no conflict of interest in preparing this article.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.