Dual-Layer Detector Head CT to Maintain Image Quality While Reducing the Radiation Dose in Pediatric Patients

Representative images showing improved image quality in the supratentorial and infratentorial brain parenchyma for conventional images and 60-keV VMIs acquired using 250 and 180 mAs. Axial reconstruction conventional image (A) and 60-keV VMI (B) for nonenhanced brain CT scans acquired with 250 mAs in a 6-year-old girl with neuroblastoma in the retroperitoneal area. Axial reconstruction conventional image (D) and 60-keV VMI (C) for a nonenhanced brain CT scan acquired with 180 mAs in a 6-year-old girl with exotropia in the eye. GWMA (B1, C1), SSA, and PFAA (B2, C2) and overall image quality were better for 60-keV VMIs compared with conventional images (A1, D1, A2, and D2), respectively. Subjective image-quality indices were similar in 60-keV VMIs between the 250-mAs (B1, B2) and 180-mAs (C1, C2) groups. Window settings were kept identical for better comparability (level, 35; width, 70).