Qualitative and quantitative image analysis of 16 cm wide-coverage computed tomography compared to new-generation dual-source CT.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic quality of computed tomography (CT) images depends on numerous factors. Recently, two different modalities were introduced for coronary CT angiography (CCTA). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the performance of 16 cm wide-coverage detector CT (WDCT) using the snapshot freeze technique with a new-generation dual-source CT (DSCT) with 66 ms temporal resolution for CCTA. METHODS: Total 101 patients with suspected coronary heart disease were enrolled. Of these, 50 and 51 patients were examined on WDCT and DSCT, respectively. CT values, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were measured. The image processing efficiency was recorded, followed by statistical comparison of diagnostic accuracy and radiation dose. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (98.02%) had satisfactory diagnostic image quality. DSCT was significantly better than WDCT in terms of quantitative image quality, image processing efficiency, and qualitative analysis (P < 0.05). However, radiation dose was significantly lower on WDCT (P < 0.05) as compared to DSCT. CONCLUSIONS: Image processing efficiency and image quality of CCTA was higher on DSCT compared to WDCT due to the limitation of maximal tube current of WDCT.