Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the Wide Volume (WV) versus Helical acquisition on a 320-detector row computed tomography for the exploration of the abdominopelvic region in adults

Purpose: To evaluate the best protocol to be used in WV mode for the abdominopelvic region in terms of radiation dose and image quality by comparison with the helical mode. Methods and materials: This study was performed on a 320 x 0.5 mm detector row CT unit. By using several simulations on topograms data and phantoms analysis, we registered CTDIvol. Then, a clinical study on CTUrography was performed, each patient being its own standard. Results: The collimation of 10 cm (200 x 0.5 mm) with 5 volumes had the lowest CTDIvol. This can be explained by several physical phenomena. In the clinical study, the average radiation dose reduction was found to be at 44.03% ± 0.36% (p<0.001). Concerning the qualitative evaluation of the stitching of different volumes and the overall image quality, it was found excellent. Conclusion: Wide Volume CT scanning using 5 volumes of 10cm (200x0.5mm) significantly reduces the radiation dose with an excellent image quality. Correspondence to: Catherine Roy, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Strasbourg – New Civil Hospital, Strasbourg Cedex, France; Tel: +333369550731; Fax: +3333691815; E-mail: catherine.roy@chru-strasbourg.fr