Purpose or Case Report: Iterative reconstruction is an evolving reconstruction technique in CT that has so far been associated with a typical image appearance that many radiologists are still unfamiliar with. This educational presentation aims to demystify the technique by demonstrating the origin of the alteration in image quality and providing readers with an insight as to its benefits.
Methods & Materials: Examples of iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection images at both high and low doses are compared using image processing techniques and plot profiles across lung structures and abnormal interstitium as well as phantom structures.
Results: We will demonstrate that with iterative reconstruction image quality is preserved, specifically acutance relating to structures within the lungs. Filtered back projection will be shown to have high acutance noise creating the impression of overall high acutance/ sharpness in the image without actually improving diagnostic quality.
Conclusions: Iterative reconstruction in pediatric CT imaging preserves acutance and sharpness, maintaining high diagnostic quality whilst having the added benefits of low noise and lower doses in the radiosensitive pediatric population