High-resolution CT with new model-based iterative reconstruction with resolution preference algorithm in evaluations of lung nodules: Comparison with conventional model-based iterative reconstruction and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction

• MBIRn lung nodule images are diagnostically more acceptable than MBIRc and ASIR.
• Image noise and streak artifact in MBIRn are reduced compared with ASIR.
• Small lung structures are sharper in MBIRn compared with MBIRc and ASIR.

ObjectiveTo compare the image quality of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for evaluating lung nodules reconstructed with the new version of model-based iterative reconstruction and spatial resolution preference algorithm (MBIRn) vs. conventional model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIRc) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR).Materials and methodsThis retrospective clinical study was approved by our institutional review board and included 70 lung nodules in 58 patients (mean age, 71.2 ± 10.9 years; 34 men and 24 women). HRCT of lung nodules were reconstructed using MBIRn, MBIRc and ASIR. Objective image noise was measured by placing the regions of interest on lung parenchyma. Two blinded radiologists performed subjective image analyses.ResultsSignificant improvements in the following points were observed in MBIRn compared with ASIR (p < 0.005): objective image noise (24.4 ± 8.0 vs. 37.7 ± 10.4), subjective image noise, streak artifacts, and adequateness for evaluating internal characteristics and borders of nodules. The sharpness of small vessels and bronchi and diagnostic acceptability with MBIRn were significantly better than with MBIRc and ASIR (p < 0.008).ConclusionHRCT reconstructed with MBIRn provides diagnostically more acceptable images for the detailed analyses of lung nodules compared with MBIRc and ASIR.