Sequential CT vs. spiral CT brain imaging.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare sequential CT to spiral CT examinations for the brain, performed on a GE Highspeed Dual NX/1 Plus 2 slice with regards to image quality and radiation dose at the local general hospital. Methodology: The study was carried out prospectively on 40 patients referred for a brain CT examination. An equal number of patients were gathered for each scanning protocol; either sequential (n=20) or spiral (n=20). A checklist was filled in during every CT brain exam to collect radiation dose parameter data in terms of CTDIvol and DLP. Another checklist was given to four radiologists to visually grade the quality of the CT images using the European image quality criteria for CT. Results: Mean CTDIvol and DLP readings were significantly higher (p \<0.05) for the sequential technique than the spiral technique (CTDIvol: 22.06mGy versus 14.94mGy and DLP: 304.60mGycm versus 229.10mGycm). The sequential technique was graded higher in image quality as all the mean grading scores were significantly (p \< 0.05) higher than those obtained by the spiral technique. Conclusions: Spiral acquired CT images of the brain have a lower radiation dose but have an overall lower image quality compared to the images obtained using the sequential technique. However, further research is recommended investigating the diagnostic efficacy of the image quality of spiral technique is good enough for diagnosis.