Evaluation of image quality using 1∶1 pitch and 1.5∶1 pitch helical CT in children: a comparative study

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the quality of 1∶1 and 1.5 ∶1 pitch helical contrast-enhanced thoracic and abdominal CT images in children who cannot cooperate for breath holding. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study of 33 contrast-enhanced CT examinations in 11 children of 0–4 years of age. All children had an initial CT study using 1∶1 pitch helical scanning followed over the next 6–36 months by one to four CT examinations with 1.5∶1 pitch. Radiation dose with the two techniques was measured with a pencil Ionization chamber. Results The two techniques provided comparable overall image quality. There was 33 % less radiation dose with 1.5∶1 pitch helical scanning. Conclusion The 1.5∶1 pitch helical CT provides comparable quality images and a smaller radiation dose than 1∶1 pitch in examining children aged 0–4 years.