Effect of image display on the quality of multiplanar reconstruction of computed tomography data

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: The objective of this study is to determine whether the use of edge-enhancement post-processing filters was useful in the computed tomographic (CT) multiplanar evaluation of skeletal trauma.

Methods: The group consisted of a series of 10 cases of skeletal trauma (3 cases of acetabular fractures, 3 cases of tibial plateau fractures, and 4 cases of ankle fractures). All patients had a CT scan using a scan protocol of 4-mm collimation and 3-mm interscan interval. All transaxial images were reconstructed with both a standard algorithm and with an edge-enhancement filter. The images from each group were then reconstructed into coronal and sagittal planes. Three individuals independently reviewed each case and compared image pairs to determine whether images using an edge-enhancement filter were of better or worse quality than standard images.

Results: The reviewers found the images with edge-enhancement to be equal to or superior to images reconstructed with a standard algorithm, regardless of the image plane chosen. This bias was especially true in cases of hip and ankle trauma.

Conclusions: When CT supplemented by multiplanar imaging is used in patients with skeletal trauma, image data reconstruction should be done with an edge-enhancement filter to optimize image detail.