Nerifa Dewilza, Oktavia Puspita Sari, Sagita Yudha, Balqis Maysan Farrahin

The Effect of Increment Reconstruction Variations in Ct-Scans of Head Trauma on the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) in the Radiology Department of the Prof. Dr. M.A. Hanafiah General Hospital, SM Batusangkar

Introduction

The effect of increment reconstruction variations in ct-scans of head trauma on the contrast to noise ratio (cnr) in the radiology department of the prof. Dr. M.a. Hanafiah general hospital, sm batusangkar. Investigate CT reconstruction increment variations and their impact on Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) in head trauma. Learn how 0.7mm increment enhances image clarity.

Abstract

Computed Tomography (CT) is an essential imaging modality for evaluating head trauma due to its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional images. Image quality, particularly the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR), plays an important role in diagnostic accuracy. This study aimed to determine the effect of reconstruction increment variations on CNR values in head trauma CT examinations and to identify the increment that provides the most optimal image quality. This research was a quantitative experimental study conducted at the Radiology Unit of RSUD Prof. Dr. M.A. Hanafiah, SM Batusangkar, in February 2025. The population consisted of all patients who underwent CT brain examinations with clinical head trauma during the study period, totaling 12 patients, of whom five patients were selected as samples using purposive sampling. Secondary image data were reconstructed using two increment variations, 0.7 mm and 1 mm, with identical scanning parameters. CNR values were calculated using Radiant Viewer by measuring regions of interest (ROI), and the data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test followed by the Independent Samples T-Test. The results showed that the mean CNR value for the 0.7 mm increment was 304.52, which was higher than the 1 mm increment with a mean CNR of 288.51. However, statistical analysis demonstrated no significant difference between the two increment variations (p = 0.155; p > 0.05). In conclusion, both reconstruction increments produce comparable image quality in head trauma CT examinations. Nevertheless, the 0.7 mm increment provides higher CNR values and may be considered more optimal for improving image clarity

Review

The study addresses a clinically pertinent aspect of Computed Tomography (CT) imaging in head trauma, focusing on how reconstruction increment variations influence image quality, specifically the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR). Optimizing imaging parameters to enhance diagnostic accuracy is a continuous goal in radiology, particularly in emergent settings like head trauma where subtle findings can be critical. By aiming to identify an increment that provides the most optimal image quality for head trauma CT examinations, this research offers a practical contribution towards refining imaging protocols within the radiology department. The methodology adopted is a quantitative experimental study, comparing two specific reconstruction increments (0.7 mm and 1 mm). A significant limitation is immediately apparent in the sample size, which comprised only five patients selected via purposive sampling. While the abstract indicates the study will be conducted in February 2025, suggesting it is a planned or ongoing project, the preliminary data presented show a numerically higher mean CNR for the 0.7 mm increment (304.52) compared to the 1 mm increment (288.51). However, the subsequent statistical analysis, an Independent Samples T-Test, appropriately concluded no significant difference between these two variations (p = 0.155; p > 0.05). This lack of statistical significance, though correctly reported, is highly likely attributable to the extremely limited sample size, which inherently restricts the power to detect true differences and the generalizability of the findings. In conclusion, the study suggests that both 0.7 mm and 1 mm reconstruction increments produce comparable image quality in head trauma CT examinations within the scope of this preliminary investigation. Despite the lack of statistical significance, the numerically higher CNR for the 0.7 mm increment could prompt consideration for its potential in improving image clarity for subtle pathologies, assuming there is no significant increase in radiation dose. To strengthen these findings and draw more robust conclusions, future research should incorporate a substantially larger and potentially multi-center patient cohort. Additionally, expanding the scope to include qualitative assessments by experienced radiologists for diagnostic confidence and exploring the impact on radiation dose would provide a more comprehensive understanding of optimal CT protocols in head trauma.

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