LAUSR

Abstract Aim To explore the value of individualized kVp selection based on the patient's body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) in CT colonography (CTC). Materials and Methods Seventy‐eight patients underwent two CTC scans: conventional 120 kVp in supine position (Group A) with 30% Adaptive statistical iteration algorithm (ASIR–V) and BMI–based lower kV p in prone position (Group B): tube voltage was suggested by an experienced investigator according to the patient's body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight divided by height squared; kg/m (2)).70 kV for BMI < 23 kg/m2 (Group B1, n = 27), 80 kV for 23 ≤ BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2(Group B2, n = 21) and 100 kV for BMI > 25 kg/m2 (Group B3, n = 30). Group A, corresponding to the BMI value in Group B, was divided into A1, A2, and A3 subgroups for analysis. Groups B used ASIR‐V of different weights (30%–90% ASIR–V). The Hounsfield Unit (HU) and SD values of the muscles and the intestinal cavity air were measured, and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of images were calculated. Imaging quality was evaluated by two reviewers and statistically compared. Results The 120 kV scans were preferred more than 50% of the time. All images had excellent quality with good consistency between reviewers (Kappa > 0.75, p < 0.05). The radiation dose was reduced in groups B1, B2 and B3 by 63.62%, 44.63%, and 32.14%, respectively, compared with group A (p < 0.05). The SNR and CNR values between group A1/A2/A3 and B1/B2/B3 + 60%ASIR‐V were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the subjective scores of group B combined with 60%ASIR‐V and group A (p > 0.05). Conclusion BMI‐based individualized kV CTC imaging significantly reduces overall radiation dose while providing an equal image quality with the conventional 120 kV.