Comparison of image quality between spectral photon-counting CT and dual-layer CT for the evaluation of lung nodules: a phantom study

To evaluate the image quality (IQ) of a spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) using filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms (iDose4), in comparison with a dual-layer CT (DLCT) system, and to choose the best image quality according to the IR level for SPCCT.Two phantoms were scanned using a standard lung protocol (120 kVp, 40 mAs) with SPCCT and DLCT systems. Raw data were reconstructed using FBP and 9...