<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a Monte Carlo model for a Dual Source Computed Tomography (DSCT) scanner based on the Monte Carlo N-particle radiation transport computer code (MCNP5). The geometry of the Siemens Somatom Definition CT scanner was modeled, taking into consideration the x-ray spectrum, bowtie filter, collimator, and detector system. The accuracy of the simulation from the dosimetry point of view was tested by calculating the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) values. Furthermore, typical quality assurance phantoms were modeled in order to assess the imaging aspects of the simulation. Simulated projection data were processed, using the MATLAB software, in order to reconstruct slices, using a Filtered Back Projection algorithm. CTDI, image noise, CT-number linearity, spatial and low contrast resolution were calculated using the simulated test phantoms. The results were compared using several published values including IMPACT, NIST and actual measurements. Bowtie filter shapes are in agreement with those theoretically expected. Results show that low contrast and spatial resolution are comparable with expected ones, taking into consideration the relatively limited number of events used for the simulation. The differences between simulated and nominal CT-number values were small. The present attempt to simulate a DSCT scanner could provide a powerful tool for dose assessment and support the training of clinical scientists in the imaging performance characteristics of Computed Tomography scanners.</p></abstract>

The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a Monte Carlo model for a Dual Source Computed Tomography (DSCT) scanner based on the Monte Carlo N-particle radiation transport computer code (MCNP5). The geometry of the Siemens Somatom Definition CT scanner was modeled, taking into consideration the x-ray spectrum, bowtie filter, collimator, and detector system. The accuracy of the simulation from the dosimetry point of view was tested by calculating the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) values. Furthermore, typical quality assurance phantoms were modeled in order to assess the imaging aspects of the simulation. Simulated projection data were processed, using the MATLAB software, in order to reconstruct slices, using a Filtered Back Projection algorithm. CTDI, image noise, CT-number linearity, spatial and low contrast resolution were calculated using the simulated test phantoms. The results were compared using several published values including IMPACT, NIST and actual measurements. Bowtie filter shapes are in agreement with those theoretically expected. Results show that low contrast and spatial resolution are comparable with expected ones, taking into consideration the relatively limited number of events used for the simulation. The differences between simulated and nominal CT-number values were small. The present attempt to simulate a DSCT scanner could provide a powerful tool for dose assessment and support the training of clinical scientists in the imaging performance characteristics of Computed Tomography scanners.

Design of a Monte Carlo model based on dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) scanners for dose and image quality assessment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) code

Medical Physics Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences

Polish Journal of Medical Physics and Engineering

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a Monte Carlo model for a Dual Source Computed Tomography (DSCT) scanner based on the Monte Carlo...

Design of a Monte Carlo model based on dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) scanners for dose and image quality assessment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) code

Publié en ligne: 03 avr. 2020

Pages: 11 - 20

Reçu: 24 oct. 2019

Accepté: 31 janv. 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pjmpe-2020-0002

Mots clés
Monte Carlo simulation, dual-source CT, dual-energy CT, CTDI, image quality

© 2020 Stefania Chantzi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Design of a Monte Carlo model based on dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) scanners for dose and image quality assessment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) code

Publié en ligne: 03 avr. 2020

Pages: 11 - 20

Reçu: 24 oct. 2019

Accepté: 31 janv. 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pjmpe-2020-0002

Mots clésMonte Carlo simulation, dual-source CT, dual-energy CT, CTDI, image quality

© 2020 Stefania Chantzi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Mots clés
Monte Carlo simulation, dual-source CT, dual-energy CT, CTDI, image quality