BACKGROUND: This study aimed to use the LUNGMAN N1 anthropomorphic chest model to evaluate protocols for high-definition computed tomography (HDCT) and standard-definition CT (SDCT) to detect and compare small pulmonary nodules and determine the most appropriate low-dose scanning protocols.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: HDCT imaging used the Discovery HD750 scanner (80, 100, 120 and 140 kVp; 360, 320, 280, 240, 200, 160, 120, 80, 40, and 20 mA), and SDCT imaging used the Lightspeed VCT scanner (80, 120, and 140 kVp; 360, 320, 280, 240, 200, 160, 120, 80, 40, and 20 mA). The LUNGMAN N1 anthropomorphic chest model contained artificial pulmonary nodules (diameter: 5, 8, 10, and 12 mm). Low-dose scanning protocols were used in image acquisition. Two experienced radiologists evaluated the image quality. The combinations of voltage, tube current, image noise, and radiation dose were recorded. Consistency of the image quality between raters was assessed by kappa statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Seventy CT scans of pulmonary nodules (diameter, 5–12 mm) were performed. There was a high degree of consistency for image quality between the two observers (K=0.929 for 5 mm nodules; K=0.819 for overall image quality). For 8 mm nodules, 100% were detected on both SDCT and HDCT. HDCT outperformed SDCT by 5%, in terms of effective dose. There was no significant difference in image quality between the SDCT and HDCT scanners.

CONCLUSIONS: Using an anthropomorphic chest model, the identification and image quality using SDCT was similar to that of HDCT for small pulmonary nodules between 5–12 mm.

Keywords: Multiple Pulmonary Nodules, Radiation Dosage, Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed, Coronary Angiography, Models, Anatomic, multidetector computed tomography, Phantoms, Imaging, Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted, Radionuclide Imaging, Reproducibility of Results, Thorax