An adaptive filtering algorithm for cardiac CT with EKG-modulated tube current

We have developed an adaptive filtering algorithm for cardiac CT scans with EKG-modulated tube current to balance resolution and noise for different cardiac phases and to provide safety net for cases where end-systole phase is used for coronary imaging. This algorithm has been evaluated using patient cardiac CT scans where lower tube currents are used for the systolic phases. The results demonstrated that with the use of the proposed algorithm, we could improve image quality for all cardiac phases, while providing greater noise and streak artifact reduction for systole phases.