Comparison of MTFs Measured using IndoQCT and ImQuest Software on GE CT Phantom Images

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to compare the modulation transfer function (MTF) measured using IndoQCT and ImQuest software on GE CT phantom images with variations of slice thickness and reconstruction filter. Method: This study compared MTFs measured using two software (i.e., IndoQCT and ImQuest software) on GE CT phantom images. IndoQCT implemented automatic region of interest (ROI) determination, while ImQuest used manual ROI determination. Both software analysed images with three variations of slice thickness (i.e., 2.5, 5, and 10 mm) and reconstruction filter (i.e., standard, soft tissue, chest, and bone filters). Results: IndoQCT provides automatic ROI selection and produces stable MTF curves, while ImQuest provides manual ROI selection and produces more fluctuating MTF curves. In slice thickness variation, IndoQCT showed that different slice thickness did not significantly affect spatial resolution as suggested, while ImQuest showed significant differences in spatial resolution for thickest slice thickness. In filter variation, IndoQCT produced high spatial resolution value in bone filter, while ImQuest produced the lower spatial resolution value. Overall, both software showed MTF differences within 15%, except in certain conditions, for example on a slice thickness of 10 mm. Conclusions: We have compared MTFs measured using IndoQCT and ImQuest software. Both software can be used to measure MTFs on the GE phantom images with relatively accurate results. IndoQCT generally produces higher MTF values than those from ImQuest. However, the difference MTF is not statistically significant. This study found that at 10 mm slice thickness, ImQuest produced very low MTF, while IndoQCT produced stable results for different slice thicknesses and reconstruction filters.