Reconstructions were performed using an offline workstation and a prototype software device (ReconCT 13.8.2.0, Siemens Healthineers). Raw data is required to perform noise-insertion reconstructions. The system was calibrated prior to the reconstruction process by scanning a 20 cm water phantom with the same scan mode that is used for suspected body packer. The calibration data were transferred into the ReconCT software and defined as the standard for the noise simulation process. Reconstructions with simulated dose levels of 100%, 50%, 10%, 5% and 1% of initial dose were performed using a validated noise-insertion tool (RawData Noise Insertion, ReconCT 13.8.2.0, Siemens Healthineers) [12 (link)]. All reconstructions were performed with iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE, Level 3) in axial orientation (3-mm slice thickness) using a medium smooth kernel (I30f) and a sharp kernel (I70f).
Aissa J., Bölke E., Sawicki L.M., Appel E., Thomas C., Heusch P., Sedlmair M., Krzymyk K., Kröpil P., Antoch G, & Boos J. (2018). Noise insertion in CT for cocaine body packing: where is the limit of extensive dose reduction?. European Journal of Medical Research, 23, 59.
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