Denoised CT scans enhance pneumonia detection accuracy

New research indicates that a special type of CT scan, called denoised ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT), is more effective for detecting pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. This study was published on March 13 in a medical journal. The study involved 54 adults who were immunocompromised and needed chest scans for pneumonia between September 2020 and December 2022. The researchers compared three types of scans: normal-dose CT, ultra-low-dose CT, and denoised ultra-low-dose CT. The ULDCT scans were improved with an artificial intelligence algorithm that reduced noise in the images. The results showed that both ULDCT and denoised ULDCT performed well in detecting pneumonia. They had a high accuracy rate, with denoised ULDCT showing slightly better results, especially in identifying fine details within the lungs. The denoised ULDCT was particularly good at recognizing patterns linked to pneumonia. The authors believe their method enhances the clarity of these scans, allowing for better diagnosis of pneumonia in patients with normal lungs as well. This advancement could lead to improved care for individuals who are more vulnerable to lung infections.