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Diagnostics
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Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice
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Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 3281

Editor

Dr. Mohamed Abuzaid

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Interests: diagnostic imaging; computed tomography; radiation; radiography; education; radia-tion safety; radiation protection; digital imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Computed Tomography (CT) continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advances in detector technology, reconstruction algorithms, workflow automation, and growing clinical demand for high-quality, low-dose imaging. While CT remains a cornerstone of diagnostic imaging, contemporary practice faces increasing pressure to balance image quality, radiation dose, operational efficiency, and sustainability. These challenges are further amplified by patient-specific factors, expanding clinical indications, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into routine workflows.

This Special Issue, “Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice”, aims to provide a focused platform for high-quality research that addresses both technological innovation and real-world clinical implementation. The issue seeks contributions that advance understanding of CT protocol optimization, dose-reduction strategies, image-quality assessment, and patient-centred imaging. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches that link physics, technology, and clinical outcomes.

We welcome original research, technical notes, and review articles covering topics such as protocol optimization, iterative and deep-learning reconstruction techniques, patient-specific dose management, diagnostic reference levels, advanced cardiac and body CT applications, and quality assurance. Studies exploring AI-assisted workflow optimization, clinical decision support, and sustainability considerations in CT practice are also encouraged.

By bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives from radiographers, radiologists, medical physicists, and researchers, this Special Issue aims to support safer, smarter, and more efficient CT practice while highlighting emerging trends that will shape the future of clinical CT imaging.

Dr. Mohamed Abuzaid
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • computed tomography (CT)
  • CT protocol optimization
  • radiation dose optimization
  • iterative reconstruction
  • deep learning reconstruction
  • artificial intelligence in CT
  • diagnostic reference levels (DRLs)
  • clinical CT practice

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 679 KB  
Article
Opportunistic CT-Based Sarcopenia Screening: Masseter Muscle Index as a Prognostic Indicator of Prolonged Hospitalization in Carotid Endarterectomy
by Sultan AlSheikh, Othman Alabdullah, Ghadah Alarify, Mohammed Ibn Saqyan, Kaisor Iqbal and Abdulmajeed Altoijry
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091378 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) plays a critical role in stroke prevention, but assessing a patient’s preoperative physiological reserve remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sarcopenia and preoperative albumin on postoperative management outcomes and resource utilization in CEA patients with [...] Read more.
Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) plays a critical role in stroke prevention, but assessing a patient’s preoperative physiological reserve remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sarcopenia and preoperative albumin on postoperative management outcomes and resource utilization in CEA patients with a high prevalence of metabolic comorbidities. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 67 patients who underwent elective or urgent CEA between January 2015 and June 2025. Sarcopenia was quantified using the Masseter Muscle Index (MMI) derived from routine preoperative head and neck computed tomography (CT) scans. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the relationships between the MMI, serum albumin levels, and surgical outcomes. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 66.8 years and demonstrated a significant metabolic burden, with a high prevalence of diabetes (71.6%) and an average body mass index (BMI) of 28.15 kg/m2. Despite this predominantly overweight demographic, the MMI revealed underlying frailty and showed a strong inverse relationship with hospital resource utilization. A one-unit increase in the MMI significantly reduced total hospital length of stay (LOS) by 14.40 days (p = 0.001) and ICU LOS by 6.91 days (p < 0.001). Emergency surgery was the only independent predictor of mortality (OR 16.61, p = 0.047), while neither the MMI nor albumin significantly predicted short-term adverse clinical events. Conclusions: In a patient population where a higher BMI may mask underlying frailty, opportunistic screening for sarcopenia using routine preoperative CT scans provides important prognostic value. In this cohort study, a lower MMI showed an association with prolonged hospital and ICU stays; while it did not independently predict short-term mortality, its potential utility in forecasting resource utilization warrants further investigation in larger, prospective cohorts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 502 KB  
Article
Establishing Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for Adult Computed Tomography in Emirates Health Services Hospitals: A Multicenter Dose Survey
by Amina Aljasmi, Sheikha Almsafri, Suhaib Alameen, Hatem Ghonim, Maryam Alhajri, Amna Alshamsi, Sherif Hani Elkelsh and Mohammed Abuzaid
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1353; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091353 - 30 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 501
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to establish local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for adult computed tomography (CT) across Emirates Health Services (EHS) hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A retrospective multicenter survey included 1257 adult patients from seven EHS hospitals who [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to establish local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for adult computed tomography (CT) across Emirates Health Services (EHS) hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A retrospective multicenter survey included 1257 adult patients from seven EHS hospitals who underwent six routine CT protocols: head without contrast (n = 375), chest without contrast (n = 403), chest with contrast (n = 50), abdomen–pelvis without contrast (n = 204), abdomen–pelvis with contrast (n = 164), and chest–abdomen–pelvis (n = 61). Only single-phase, standard-range examinations were included. Examinations with major protocol deviations, extended scan ranges, or manual exposure overrides were excluded. CTDIvol and DLP were extracted from DICOM dose reports and reviewed against protocol definitions and scanner dose documentation. Local DRLs were defined as the 75th percentile of the dose distribution for each protocol, and median values were reported as achievable dose indicators. Results: Inter-hospital variability was observed across all protocols, particularly for abdomen–pelvis and chest–abdomen–pelvis examinations. The proposed DLP-based local DRLs (mGy·cm) were: head without contrast, 1179.6; chest without contrast, 425.0; chest with contrast, 1238.0; abdomen–pelvis without contrast, 637.2; abdomen–pelvis with contrast, 1269.9; and chest–abdomen–pelvis, 1411.5. Median values indicated achievable doses below the 75th percentile for all protocols. Compared with selected international studies, abdomen–pelvis doses were broadly comparable, whereas head and chest doses were somewhat higher. Conclusions: This study provides a coordinated multicenter baseline for adult CT local DRLs across EHS hospitals. The findings support protocol harmonization, scan-length optimization, targeted staff training, and integration with dose-monitoring systems to strengthen CT dose optimization and patient safety and to inform future updates of UAE national DRLs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice)
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13 pages, 1079 KB  
Article
Radiation Dose Evaluation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Repeated Brain Computed Tomography Examinations
by Mohammad Aljamal, Noor Abuasbi, Awadia Gareeballah, Zuhal Y. Hamd, Mohammed Alharbi, Amna M. Ahmed, Lama Almudaimeegh and Areej Hamami
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091265 - 23 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 717
Abstract
Background: Repeated brain computed tomography (CT) scans in children may result in substantial cumulative radiation exposure, particularly in young children, who are more sensitive to ionizing radiation. The purpose of the study was to assess the dose levels of radiation in patients [...] Read more.
Background: Repeated brain computed tomography (CT) scans in children may result in substantial cumulative radiation exposure, particularly in young children, who are more sensitive to ionizing radiation. The purpose of the study was to assess the dose levels of radiation in patients who receive repeated brain CT during childhood and adherence rates to pediatric imaging protocols. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 patients aged ≤5 years who underwent two or more brain CT examinations with a total of 514 CT examinations. The information was gathered through the hospital Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which included patient demographics, scan parameters, and scanner-reported dose indicators such as volume-averaged computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP). The effective dose (ED) was calculated and compared with estimated doses based on a nominal pediatric CT protocol. Results: The findings indicated a great variation in scan parameters, with CTDIvol values of 8.9 to 51.7 mGy and DLP values of 177 to 1310 mGy.cm. The number of repeated scans showed a great increase in the cumulative ED (p < 0.001). The median doses in patients below the age of one year were greater than those in older children. There was also a closer relation of scanner-reported doses to adult protocols, which suggests a lack of an optimized pediatric setting. Conclusions: Children under 5 who undergo repeated brain CT scans may face excessive radiation exposure. The matter is aggravated by the fact that scans are performed repeatedly without optimization of the dose, which leads to significant cumulative ED. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice)
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Review

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23 pages, 5275 KB  
Review
Lipoid Pneumonia: HRCT and MRI Spectrum, Diagnostic Pitfalls, and Imaging-Based Diagnostic Workflow
by Miriam Adorna, Martina Contino, Alessandro Libra, Letizia Antonella Mauro, Davide Giuseppe Castiglione, Claudia Mattina, Claudio Mauceri, Claudia Crimi, Alberto Terminella, Giacomo Cusumano, Alessandra Gurrera, Pietro Valerio Foti, Gianluca Sambataro, Antonio Basile, Carlo Vancheri and Stefano Palmucci
Diagnostics 2026, 16(11), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16111693 - 30 May 2026
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lipoid pneumonia (LP) is a rare and frequently underdiagnosed pulmonary condition with a broad spectrum of radiological manifestations that can closely mimic infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic lung diseases. Despite its clinical relevance, no standardized imaging-based diagnostic pathway exists. For this reason, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lipoid pneumonia (LP) is a rare and frequently underdiagnosed pulmonary condition with a broad spectrum of radiological manifestations that can closely mimic infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic lung diseases. Despite its clinical relevance, no standardized imaging-based diagnostic pathway exists. For this reason, this pictorial narrative review aims to provide a structured, imaging-centred synthesis of LP, to characterise the full spectrum of high-resolution CT (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and to propose a pragmatic diagnostic workflow. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from January 1950 to February 2025. Search terms combined “lipoid pneumonia” with imaging-related keywords including “HRCT,” “computed tomography,” “MRI,” and “fat attenuation.” After screening 891 deduplicated records, 60 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Eight illustrative institutional cases with imaging–pathology correlation were additionally selected to demonstrate key imaging phenotypes. Results: HRCT is the cornerstone modality, demonstrating intralesional fat attenuation (typically −30 to −150 HU) in 40–80% of cases depending on series and disease chronicity. Additional patterns include ground-glass opacity, crazy paving, centrilobular nodules, and mass-like consolidation mimicking malignancy. Fat attenuation is absent in up to 60% of cases when inflammatory exudate or fibrosis masks lipid content. MRI, particularly chemical shift imaging, serves as a problem-solving adjunct in pseudotumoral or densitometrically equivocal presentations. A pragmatic diagnostic workflow is proposed, integrating HRCT findings, exposure history, fat-sensitive MRI in selected cases, BAL cytology, and histopathological confirmation when required. Conclusions: A pattern-based radiological approach, anchored on HRCT and integrated with clinical exposure history, BAL cytology, and selective use of fat-sensitive MRI, enables accurate diagnosis of LP in most cases and can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures including surgical resection performed under suspicion of malignancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Computed Tomography: Optimization and Clinical Practice)
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