Comparison of Analytical and Iterative Algorithms for Reconstruction of Microtomographic Phantom Images and Rat Mandibular Scans

Pawel Lipowicz, Agnieszka Dardzinska-Glebocka, Marta Borowska, Ander Biguri

Abstract: For the reconstruction of cone beam tomography (CBCT) images, the analytical algorithm of Feldkamp et al. (FDK) is mainly used. Apart from it, many iterative algorithms have been developed, e.g. algorithms from ART Families, conjugate gradient least squares (CGLS) or algorithms that can use total variation regularization (i.e. ASD-POCS, OS-ASD-POCS, OS-AwASD-POCS). However, they are infrequently used commercially. This paper compares the reconstruction time of the above-mentioned algorithms and analyses the images obtained from the reconstruction using image similarity assessment methods. Both phantoms (Head phantom and Sheep-Logan phantom) and a scan of a rat mandibular angle with a composite implant (titanium+bio-glass) were used for reconstruction. The presented analysis allows to determine the direction of further work related to methods of reducing artefacts caused by metallic implants in the reconstruction area.