Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficacy of utilizing the low-tube voltage scanning mode with the Advanced Model Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm (ADMIRE) in dual-source CT liver scanning. Methods From March 2020 to March 2023, a cohort of 102 patients with suspected liver diseases, undergoing upper abdominal CT scans at our hospital, were randomly assigned into three groups(A, B, and C), each comprising 34 patients. All groups underwent dual-source CT plain and enhanced scans of the upper abdomen. Group A utilized the ADMIRE low tube voltage (70 kV), Group B utilized the ADMIRE standard tube voltage (120 kV), and Group C adopted conventional FBP (100 kV). Objective image quality metrics, subjective scores, radiation doses, and diagnostic outcomes of liver lesions were compared among the three groups. Results The hepatic parenchyma CT values for the three groups were (105.63±9.81), (107.91±8.52), and (103.74±8.94) respectively, while the CT values of subcutaneous fat were (-97.82±5.37), (-96.33±5.59) and (-96.14±4.25) respectively. Background air CT values were consistent among the three group: (-999.37±14.23), (-995.42±11.36) and (-997.06±15.75), with no statistically significant differences observed(P>0.05). Contrast noise ratio (CNR) values were (15.82±0.94), (16.29±0.61) and (18.74±0.89), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values were (9.74±0.86), (10.29±0.77) and (8.41±0.49), respectively. Standard deviation (SD) values were (10.09±1.98), (10.58±2.35) and (12.36±2.19), while image quality scores were (4.86±0.11), (4.91±0.08) and (4.38±0.17), respectively. CNR and SD were lower in groups A and B compared to group C, while SNR and image quality scores were higher in groups A and B group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups A and B in terms of CNR, SNR, SD, and image quality scores (P>0.05). The dose-length product (DLP) values were (67.82±19.35) mGy·cm, (126.93±23.88) mGy·cm, (141.25±29.76) mGy·cm, respectively, With corresponding Volume CT Dose Index (CTDI vol) values of (3.82±0.95) mGy, (6.39±1.12) mGy, (8.14±1.36) mGy, and effective radiation dose (ED) values of (1.26±0.28) mSv, (1.94±0.39) mSv, (2.27±0.41) mSv, respectively. DLP, CTDI vol and ED were lowerin groups A and B compared to group C, with group A showing lower values than group B (P<0.05). Diagnosis of liver lesions based on the three reconstructed images aligned with clinical diagnosis. Conclusion The implementation of the low-tube voltage scanning mode of ADMIRE in dual-source CT liver scanning demonstrates notable benefits in reducing image noise and radiation dose while maintaining high image quality. These findings underscore its potential for widespread adoption and clinical utility.

Key words: Liver, Dual-source CT, ADMIRE, Low tube voltage, Image quality, Radiation dose