
Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) is increasingly adopted for diagnostic imaging due to significant reduction in patient radiation exposure. However, this dose reduction inherently increases image noise, which substantially degrades image quality and compromises diagnostic accuracy. To address this trade-off, we propose a novel deep learning framework that integrates a Multi-Scale Residual Network (MSRN) with a Noise-Aware Attention mechanism. This architecture is designed to achieve superior noise suppression while critically preserving fine anatomical structures. The methodology employs self-supervised pretraining on unlabeled LDCT scans, to facilitate robust feature learning. We further incorporate adversarial training with a discriminator to ensure realistic image reconstruction, and utilize a hybrid loss functions to balance pixel-level accuracy, perceptual quality and visual reality. Experimental evaluations, quantified by Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) of LDCT images show significant performance gains in the quality of LDCT images with outputs as good as HDCT scans. This proposed approach offers a pathway to safer and more reliable clinical diagnosis by enabling correct image interpretation at substantially reduced radiation levels.
Low-Dose CT, Deep Learning, Multi-Scale Residual Network, Noise-Aware Attention, Image Denoising, Adversarial Training, Self-Supervised Pretraining
Low-Dose CT, Deep Learning, Multi-Scale Residual Network, Noise-Aware Attention, Image Denoising, Adversarial Training, Self-Supervised Pretraining
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
