Aorta protected by radiant shield, symbolizing low-dose CT scan for Marfan syndrome

Marfan Syndrome: Revolutionizing Aorta Imaging with Low-Dose CT Scans

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how cutting-edge CT angiography techniques are transforming the monitoring of Marfan syndrome, reducing radiation exposure without compromising image quality."

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue. This condition primarily impacts the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes. Aortic issues, such as aneurysms and dissections, pose significant life-threatening risks for individuals with MFS. Regular monitoring of the aorta is therefore critical for managing the disease and preventing severe complications.

Computed tomography (CT) angiography has become a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of aortic diseases due to its widespread availability and quick scanning times. However, CT scans involve radiation exposure, which raises concerns for MFS patients who often require frequent, repeated scans throughout their lives. The need for minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining image quality is paramount.

Recent advances in CT technology are focusing on lowering radiation doses without sacrificing the accuracy of the images. This article explores how low-dose CT protocols, combined with iterative reconstruction techniques, are changing the landscape of aortic imaging for Marfan syndrome patients, offering a safer approach to long-term monitoring.

How Low-Dose CT Angiography Works: Reducing Radiation Risks in Marfan Syndrome

Aorta protected by radiant shield, symbolizing low-dose CT scan for Marfan syndrome

Traditional CT scans use a fixed amount of radiation to generate images. The radiation dose is directly linked to the tube voltage. Lowering the tube voltage leads to a significant dose reduction. However, this reduction typically increases image noise, potentially compromising diagnostic accuracy. Iterative reconstruction (IR) is a sophisticated image processing technique designed to combat this noise.

IR algorithms work by refining the initial image through multiple iterations, reducing noise and artifacts while preserving essential details. Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) is a specific type of IR algorithm that has shown promise in improving image quality in low-dose CT scans.

Lower Tube Voltage: Reduces the amount of radiation needed for each scan.
Iterative Reconstruction: Enhances image quality by reducing noise and artifacts introduced by the lower radiation dose.
SAFIRE Algorithm: A specific IR technique that optimizes image quality in low-dose CT scans.

The study by Freyhardt et al. investigated the effectiveness of low-dose CT angiography combined with SAFIRE in Marfan syndrome patients. The researchers compared high-pitch dual-source CT scans of the aorta acquired at different tube voltages (120 kV, 100 kV, and 80 kV) and reconstructed using either standard filtered back projection (FBP) or SAFIRE. The results demonstrated that low-dose CT protocols with SAFIRE allowed for high-quality imaging of the entire aorta with a significant reduction in radiation exposure.

The Future of Aortic Imaging in Marfan Syndrome

Low-dose CT angiography with iterative reconstruction represents a significant advancement in the management of Marfan syndrome. By reducing radiation exposure without compromising image quality, these techniques offer a safer and more sustainable approach to long-term aortic monitoring. As technology continues to evolve, further refinements in image reconstruction algorithms and CT protocols will likely lead to even greater dose reductions and improved diagnostic accuracy, ultimately benefiting individuals with Marfan syndrome and other conditions requiring frequent CT scans.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2018.02.007, Alternate LINK

Title: Ct-Angiography Of The Aorta In Patients With Marfan Disease - High-Pitch Mdct At Different Levels Of Tube Voltage Combined With Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: Clinical Imaging

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: P. Freyhardt, N. Solowjowa, G. Böning, J. Kahn, B. Aufmesser, P. Haage, F. Streitparth

Published: 2018-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What specific parts of the body are affected by Marfan syndrome, and why is regular monitoring so important?

Marfan syndrome primarily affects the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes due to its impact on connective tissue. Aortic aneurysms and dissections are significant concerns, necessitating regular monitoring to prevent life-threatening complications.

How does low-dose CT angiography reduce radiation exposure, and what techniques are used to maintain image quality?

Low-dose CT angiography reduces radiation exposure by lowering the tube voltage during the scan. This approach can introduce image noise. To combat this, iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques like SAFIRE are used to refine the image, reduce noise, and preserve essential details, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while minimizing radiation.

What is Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE), and how does it improve image quality in low-dose CT scans for individuals with Marfan syndrome?

Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) is a sophisticated image processing technique used to optimize image quality in low-dose CT scans. As a type of iterative reconstruction algorithm, SAFIRE refines the initial image through multiple iterations, reducing noise and artifacts, which improves diagnostic accuracy with lower radiation exposure. This is particularly important for clear aortic imaging in individuals with Marfan Syndrome.

What did the study by Freyhardt et al. reveal about the effectiveness of low-dose CT angiography with SAFIRE in Marfan syndrome patients?

The study by Freyhardt et al. demonstrated that low-dose CT protocols, when combined with SAFIRE, enable high-quality imaging of the entire aorta while significantly reducing radiation exposure. They used high-pitch dual-source CT scans at varying tube voltages and reconstructed them using standard filtered back projection (FBP) and SAFIRE, which showed the effectiveness of SAFIRE in maintaining image quality at lower doses.

What future advancements are anticipated in aortic imaging for Marfan syndrome, and how might they improve long-term monitoring and diagnosis?

Advancements in image reconstruction algorithms and CT protocols are expected to further reduce radiation doses and improve diagnostic accuracy. These improvements should lead to safer and more sustainable long-term aortic monitoring for individuals with Marfan syndrome and potentially benefit those with other conditions that require frequent CT scans. Continuous refinement of these technologies could also expand their applicability and effectiveness.