16-slice CT: achievable effective doses of common protocols in comparison with recent CT dose surveys

The aim of the study was to investigate achievable dose levels in 16-slice CT by evaluating CT dose indices (CTDI) and effective doses of dose-optimized protocols compared with 4-slice dose surveys. Normalized CTDI free in air and in 16 cm and 32 cm diameter phantoms were measured on four different 16-slice CT scanners in the Netherlands. All collimation and tube potential settings were analysed. Volume CTDI was calculated for adult protocols for brain, chest, pulmonary angiography (CTPA), abdomen and biphasic liver CT. Effective doses were calculated first using volume CTDI with conversion factors and second from CTDIair values using the ImPACT dose calculator. Average results of the 16-slice scanners were correlated to results of dose surveys with predominantly 4-slice scanners. Statistical analysis was done with Student t-tests with a Bonferroni correction; therefore p < 0.017 was significant. The results of CTDIair and weighted CTDI were documented for all scanners. Effective doses averaged over four scanners for brain, chest, CTPA, abdomen and biphasic liver protocols were 1.9+/-0.4, 3.8+/-0.4, 3.0+/-0.2, 7.2+/-0.9 and 10.2+/-1.3 mSv, respectively. Compared with dose surveys achievable effective doses were equal (p = 0.069) to significantly lower (p < 0.017) for chest and abdomen protocols. For 16-slice spiral brain CT there was a trend of equal doses compared with sequential brain CT in the dose surveys. Thus, with dose-optimized protocols 16-slice CT can achieve equal to lower effective doses in examinations of the chest and abdomen compared with 4-slice CT, while doses can remain stable in the brain.     

Effective Dose of CT- and Fluoroscopy-Guided Perineural/Epidural Injections of the Lumbar Spine: A Comparative Study

The objective of this study was to compare the effective radiation dose of perineural and epidural injections of the lumbar spine under computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopic guidance with respect to dose-reduced protocols. We assessed the radiation dose with an Alderson Rando phantom at the lumbar segment L4/5 using 29 thermoluminescence dosimeters. Based on our clinical experience, 4–10 CT scans and 1-min fluoroscopy are appropriate. Effective doses were calculated for CT for a routine lumbar spine protocol and for maximum dose reduction; as well as for fluoroscopy in a continuous and a pulsed mode (3–15 pulses/s). Effective doses under CT guidance were 1.51 mSv for 4 scans and 3.53 mSv for 10 scans using a standard protocol and 0.22 mSv and 0.43 mSv for the low-dose protocol. In continuous mode, the effective doses ranged from 0.43 to 1.25 mSv for 1–3 min of fluoroscopy. Using 1 min of pulsed fluoroscopy, the effective dose was less than 0.1 mSv for 3 pulses/s. A consequent low-dose CT protocol reduces the effective dose compared to a standard lumbar spine protocol by more than 85%. The latter dose might be expected when applying about 1 min of continuous fluoroscopy for guidance. A pulsed mode further reduces the effective dose of fluoroscopy by 80–90%.     

苏州市数字X射线摄影和CT医疗照射所致公众剂量负担的研究

目的 估算2017年苏州市医用数字X射线摄影（DR）和CT所致全市公众有效剂量负担。方法 利用分层随机抽样方法,通过医学影像存档与通信系统（PACS）和放射科信息系统（RIS）,采集苏州市27家医疗机构2017年DR和CT诊疗频度数据。对于DR,使用剂量面积乘积测量仪测量受检者常见投照部位的剂量面积乘积（DAP）,估算出有效剂量;对于CT,测量头部、胸部和腹部扫描时的加权CT剂量指数（CTDI_w）,结合扫描参数,估算出有效剂量。根据各部位的扫描人次和有效剂量,估算苏州市DR和CT医疗照射所致公众剂量负担。结果 DR检查中,腹部前后位、骨盆前后位、头颅侧位和后前位、胸部侧位和后前位、胸椎侧位和后前位、腰椎侧位和后前位一次检查所致受检者有效剂量分别为0.565、0.280、0.016、0.012、0.111、0.060、0.100、0.102、0.307和0.152 mSv。CT检查中,头部、胸部、腹部一次检查所致受检者有效剂量分别为1.33、5.75和7.31 mSv。2017年苏州市DR和CT医疗照射所致公众剂量为9 593.07人·Sv,人均年有效剂量为0.898 mSv。结论 CT医疗照射对公众剂量的贡献量远大于DR照射的贡献量。苏州市DR和CT医疗照射所致公众剂量负担处于高水平,需要引起相关卫生行政部门的重视。     

Effective dose to patient measurements in flat-detector and multislice computed tomography: a comparison of applications in neuroradiology

Purpose

Flat-detector CT (FD-CT) is used for a variety of applications. Additionally, 3D rotational angiography (3D DSA) is used to supplement digital subtraction angiography (DSA) studies. The aim was to measure and compare the dose of (1) standard DSA and 3D DSA and (2) analogous FD-CT and multislice CT (MSCT) protocols.

Methods

Using an anthropomorphic phantom, the effective dose to patients (according to ICRP 103) was measured on an MSCT and a flat-detector angiographic system using standard protocols as recommended by the manufacturer.

Results

(1) Evaluation of DSA and 3D DSA angiography protocols: ap.-lat. Standard/low-dose series 1/0.8 mSv, enlarged oblique projection 0.3 mSv, 3D DSA 0.9 mSv (limited coverage length 0.3 mSv). (2) Comparison of FD-CT and MSCT: brain parenchyma imaging 2.9 /1.4 mSv, perfusion imaging 2.3/4.2 mSv, temporal bone 0.2 /0.2 mSv, angiography 2.9/3.3 mSv, limited to the head using collimation 0.5/0.5 mSv.

Conclusion

The effective dose for an FD-CT application depends on the application used. Using collimation for FD-CT applications, the dose may be reduced considerably. Due to the low dose of 3D DSA, we recommend using this technique to reduce the number of DSA series needed to identify working projections.

Key Points

? Effective dose of FD-CT in comparison to MSCT is in comparable range. ? Collimation decreases the dose of FD-CT effectively. ? Effective dose of 3-D angiography is identical to 2-D DSA. ? Different FD-CT programs have different dose.     

Estimation and comparison of effective dose (E) in standard chest CT by organ dose measurements and dose-length-product methods and assessment of the influence of CT tube potential (energy dependency) on effective dose in a dual-source CT

Purpose

To determine effective dose (E) during standard chest CT using an organ dose-based and a dose-length-product-based (DLP) approach for four different scan protocols including high-pitch and dual-energy in a dual-source CT scanner of the second generation.

Materials and methods

Organ doses were measured with thermo luminescence dosimeters (TLD) in an anthropomorphic male adult phantom. Further, DLP-based dose estimates were performed by using the standard 0.014 mSv/mGycm conversion coefficient k. Examinations were performed on a dual-source CT system (Somatom Definition Flash, Siemens). Four scan protocols were investigated: (1) single-source 120 kV, (2) single-source 100 kV, (3) high-pitch 120 kV, and (4) dual-energy with 100/Sn140 kV with equivalent CTDIvol and no automated tube current modulation. E was then determined following recommendations of ICRP publication 103 and 60 and specific k values were derived.

Results

DLP-based estimates differed by 4.5–16.56% and 5.2–15.8% relatively to ICRP 60 and 103, respectively. The derived k factors calculated from TLD measurements were 0.0148, 0.015, 0.0166, and 0.0148 for protocol 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Effective dose estimations by ICRP 103 and 60 for single-energy and dual-energy protocols show a difference of less than 0.04 mSv.

Conclusion

Estimates of E based on DLP work equally well for single-energy, high-pitch and dual-energy CT examinations. The tube potential definitely affects effective dose in a substantial way. Effective dose estimations by ICRP 103 and 60 for both single-energy and dual-energy examinations differ not more than 0.04 mSv.     

Validation of a Monte Carlo tool for patient-specific dose simulations in multi-slice computed tomography

Estimating the dose delivered to the patient in X-ray computed tomography (CT) examinations is not a trivial task. Monte Carlo (MC) methods appear to be the method of choice to assess the 3D dose distribution. The purpose of this work was to extend an existing MC-based tool to account for arbitrary scanners and scan protocols such as multi-slice CT (MSCT) scanners and to validate the tool in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms. The tool was validated by measurements on MSCT scanners for different scan protocols under known conditions. Quantitative CT Dose Index (CTDI) measurements were performed in cylindrical CTDI phantoms and in anthropomorphic thorax phantoms of various sizes; dose profiles were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) in the CTDI phantoms and compared with the computed dose profiles. The in-plane dose distributions were simulated and compared with TLD measurements in an Alderson-Rando phantom. The calculated dose values were generally within 10% of measurements for all phantoms and all investigated conditions. Three-dimensional dose distributions can be accurately calculated with the MC tool for arbitrary scanners and protocols including tube current modulation schemes. The use of the tool has meanwhile also been extended to further scanners and to flat-detector CT.     

Ultra-low-dose coronary artery calcium screening using multislice CT with retrospective ECG gating

The aim of this study was to reduce radiation exposure in multislice CT (MSCT) coronary artery calcium screening using different tube settings, and to determinate its impact on the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification. Forty-eight patients underwent routine MSCT coronary artery calcium scoring (Somatom VolumeZoom, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) with retrospective ECG-gated data acquisition. Scanning was performed with a 4×2.5-mm collimation. In each patient data acquisition was performed twice using tube settings of 120 kVp with 133 mAs (protocol 1) and of 80 kVp with 300 mAs (protocol 2). Together with the 80-kVp protocol additional online ECG-related tube current modulation (ECG pulsing) was used. Three-millimeter overlapping slices (increment 1.5 mm) were calculated for each data set. Semi-automated calcium quantification was performed calculating absolute Ca-hydroxylapatite mass. In addition to patient examinations, the radiation exposure for both protocols was evaluated using computed tomography dose index (CTDI) phantom measurements. Protocol 2 showed a significantly lower patient radiation exposure than protocol 1 (0.72 vs 2.04 mSv; p<0.0001). The CTDI phantom measurements revealed a 65% reduction of radiation dose. Calcium scoring results of both protocols showed a high correlation (r=0.99; p<0.0001) for absolute Ca-Hydroxylapatite mass measurements. Using 80-kVp protocols patient radiation exposure can be significantly reduced in MSCT coronary artery calcium screening without affecting the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification; therefore, this technique should be used with retrospective ECG-gated cardiac CT examinations in patients with regular sinus rhythm.     

Dosimetry of transmission measurements in nuclear medicine: a study using anthropomorphic phantoms and thermoluminescent dosimeters

Quantification in positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomographic (SPET) relies on attenuation correction which is generally obtained with an additional transmission measurement. Therefore, the evaluation of the radiation doses received by patients needs to include the contribution of transmission procedures in SPET (SPET-TM) and PET (PET-TM). In this work we have measured these doses for both PET-TM and SPET-TM. PET-TM was performed on an ECAT EXACT HR+ (CTI/Siemens) equipped with three rod sources of germanium-68 (380 MBq total) and extended septa. SPET-TM was performed on a DST (SMV) equipped with two collimated line sources of gadolinium-153 (4 GBq total). Two anthropomorphic phantoms representing a human head and a human torso, were used to estimate the doses absorbed in typical cardiac and brain transmission studies. Measurements were made with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs, consisting of lithium fluoride) having characteristics suitable for dosimetry investigations in nuclear medicine. Sets of TLDs were placed inside small plastic bags and then attached to different organs of the phantoms (at least two TLDs were assigned to a given organ). Before and after irradiation the TLDs were placed in a 2.5-cm-thick lead container to prevent exposure from occasional sources. Ambient radiation was monitored and taken into account in calculations. Transmission scans were performed for more than 12 h in each case to decrease statistical noise fluctuations. The doses absorbed by each organ were calculated by averaging the values obtained for each corresponding TLD. These values were used to evaluate the effective dose (ED) following guidelines described in ICRP report number 60. The estimated ED values for cardiac acquisitions were 7.7×10^–4±0.4×10^–4 mSv/MBq · h and 1.9×10^–6±0.4×10^–6 ███/MBq · h for PET-TM and SPET-TM. respectively. For brain scans, the values of ED were calculated as 2.7×10^–4±0.2×10^–4 mSv/MBq · h for PET-TM and 5.2×10^–7±2.3×10^–7 mSv/MBq · h for SPET-TM. In our institution, PET-TM is usually performed for 15 min prior to emission. SPET-TM is performed simultaneously with emission and usually lasts 30 and 15 min for brain and cardiac acquisitions respectively. Under these conditions ED values, estimated for typical source activities at delivery time (22000 MBq in SPET and 555 MBq for PET), were 1.1×10^–1± 0.1×10^–1 mSv and 1.1×10^–2±0.2×10^–2 mSv for cardiac PET-TM and SPET-TM respectively. For brain acquisitions, the ED values obtained under the same conditions were 3.7×10^–2±0.3×10^–2 mSv and 5.8×10^–3±2.6×10^–3███ for PET-TM and SPET-TM respectively. These measurements show that the dose received by a patient during a transmission scan adds little to the typical dose received in a routine nuclear medicine procedure. Radiation dose, therefore, does not represent a limit to the generalised use of transmission measurements in clinical SPET or PET. Received 12 May and in revised form 1 July 1998     

Application of European Commission reference dose levels in CT examinations in Crete, Greece

The purpose of this study was to apply European Commission reference dose levels (EC RDLs) to routine CT examinations. The dosimetric quantities proposed in the European Guidelines (EG) for CT are weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDI(w)) for a single slice and dose-length product (DLP) for a complete examination. Patient-related data as well as technical parameters for brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations were collected for four CT scanners in the Euromedica Medical Center. Computed tomography dose index (CTDI) measurements were performed on each scanner and CTDI(w), DLP and effective dose E were estimated for each type of examination for a random sample of 10 typical patients. Mean values of CTDI(w) had a range of 27.0-52.0 mGy for brain and 13.9-26.9 mGy for chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations. Mean values of DLP had a range of 430-758 mGy cm for brain, 348-807 mGy cm for chest, 278-582 mGy cm for abdomen and 306-592 mGy cm for pelvis examinations. Mean values of E were 1.4 mSv for brain, 10.9 mSv for chest, 7.1 mSv for abdomen and 9.3 mSv for pelvis examinations. Results confirm that the Euromedica Medical Center meets EC RDLs for brain, abdomen and pelvis examinations, in terms of radiation dose and examination technique. As far as chest examination is concerned, although CTDI(w) of each scanner is within proposed values, the DLP is consistently exceeded, probably because of the large irradiation volume length L. It is anticipated that a reduction of L, or product mAs, or their combination, will reduce DLP without affecting image quality.     

Entrance skin dosimetry and size-specific dose estimate from pediatric chest CTA

BackgroundSize-specific dose estimate (SSDE), which corrects CT dose index (CTDI) for body diameter and is a better measure of organ dose than is CTDI, has not yet been validated in vivo.ObjectiveThe purpose was to determine the correlation between SSDE and measured breast entrance skin dose (ESD) for pediatric chest CT angiography across a variety of techniques, scanner models, and patient sizes.MethodsDuring 42 examinations done on 4 different scanners over 7 years, we measured mid-sternal ESD as an approximation of breast dose with skin dosimeters. We recorded age, weight, effective tube current, kilovoltage potential, console CTDI, and dose-length product, from which we calculated effective dose. We measured effective chest diameter to convert CTDI to SSDE, and we correlated SSDE with measured ESD, using linear regression. We evaluated image quality to answer the clinical question.ResultsPatient mean (±SD) age was 8.4 ± 6.1 years (median, 7.9 years; range, 0.02–19.5 years); mean weight was 35 ± 27 kg (median, 26 kg; range, 3.5–115 kg); effective chest diameter was 20 ± 7 cm (median, 19 cm; range, 10–35 cm). Mean effective dose was 2.9 ± 2.8 mSv (median, 2.2 mSv; range, 0.1–14.4 mSv). We observed a linear correlation (R² = 0.98, P < .005) between SSDE (mean, 11 ± 11mGy; median, 7 mGy; range, 0.5–40 mGy) and breast ESD (mean, 12 ± 11 mGy; median, 7 mGy; range, 0.3–44 mGy). Our doses, which compared favorably with those previously reported, decreased significantly (P < .05) during the course of our study, because of the introduction of automatic exposure control, low kilovoltage, and high pitch techniques. All studies were of diagnostic quality.ConclusionSSDE is a valid dose measure in children undergoing chest CT angiography over a wide range of scanner platforms, techniques, and patient sizes, and it may be used to model breast dose and to document the results of dose reduction strategies.     

Optimisation of multislice computed tomography protocols in angio–CT examinations

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to explain a general procedure for the optimisation of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four angio-CT protocols with a GE LightSpeed Plus 4-slice CT scanner were considered. Effective doses were computed for a sample of patients. First the dose was optimised for arterial-phase scans on a standard patient and adapted to the weight of individual patients with a scaling factor. RESULTS: The mean effective dose for an angio-CT examination ranged from 18.8 mSv to 28.8 mSv, depending on the protocol adopted. Following the optimisation procedure, we drew up a table indicating tube current values for each patient weight. Calculation of the effective dose before and after the optimisation procedure revealed a dose reduction of about 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Angio-CT examinations deliver high doses, but these doses can be reduced without affecting image quality.     

Radiation exposure of multi-row detector spiral computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries: comparison with digital subtraction pulmonary angiography

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effective dose of multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) studies for diagnosing a pulmonary embolus (PE). Radiation exposure was measured as computed tomography dose index (MDCT) or as dose-area product (DSA) and was subsequently expressed in the quantity effective dose. Effective doses were obtained in 27 patients who underwent MDCT and in 12 patients who underwent DSA for suspected PE. The MDCT angiography was performed on a Siemens Volume Zoom CT scanner and DSA on a Philips Integris V-3000 system according to standardized protocols. Average effective dose for MDCT angiography of the pulmonary arteries (27 patients) was 4.2 mSv (range 2.2–6.0 mSv). Pulmonary DSA gained an average effective dose (12 patients) of 7.1 mSv (range 3.3–17.3 mSv). Our results show that the effective doses in MDCT angiography studies for PE are moderate and even slightly lower in comparison with pulmonary DSA in a comparable patient group. Variations in patient dose are smaller for MDCT, probably because this procedure can be more strictly protocolized. Patient dose should not be restrictive in the discussion of CTA replacing DSA for diagnosing PE.     

Estimation of the radiation exposure of a chest pain protocol with ECG-gating in dual-source computed tomography

The aim of the study was to evaluate radiation exposure of a chest pain protocol with ECG-gated dual-source computed tomography (DSCT). An Alderson Rando phantom equipped with thermoluminescent dosimeters was used for dose measurements. Exposure was performed on a dual-source computed tomography system with a standard protocol for chest pain evaluation (120 kV, 320 mAs/rot) with different simulated heart rates (HRs). The dose of a standard chest CT examination (120 kV, 160 mAs) was also measured. Effective dose of the chest pain protocol was 19.3/21.9 mSv (male/female, HR 60), 17.9/20.4 mSv (male/female, HR 80) and 14.7/16.7 mSv (male/female, HR 100). Effective dose of a standard chest examination was 6.3 mSv (males) and 7.2 mSv (females). Radiation dose of the chest pain protocol increases significantly with a lower heart rate for both males (p = 0.040) and females (p = 0.044). The average radiation dose of a standard chest CT examination is about 36.5% that of a CT examination performed for chest pain. Using DSCT, the evaluated chest pain protocol revealed a higher radiation exposure compared with standard chest CT. Furthermore, HRs markedly influenced the dose exposure when using the ECG-gated chest pain protocol.     

Dose reduction in spiral CT coronary angiography with dual-source equipment. Part I. A phantom study applying different prospective tube current modulation algorithms

Purpose

The authors sought to compare different algorithms for dose reduction in retrospectively echocardiographically (ECG)-gated dual-source computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography (DSCT-CA) in a phantom model.

Materials and methods

Weighted CT dose index (CTDI) was measured by using an anthropomorphic phantom in spiral cardiac mode (retrospective ECG gating) at five pitch values adapted with two heart-rate-adaptive ECG pulsing windows using four algorithms: narrow pulsing window, with tube current reduction to 20% (A) and 4% (B) of peak current outside the pulsing window; wide pulsing window, with tube current reduction to 20% (C) and 4% (D). Each algorithm was applied at different heart rates (45, 60, 75, 90, 120 bpm).

Results

Mean CTDI volume (CTDIvol) was 36.9±9.7 mGy, 23.9±5.6 mGy, 49.7±16.2 mGy and 38.5±12.3 mGy for A, B, C and D, respectively. Consistent dose reduction was observed with protocols applying the 4% tube current reduction (B and D). Using the conversion coefficient for the chest, the mean effective dose was the highest for C (9.6 mSv) and the lowest for B (4.6 mSv). Heart-ratedependent pitch values (pitch=0.2, 0.26, 0.34, 0.43, 0.5) and the use of heart-rate-adaptive ECG pulsing windows provided a significant decrease in the CTDIvol with progressively higher heart rates (45, 60, 75, 90, 120 bpm), despite using wider pulsing windows.

Conclusions

Radiation exposure with DSCT-CA using a narrow pulsing window significantly decreases when compared with a wider pulsing window. When using a protocol with reduced tube current to 4%, the radiation dose is significantly lower.     

Estimation of exposure dose on MDCT examination--the measurement of organ dose and effective dose by anthropomorphic phantom

In order to evaluate the exposure dose in CT examinations, we measured the tissue and organ doses by test site in 4-row, 16-row, and 64-row multi detector CT by using an anthropomorphic phantom and fluorescent glass dosimeters. Furthermore, we calculated the effective dose by using the tissue weighting factor recommended by the ICRP in 2007. The effective dose in the head and neck examinations was 1.4-3.1 mSv, whereas the maximum skin dose was 278.9 mGy in head perfusion CT. The effective dose in examinations of the body trunk was 10.1-35.2 mSv. In addition, the organ dose and skin dose in the scanning range was similar to the CTDI(vol) in head and neck examinations, while it was higher than the CTDI(vol) in examinations of the body trunk. The exposure dose of patients undergoing CT is high in comparison to other radiological examinations. As a result, due to consecutive examinations, an absorbed dose of more than 100 mGy is possible. A future problem therefore remains how to lower the overall exposure dose with the introduction of new radiographic diagnostic modalities, such as phase scan or coronary CT angiography.     

Evaluation of dose exposure in 64-slice CT colonography

The radiation exposure of four different 64-slice MDCT-colonography (CTC) protocols was evaluated using an Alderson-Rando phantom. Protocols using 30 mAs (collimation 20 × 1.2mm), 50 mAs (collimation 20 × 1.2 and 64 × 0.6mm) and 80 mAs (20 × 1.2 mm) representing screening low-dose, routine, narrow collimation and oncologic staging setups were measured with an Alderson-Rando phantom (Alderson Research Laboratories Inc.). Scans were performed on a 64-row MDCT (SOMATOM Sensation 64, Siemens) simulating the prone and supine positions with a constant voltage of 120 kV. Dose values (male/female) were 2.5/2.9, 3.8/4.2, 4.2/4.5 and 5.7/6.4 mSv for 30, 50 (20 × 1.2 and 64 × 0.6 mm) and 80 mAs, respectively. Measurements showed an elevated dose for females (11.5% mean; compared to males). Use of narrow collimation combined with 50 mAs resulted in a small increase of dose exposure of 10.5 (male) and 7.1% (female). Gonad doses ranged from 0.9 to 2.6 mSv (male) and from 1.5 to 3.5 mSv (female). In all protocols, the stomach wall, lower colon, urinary bladder and liver were slightly more highly exposed (all <2.3 mSv) than the other organs, and the breast dose was <0.3 mSv in every setup. Values of radiation exposure in 64- and 16-slice CTC differ only marginally when using the narrow collimation. In 64-slice CTC, the use of narrow (64 × 0.6 mm) collimation shows slightly elevated dose values compared to wider (20 × 1.2 mm) collimation.     

Whole body 16-row multislice CT in emergency room: effects of different protocols on scanning time, image quality and radiation exposure

The objective of this study was to compare two different scanning protocols in patients suspected to have multiple trauma using multidetector 16-row computed tomography (CT) to better define scanning time, imaging quality and radiation exposure. Forty-six patients, between March 2004 and March 2005, with suspected multiple trauma (cerebral, spine, chest, abdominal and pelvis) were evaluated with two different protocols: Protocol “A” 26 patients; Protocol “B” 20 patients. Protocol A consists of a single-pass continuous whole-body acquisition (from vertex to pubic symphysis), whereas Protocol B of conventional segmented acquisition with scanning of body segments individually. Both protocols were performed using a multidetector 16-rows CT (Light-Speed 16, General Electric Medical System, Milwaukee, WI, USA) with the same technical factors. Radiation dose was evaluated in two ways: computer tomography dose index (CTDI) = dose measured in central and peripheral region of the subjects as a direct result of a CT section acquisition of T millimeters thick (independent from the two protocols) and dose length product (DLP) = total dose deposited over the length of the acquisition (dependent from the two protocols). Image quality was rated according to the following scores: 1, excellent; 2, good; 3, satisfactory; 4, moderate and 5, poor. The results were compared using Wilcoxon’s test to identify significant difference in terms of image quality, scanning time, radiation exposure and presence of artifacts, assuming significance at a p value of <0.05. In the single-pass scanning, DLP was 2.671 mGy × cm and a total scan time of 35 s. In whole-body protocols, we have seen artifacts due to arm adduction in thorax and less image quality in brain. In the conventional segmented study, DLP was 3.217 mGy × cm and a total scan time of 65 s; this protocol offered less extraction capabilities of off-axial on focused images of the entire spine, aorta, facial bones or hip without rescanning. Protocol A revealed a significant decrease in scan time (35 vs 65 min, p < 0.05), time in the CT examination room (21.7 vs 31.6 min.; p < 0.05), and final image analysis (83.7 vs 102.9 min; p < 0.05) and radiation dose compared to protocol B (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found for patient transport time, image reconstruction time and imaging quality. Reconstruction and isotropic reformation of axial image acquired by whole-body, single-pass protocols due to entire spine evaluation, aortic and splanchnic CT angiography eliminate additional studies. The whole-body, single-pass protocols, compared with segmented acquisitions protocols, resulted in a reduced total radiation dose without relevant loss of diagnostic image information.     

CT头颈部检查所致婴幼儿眼晶状体吸收剂量估算方法的模体研究

目的 探讨CT不同扫描方案检查所致婴幼儿眼晶状体吸收剂量估算方法,并寻求快速估算眼晶状体吸收剂量的实用方法。方法 通过设置7种临床标准扫描方案,对1岁年龄组仿真模体进行扫描,利用布放在模体不同位置的热释光探测器（TLD）测量剂量,最后测量结果分别用组织因子转换和个人剂量当量转换两种方法来估算眼晶状体吸收剂量,同时将眼晶状体吸收剂量与CT剂量指数（CTDI）建立线性回归方程。结果 7种临床标准儿童扫描方案CT检查所致的婴幼儿眼晶状体吸收剂量分别为（9.96±0.69）mGy（头部轴向）、（7.01±0.42）mGy（头部螺旋）、（12.60±0.97）mGy（副鼻窦）、（12.97±0.42）mGy（内耳高分辨）、（0.63±0.03）mGy（颈部软组织）、（8.89±0.44）mGy（颈部颈椎）和（0.34±0.01）mGy（胸部常规）,不同组之间剂量差异有统计学意义（F=846.826,P<0.05）。不同扫描部位,CTDI值与眼晶状体吸收剂量之间均存在线性关系（r=0.986~0.999,P<0.05）。结论 采用儿童CT扫描条件,婴幼儿眼晶状体吸收剂量单次剂量范围一般不会超过阈剂量。另外,通过读取CTDI值,利用线性关系,可快速估算眼晶状体吸收剂量。     

Image quality and dose evaluation in spiral chest CT examinations of patients with lung carcinoma

A study was undertaken to assess the quality of general chest CT examinations for indication of lung carcinoma according to the criteria proposed in the European Commission (EC) Guidelines, and to investigate their usefulness in the optimization of this practice. The criteria were evaluated for a sample of 100 examinations from five radiology departments in the Madrid area featuring single slice helical CT scanners with special emphasis on radiation dose and image quality. To determine the degree of compliance with the image criteria considered, the examinations were independently evaluated twice by five radiologists from the participating centres. A subsequent selection of the observers was made according to the consistency and independence of their readings. Dose measurements carried out in parallel supplied data to estimate the values of the CT dose indices (CTDI), dose-length product (DLP) and effective dose (E). The results show good compliance with the image criteria used - between 93% and 98% on average at the different sites, with variable degrees of internal deviation. 10 out of a total of 16 criteria proposed in the EC guidelines were met by practically all the examinations in the sample. The average weighted CTDI (CTDI(w)) values per site were in the range of 13-19 mGy; those of DLP were between 263 mGy cm and 577 mGy cm, and those of effective dose between 4 mSv and 9 mSv. The highest mean DLP value was below but close to the reference value proposed in the EC Document (650 mGy cm). In general, a weak correlation or no correlation at all was found between image quality scores and patient dose (DLP).     

中国人仿真胸部体模检测多层螺旋CT扫描组织器官剂量的研究

目的 利用中国人仿真胸部模型来测量不同噪声指数下胸部各组织器官的吸收剂量,计算有效剂量(ED)并对MSCT胸部扫描进行剂量评估.方法 对CDP-1C型中国人仿真胸部体模在CT体层解剖和X线衰减两方面进行等效性论证;通过在体模内布放热释光剂量计(TLD)来测量不同噪声水平下各组织器官的吸收剂量,并记录相应的剂量长度乘积(DLP);将两者分别换算为ED后选择单因素t检验方法进行对比研究,分析自动管电流调制(ATCM)技术时不同噪声指数胸部CT扫描的剂量水平.结果 中国人仿真胸部体模与成人CT胸部图像的结构相似.体模主要器官平均CT值为肺-788.04 HU、心脏45.64 HU、肝脏65.84 HU、脊柱254.32 HU,与成人偏差程度分别为肺0.10%、心脏3.04%、肝脏4.49%、脊柱4.36%.肝脏的平均CT值差异有统计学意义(t=-8.705,P＜0.05);肺、心脏和脊柱平均CT值与人体差异无统计学意义(t值分别为-0.752、-1.219、-1.138,P＞0.05).当噪声指数从8.5逐渐增至22.5时,DLP从393.57 mGy·cm递减至78.75 mGy·cm,各器官吸收剂量呈下降趋势(以肺为例,平均吸收剂量从22.38 mGy递减至3.66 mGy).应用DLP所计算的ED较器官吸收剂量计算的ED偏低(以噪声指数为8.5为例,两种方法的ED分别为6.69和8.77 mSv).结论 应用中国人仿真体模来进行CT剂量评估更为准确;基于ATCM技术的胸部CT扫描噪声指数设定至少应大于8.5.

Abstract：

Objective Using the Chinese anthropomorphic chest phantom to measure the absorbed dose of various tissues and organs under different noise index, and to assess the radiation dose of MSCT chest scanning with the effective dose(ED). Methods The equivalence of the Chinese anthropomorphic chest phantom(CDP-1C) and the adult chest on CT sectional anatomy and X-ray attenuation was demonstrated. The absorbed doses of various tissues and organs under different noise index were measured by laying thermoluminescent dosimeters(TLD) inside the phantom, and the corresponding dose-length products(DLP) were recorded. Both of them were later converted into ED and comparison was conducted to analyze the dose levels of chest CT scanning with automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) under different noise index. Student t-test was applied using SPSS 12.0 statistical software. Results The Phantom was similar to the human body on CT sectional anatomy. The average CT value of phantom are -788.04 HU in lung,45.64 HU in heart,65.84 HU in liver,254.32 HU in spine and the deviations are 0.10%,3.04%, 4.49% and 4.36% respectively compared to humans. The difference of average CT value of liver was statistically significant(t=-8.705,P＜0.05),while the differences of average CT values of lung, heart and spine were not significant(t value were -0.752,-1.219,-1.138,respectively and P＞0.05).As the noise index increased from 8.5 to 22.5, the DLP decreased from 393.57 mGy·cm to 78.75 mGy·cm and the organs dose declined. For example, the average absorbed dose decreased from 22.38 mGy to 3.66 mGy in lung. Compared to ED calculating by absorbed dose, the ED calculating by DLP was lower. The ED values of the two methods were 6.69 mSv and 8.77 mSv when the noise index was set at 8.5. Conclusions Application of the Chinese anthropomorphic chest phantom to carry out CT dose assessment is more accurate. The noise index should be set more than 8.5 during the chest CT scanning based on ATCM technique.