Variation of patient dose in head CT.

CT dose varies with both equipment related and operator dependent factors. Thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) was employed in two phantoms to investigate the variation in absorbed dose for head CT scans, using a cylindrical head CT dose phantom. Dose profiles were plotted and the computed tomography dose index (CTDI) calculated for a single 10 mm thick slice on 14 CT scanners. An anthropomorphic head phantom was also scanned from the base-of-skull to the vertex using 10/10 mm slices. The absorbed dose measured at the centre of the scan series is reported (Dmid). The mean CTDIw for the 14 scanners was 60.0 mGy, while the mean Dmid was 45.8 mGy. Dmid better represents the absorbed dose in human tissues. The CTDIw and Dmid normalized to mAs varied by up to a factor of 2.2 for the different scanners. Equipment related factors contribute to such variations. However, variations due to operator dependent factors such as the choice of exposure factors, scanning protocol and positioning technique must also be considered. When such factors are taken into account the absorbed dose received by the patient can vary considerably, by as much as 16.2 for lens dose. Increased awareness of the factors influencing CT dose and the standardization of scanning protocols is recommended.     

Imaging doses from the Elekta Synergy X-ray cone beam CT system

The Elekta Synergy is a radiotherapy treatment machine with integrated kilovoltage (kV) X-ray imaging system capable of producing cone beam CT (CBCT) images of the patient in the treatment position. The aim of this study is to assess the additional imaging dose. Cone beam CT dose index (CBDI) is introduced and measured inside standard CTDI phantoms for several sites (head: 100 kV, 38 mAs, lung: 120 kV, 152 mAs and pelvis: 130 kV, 456 mAs). The measured weighted doses were compared with thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) measurements at various locations in a Rando phantom and at patients' surfaces. The measured CBDIs in-air at the isocentre were 9.2 mGy 100 mAs(-1), 7.3 mGy 100 mAs(-1) and 5.3 mGy 100 mAs(-1) for 130 kV, 120 kV and 100 kV, respectively. The body phantom weighted CBDI were 5.5 mGy 100 mAs(-1) and 3.8 mGy 100 mAs(-1 )for 130 kV and 120 kV. The head phantom weighted CBDI was 4.3 mGy 100 mAs(-1) for 100 kV. The weighted doses for the Christie Hospital CBCT imaging techniques were 1.6 mGy, 6 mGy and 22 mGy for the head, lung and pelvis. The measured CBDIs were used to estimate the total effective dose for the Synergy system using the ImPACT CT Patient Dosimetry Calculator. Measured CBCT doses using the Christie Hospital protocols are low for head and lung scans whether compared with electronic portal imaging (EPI), commonly used for treatment verification, or single and multiple slice CT. For the pelvis, doses are similar to EPI but higher than CT. Repeated use of CBCT for treatment verification is likely and hence the total patient dose needs to be carefully considered. It is important to consider further development of low dose CBCT techniques to keep additional doses as low as reasonably practicable.     

Comparative evaluation of organ and effective doses for paediatric patients with those for adults in chest and abdominal CT examinations

Patient doses in paediatric and adult CT examinations were investigated for modern multislice CT scanners by using specially constructed in-phantom dose measuring systems. The systems were composed of 32 photodiode dosemeters embedded in various tissue and organ sites within anthropomorphic phantoms representing the bodies of 6-year-old children and adults. Organ and the effective doses were evaluated from dose values measured at these sites. In chest CT examinations, organ doses for organs within the scanning area were 2-21 mGy for children and 7-26 mGy for adults. Thyroid doses for children were frequently the highest with a maximum of 21 mGy. In abdominal CT examinations, organ doses for organs within the scanning area were 3-16 mGy for children and 10-34 mGy for adults. Effective doses evaluated for children and adults were found to be proportional to the effective mAs of CT scanners, where linear coefficients were specific to the types of CT examinations and to the manufacturers of CT scanners. Effective doses in paediatric chest CT and abdominal CT examinations were lower than those in adult examinations by a factor of two or greater on average for the same CT scanners because of the lower effective mAs adopted in paediatric examinations.     

Radiation dose to the lens of eye and thyroid gland in paranasal sinus multislice CT

CT has become an established examination in the evaluation of the paranasal sinuses. Until recently this was achieved by the direct coronal technique on conventional and single slice helical scanners. With the advent of multislice technology, thin slice axial CT with excellent coronal and sagittal reconstructions is now the norm. We describe a study designed to evaluate the radiation dose to the lens of the eye and thyroid gland in the axial and coronal planes on a Siemens Volume Zoom quad slice scanner at 140 kV and effective mAs of 100 using 1 mm collimation. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed on the eyelid and thyroid gland of 29 patients scanned axially in the supine position and a further 28 patients scanned coronally in the prone position with gantry tilt. The results show mean doses of 35.1 mGy (lens) and 2.9 mGy (thyroid gland) in the coronal plane compared with 24.5 mGy (lens) and 1.4 mGy (thyroid gland) in the axial plane. Results obtained from a head phantom and from using the ImPACT CT dose calculator were comparable. The kV and mAs were then reduced to 120 and 40, respectively, and the axial study repeated using the head phantom and predicted doses using the ImPACT CT dose calculator. The low dose scanning technique revealed a lens dose of 9.2 mGy and thyroid dose of 0.4 mGy. The eye dose on a multislice scanner is still substantially less than the threshold dose of 0.5-2 Gy for detectable lens opacities. These results indicate that, in addition to the established perceived advantages of multislice axial sinus CT, i.e. patient comfort, no artefact from dental amalgam and reproducible true coronal images, should be included a decreased radiation dose to both the eye lens and thyroid gland compared with direct coronal scanning.     

Multi-detector row CT: radiation dose characteristics

PURPOSE: To determine the dose characteristics of multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and to provide tabulated dose values and rules of thumb that assist in minimizing the radiation dose at multi-detector row CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weighted CT dose index (CTDI100w) values were obtained from three multi-detector row CT scanners (LightSpeed; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis) for both head and body CT modes by using standard CT-dose phantoms. The CTDI100w was determined as a function of x-ray tube voltage (80, 100, 120, 140 kVp), tube current (range, 50-380 mA), tube rotation time (0.5-4.0 seconds), radiation profile width (RPW) (5, 10, 15, 20 mm), and acquisition mode (helical high-quality and high-speed modes and axial one-, two-, and four-section modes). Statistical regression was performed to characterize the relationships between CTDI100w and various technique factors. RESULTS: The CTDI100w (milligray) increased linearly with tube current: in head mode, CTDI100w = (0.391 mGy/mA +/- 0.004) x tube current (milliampere) (r2 = 0.999); in body mode, CTDI100w = (0.162 mGy/mA +/- 0.002) x tube current (milliampere) (r2 = 0.999). The CTDI100w increased linearly with rotation time: in head mode, CTDI100w = (34.7 mGy/sec +/- 0.2) x rotation time (seconds) (r2 = 1.0); in body mode, CTDI100w = (13.957 mGy/sec +/- 0.005) x rotation time (seconds) (r2 = 1.0). The relationship of normalized CTDI100w (milligrays per 100 mAs) with tube voltage followed a power law: in head mode, CTDI100w = (0.00016 mGy/100 mAs. kVp +/- 0.00007) x (tube voltage)(2.5+/-0.1) (r2 = 0.997); in body mode, CTDI100w = (0.000012 mGy/100 mAs. kVp +/- 0.000007) x (tube voltage)(2.8+/-0.1) (r2 = 0.996). In all scanning modes, CTDI100w decreased when RPW increased. CTDI100w was 10% higher in head mode and 13% lower in body mode compared with the value suggested by the manufacturer, which is displayed at the scanner console. When deposited power exceeded 24 kW, CTDI100w increased by 10% as a result of use of the large focal spot. CONCLUSION: The authors provide a set of tables of radiation dose as a function of imaging protocol to facilitate implementation of radiation dose-efficient studies.     

Dosimetry and adequacy of CT-based attenuation correction for pediatric PET: phantom study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dose from the computed tomographic (CT) portion of positron emission tomography (PET)/CT to determine minimum CT acquisition parameters that provide adequate attenuation correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements were made with a PET/CT scanner or a PET scanner, five anthropomorphic phantoms (newborn to medium adult), and an ionization chamber. The CT dose was evaluated for acquisition parameters (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 mA; 80, 100, 120, 140 kVp; 0.5 and 0.8 second per rotation; 1.5:1 pitch). Thermoluminescent dosimetry was used to evaluate the germanium 68/gallium 68 rod sources. A phantom study was performed to evaluate CT image noise and the adequacy of PET attenuation correction as a function of CT acquisition parameters and patient size. RESULTS: The volumetric anthropomorphic CT dose index varied by two orders of magnitude for each phantom over the range of acquisition parameters (0.30 and 21.0 mGy for a 10-year-old with 80 kVp, 10 mAs, and 0.8 second and with 140 kVp, 160 mAs, and 0.8 second, respectively). The volumetric anthropomorphic CT dose index for newborn phantoms was twice that for adult phantoms acquired similarly. The rod source dose was 0.03 mGy (3-minute scan). Although CT noise varied substantially among acquisition parameters, its contribution to PET noise was minimal and yielded only a 2% variation in PET noise. In a pediatric phantom, PET images generated by using CT performed with 80 kVp and 5 mAs for attenuation correction were visually indistinguishable from those generated by using CT performed with 140 kVp and 128 mAs. With very-low-dose CT (80 kVp, 5 mAs) for the adult phantom, undercorrection of the PET data resulted. CONCLUSION: For pediatric patients, adequate attenuation correction can be obtained with very-low-dose CT (80 kVp, 5 mAs, 1.5:1 pitch), and such correction leads to a 100-fold dose reduction relative to diagnostic CT. For adults undergoing CT with 5 mAs and 1.5:1 pitch, the tube voltage needs to be increased to 120 kVp to prevent undercorrection.     

Image quality vs radiation dose of four cone beam computed tomography scanners

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate image quality by examining segmentation accuracy and assess radiation dose for cone beam CT (CBCT) scanners. METHODS: A skull phantom, scanned by a laser scanner, and a contrast phantom were used to evaluate segmentation accuracy. The contrast phantom consisted of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylinder with cylindrical inserts of air, bone and PMMA. The phantoms were scanned on the (1) Accuitomo 3D, (2) MercuRay, (3) NewTom 3G, (4) i-CAT and (5) Sensation 16. The structures were segmented with an optimal threshold. Thicknesses of the bone of the mandible and the diameter of the cylinders in the contrast phantom were measured across lines at corresponding places in the CT image vs a ground truth. The accuracy was in the 95th percentile of the difference between corresponding measurements. The correlation between accuracy in skull and contrast phantom was calculated. The radiation dose was assessed by DPI(100,c) (dose profile integral (100,c)) at the central hole of a CT dose index (CTDI) phantom. RESULTS: The results for the DPI(100,c) were 107 mGy mm for (1), 1569 mGy mm for (2), 446 mGy mm for (3), 249 mGy mm for (4) and 1090 mGy mm for (5). The segmentations in the contrast phantom were submillimeter accurate in all scanners. The segmentation accuracy of the mandible was 2.9 mm for (1), 4.2 mm for (2), 3.4 mm for (3), 1.0 mm for (4) and 1.2 mm for (5). The correlation between measurements in the contrast and skull phantom was below 0.37 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The best radiation dose vs image quality was found for the i-CAT.     

新生儿头颅多层螺旋CT低剂量扫描的临床应用

目的：评价新生儿头颅多层螺旋CT低剂量扫描的临床价值。方法：选取头颅CT检查的新生儿80例,随机等分成2组,分别使用120kV、90mAs及120kV、260mAs各扫描40例。其余扫描参数为：准直1．5mm,层厚6mm,重建间隔6mm,床速11．7mm／r,扫描时间0．75s。分别比较2种扫描剂量产生的总mAs、CT权重剂量指数（CTDIw）及剂量长度乘积（DLP）,并作t检验。由3名医师采用盲法评价CT图像。按正常图像、图像有少许伪影、图像有严重伪影的等级对每帧图像进行质量评价,并进行统计学处理。结果：90mAs、260mAs组扫描的CTDIw分别为17．28mGy、49．85mGy,DPL分别为245mGy·cm、711mGy·cm。经t检验,90mAs组的CTDIw、DLP明显低于260mAs组（P〈0．01）。满足诊断需要的低剂量扫描图像所占比例（98．6％）与常规剂量扫描（99．9％）相比无显著差异（P〉0．05）。结论：新生儿头颅多层螺旋CT低剂量扫描的辐射剂量为常规剂量扫描的35％,而且图像不影响诊断,低剂量扫描适用于新生儿头颅CT检查。     

Dose performance of a 64-channel dual-source CT scanner

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the dose performance of a 64-channel multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) scanner and a 64-channel dual-source CT scanner from the same manufacturer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To minimize dose in the cardiac (dual-source) mode, the evaluated dual-source CT system uses a cardiac beam-shaping filter, three-dimensional adaptive noise reduction, heart rate-dependent pitch, and electrocardiographically based modulation of the tube current. Weighted CT dose index per 100 mAs was measured for the head, body, and cardiac beam-shaping filters. Kerma-length product was measured in the spiral cardiac mode at four pitch values and three electrocardiographic modulation temporal windows. Noise was measured in an anthropomorphic phantom. Data were compared with data from a 64-channel multi-detector row CT scanner. RESULTS: For the multi-detector row and dual-source CT systems, respectively, weighted CT dose index per 100 mAs was 14.2 and 12.2 mGy (head CT), 6.8 and 6.4 mGy (body CT), and 6.8 and 5.3 mGy (cardiac CT). In the spiral cardiac mode (no electrocardiographically based tube current modulation, 0.2 pitch), equivalent noise occurred at volume CT dose index values of 23.7 and 35.0 mGy (coronary artery calcium CT) and 58.9 and 61.2 mGy (coronary CT angiography) for multi-detector row CT and dual-source CT, respectively. The use of heart rate-dependent pitch values reduced volume CT dose index to 46.2 mGy (0.265 pitch), 34.0 mGy (0.36 pitch), and 26.6 mGy (0.46 pitch) compared with 61.2 mGy for 0.2 pitch. The use of electrocardiographically based tube current-modulation and temporal windows of 110, 210, and 310 msec further reduced volume CT dose index to 9.1-25.1 mGy, dependent on the heart rate. CONCLUSION: For electrocardiographically gated coronary CT angiography, image noise equivalent to that of multi-detector row CT can be achieved with dual-source CT at doses comparable to or up to a factor of two lower than the doses at multi-detector row CT, depending on heart rate of the patient.     

头部体模扫描试验对成人头颅CT低剂量扫描的优化初探

目的：通过对头部体模扫描试验,探讨成人头颅CT低剂量扫描参数。方法：以层厚10 mm,扫描时间为1 s,通过改变mA值,以10 mA为间隔,20-300 mA间29个不同mA条件对头部体模进行轴向扫描,对容积CT剂量指数（CTDIvol）、噪声（SD）和对比-噪声比（CNR）进行客观评价分析与统计学处理,对图像低密度分辨力进行主观评价。结果：①CTDIvol随mAs增大而增大,呈线线关系;与300 mAs的CTDIvol（42 mGy）比较,80-150 mAs的CTDIvol（11-21 mGy）下降73%-50%。②SD值随mAs升高而降低;SD值随mAs变化曲线可分为SD改变非常显著段（20-50 mAs）、显著段（50-80 mAs）、缓坡段（90-150 mAs）和平缓段（160-300 mAs）。③CNR随mAs改变与SD值改变相反。④SD值与CNR统计学处理：20 mAs与30 mAs、30 mAs与50 mAs5、0 mAs与80 mAs、80 mAs与150 mAs、150 mAs与300 mAs的各SD值及CNR有统计学差异（P〈0.05）;160-300 mAs的各SD值与CNR无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。⑤图像LCR主观评价：20-50 mAs,分辨低密度圆柱体困难;50-80 mAs,主观图像质量明显下降,图像对诊断有影响;90-150 mAs主观图像质量有一定改变;160-300 mAs主观图像质量改变不明显。结论：80-150 mAs为低对比要求较高的成人颅脑低剂量平扫可用区间,为临床降低扫描剂量提供了依据。临床患者检查,可以用100 mAs进行平扫,CT剂量指数明显降低。     

小儿头部多层螺旋CT检查的放射剂量评价

目的　评价小儿头部低剂量与常规剂量多层螺旋CT检查的放射剂量 ,为小儿头部多层螺旋CT检查提供扫描剂量参数。资料与方法　 (1)按年龄把 12 0例 0～ 6岁小儿分成 2组 ,患儿 <6个月 ,12 0kVp、90mAs扫描 30例 ;6个月～ 6岁 ,12 0kVp ,15 0mAs扫描 30例 ;常规扫描剂量为 12 0kVp、2 6 0mAs,依照上述年龄段各扫描 30例。其余扫描参数为 :准直 1.5mm ,层厚 6mm ,重建间隔 6mm ,床速 11.7mm/r,扫描时间 0 .75s。分别比较 2种扫描剂量产生的有效mAs、CT权重剂量指数 (weightedCTdoseindex ,CTDIw)及剂量长度乘积 (dose lengthproduct,DLP) ,并作 χ2检验。 (2 )由 3名医师盲法评价CT图像。按正常图像、图像有少许伪影、图像有严重伪影的等级对每帧图像进行质量评判 ,并进行统计学处理。结果　 (1)小儿各年龄段低剂量 (90mAs、15 0mAs)扫描的CTDIw为 17.2 8mGy、2 8.8mGy ,分别是常规剂量 (2 6 0mAs)扫描的 34.6 %、5 7.8% ;前者的DLP分别为 2 37mGy·cm、4 2 3mGy·cm ,明显低于后者的 6 83mGy·cm、731mGy·cm(P <0 .0 1)。 (2 ) 98%以上小儿头部低剂量CT图像可满足临床影像诊断需要 ,与常规剂量小儿头部图像相比无显著差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　小儿头部低剂量多层螺旋CT扫描的辐射剂量为常规剂量扫描的 35     

儿童副鼻窦低剂量双螺旋CT轴位扫描多平面重组的应用研究

目的探讨儿童鼻窦低剂量双螺旋轴位扫描多平面重组技术的可行性和合理的扫描参数。方法 50例正常或轻度鼻窦炎年龄1～15岁儿童按扫描参数随机分为5组,每组10例。第1～3组电压120 kV,电流分别为100 mAs、50 mAs、30 mAs;第4组电压100 kV,电流30 mAs;第5组电压80 kV电流30 mAs。用Kruskal-Wallis H检验和Nemenyi法比较各组图像质量有无差异。结果第2～5组的容积CT剂量指数（CTDIvol）与第1组的CTDIvol比较分别减少50%、70%、82%、91%。5组图像质量评分结果之间有显著差异性（χ2=54.15,P〈0.0001）;其中,第2~4组与第1组、第3~4组与第2组、第4组与第3组比较图像质量评分之间无显著差别（χ2=0.19、2.32、0.83、1.19、0.23、0.38,P〉0.05）;第5组与第1~4组比较图像质量评分之间有显著差别（χ2=40.88、35.55、23.74、30.09,P〈0.01）。结论儿童鼻窦低剂量双螺旋轴位扫描多平面重组是可行的,扫描参数低至100 kV,30 mAs,CTDIvol 4.6 mGy仍可满足临床诊断要求。     

64层CT低剂量扫描在胸主动脉CTA中的临床应用研究

目的 探讨64层CT低剂量扫描在胸主动脉CT血管造影（CTA）成像中的临床应用研究。方法 应用64层CT对100例胸厚为22～23cm疑似胸主动脉疾病的患者分成5组进行胸主动脉CTA扫描,扫描范围为250～300mm,扫描条件为机器默认的120kV、350mAs,然后固定120kV,用300mAs、250mAs、200mAs及150mAs对其它四组患者进行扫描,记录不同mAs的CTDIvol及DLP,并转换为有效剂量ED。2位影像学家对上述图像进行SNR、CNR及主观评价。结果 将120kV、350mAs及300mAs、250mAs、200mAs及150mAs扫描产生的图像传至机器工作站进行SNR及CNR计算,其值分别为：4.81、4.02、2.59、1.73、1.57和3.81、3.27、1.86、0.92、0.94。2位影像学家对120kV下350～150mAs主观评价分值分别为：4.61±0.72,4.48±0.30,4.52±0.28,4.28±0.36,3.65±0.38;其CTDIvol、DLP分别为：10.08mGy、8.73mGy、7.14mGy、5.68mGy、4.21mGy和352.8mGy、309.32mGy、255.46mGy、203.8mGy、171.08mGy,将DLP转换为ED为5.29mSv、4.64mSv、3.83mSv、3.06mSv、2.57mSv。对上述数据进行单因素方差分析,200mAs和350mAs、300mAs、250mAs产生的影像质量没有明显差异,但200mAs的CTDIvol、DLP及ED较350mAs分别低43.7%、42.2%及43.7%。结论 胸厚为22～23cm的患者进行胸主动脉CTA扫描推荐mAs为200mAs。对于体型较小（肌肉较少）或有肺气肿等疾病可以选用150mAs及以下条件进行扫描。     

头颈部多层螺旋CT辐射剂量调查

目的 了解我国头颈部多层螺旋CT扫描剂量.资料与方法 发出头颈部CT扫描参数剂量调查表到国内7家东芝64层螺旋CT用户.查阅2002年1月至2007年7月期间中华放射学杂志、临床放射学杂志和实用放射学杂志三大杂志有关头颈部多层螺旋CT论文并测算其剂量.结果 东芝64层螺旋CT扫描:头部平均毫安秒为189.4 mAs、CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)为47 mGy;鼻窦95 mAs、22.5 mGy,眼眶为74.3 mAs、17.9 mGy,颌面部为100 mAs、22.5 mGy,颞骨144.6 mAs、44.7 mGy,颈部131.3 mAs、16.3 mGy.其他螺旋CT为头部平均毫安秒为280 mAs;鼻窦为100 mAs,眼眶200 mAs,颌面部为200 mAs,颞骨196.7 mAs,颈部220 mAs.结论 我国头颈部多层螺旋CT检查条件剂量不规范、不统一,有待优化.     

Effect of dose-reduced scan protocols on cardiac coronary image quality with 64-row MDCT: a cardiac phantom study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using relative low-dose scan protocols in coronary imaging with 64-row MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pulsating cardiac phantom was used to simulate coronary arteries of two sizes (3 and 5mm in diameter) with three stenosis degrees (25, 50 and 75%) at 55bpm heart rate. Cardiac scans were performed on a 64-row MDCT scanner (GE LightSpeed VCT) with rotation time of 350ms and pitch of 0.2 under six different scan protocols: 120kV/650mA, 1137.5mAs (effective) (CTDI(vol) 121.69mGy), 120kV/550mA, 962.5mAs (CTDI(vol) 102.96mGy), 120kV/450mA, 787.5mAs (CTDI(vol) 84.24mGy), 120kV/350mA, 612.5mAs (CTDI(vol) 65.52mGy), 100kV/590mA, 1032.5mAs (CTDI(vol) 65.17mGy) and 140kV/390mA, 682.5mAs (CTDI(vol) 102.22mGy). The simulative coronary arteries were filled with contrast media to reach 300HU in the lumen. Background noise was measured to describe the basic image quality accordingly. CNR, SNR and contour sharpness represented in slope of CT density curve was calculated as well. Measured stenosis area and rates, described by the percentage area of stenosis on the cross-section images were also calculated. RESULTS: The corresponding image noise levels described in standard deviation of background signals varied with radiation dose, CNR and SNR mainly varied with tube current. The contour sharpness, which can reflect actual spatial resolution, is affected mainly by tube voltage. The first five protocols depicted obviously steeper curves than the sixth one (P<0.05). As for 25% stenosis, there was no significant difference among the stenosis rates of the six protocols (P>0.05). As for evaluation on 50 and 75% stenosis, there was no significant difference between the first two protocols, and between the second two protocols as well. However, significant difference presented between these two groups (P>0.05). When comparing the groups with similar radiation dose, protocols with lower tube voltage gain more accuracy in representing stenosis area and rate. CONCLUSION: Dose level and corresponding image quality is relevant to the accuracy of stenosis evaluation on simulated coronary arteries with 64-row MDCT. In this study, we find relative low-dose protocols with acceptable image quality showed a tendency of overestimating stenosis. Furthermore, using a lower tube voltage and higher tube current to gain accurate imaging result is more applicable than other protocols with the same radiation dose level.     

The effect of decreasing mAs on image quality and patient dose in sinus CT.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reducing mAs on the diagnostic quality of images and the radiation dose to the orbits in patients undergoing sinus CT. We studied 40 consecutive patients undergoing paranasal sinus CT for inflammatory disease prior to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Four groups of 10 patients were scanned at 200 mAs, 150 mAs, 100 mAs and 50 mAs, respectively. Orbital radiation dose was measured using thermoluminescent dosemeters. Images were reviewed independently by two observers who were unaware of the mAs setting used. Image quality was evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system for six anatomical structures. The osteomeatal complex, uncinate process, infundibulum, frontal recess, middle turbinate and optic nerve were assessed as: clearly demonstrated (2 points); demonstrated but not clearly visualized (1 point); or not seen (0 points). No significant difference was shown between any of the four groups in terms of image quality according to the scoring system used in this study. Mean radiation dose to the orbit was reduced by 77%, from 13.5 mGy at 200 mAs to 3.1 mGy at 50 mAs (p<0.05). CT of the sinuses can be performed in patients prior to FESS at greatly reduced mAs without loss of diagnostic quality of the images. This is important in reducing the radiation dose to the lens.     

Radiation doses to patients receiving computed tomography examinations in British Columbia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the diagnostic reference levels and effective radiation dose to patients from routine computed tomography (CT) examinations in the province of British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: The patient weight, height and computed tomography dose index or dose linear product (DLP) were recorded on study sheets for 1070 patients who were referred for clinically indicated routine CT examinations at 18 radiology departments in British Columbia. Sixteen of the scanners were multidetector row scanners. RESULTS: The average patient dose varied from hospital to hospital. The largest range was found for CT of the abdomen, for which the dose varied from 3.6 to 26.5 (average 10.1) mSv. For head CT, the range was 1.7 to 4.9 (average 2.8) mSv; for chest CT, it was 3.8 to 26 (average 9.3) mSv; for pelvis CT, it was 3.5 to 15.5 (average 9.0) mSv; and for abdomen-pelvis CT, it was 7.3 to 31.5 (average 16.3) mSv. Reference dose values were calculated for each exam. These DLP values are as follows: head, 1300 mGy cm; chest, 600 mGy cm; abdomen, 920 mGy cm; pelvis, 650 mGy cm; and abdomen-pelvis, 1100 mGy cm. CONCLUSION: Among hospitals, there was considerable variation in the DLP and patient radiation dose for a specific exam. Reference doses and patient doses were higher than those found in similar recent surveys carried out in the United Kingdom and the European Union. Patient doses were similar to those found in a recent survey in Germany.     

CT of the head by use of reduced current and kilovoltage: relationship between image quality and dose reduction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CT is a frequent examination that is performed using ionizing radiation. We sought to assess image-quality changes on CT scans of the head when the radiation dose is reduced by changing tube current and kilovoltage. METHODS: A formalin-fixed cadaver was examined in conventional and helical mode by use of two CT-scanners. Surface dose was measured with standard scanning parameters, and after reduction of tube current and kilovoltage. Five experienced examiners independently evaluated subjective image quality. RESULTS: In the conventional mode, the highest surface dose was 83.2 mGy (scanner 1: helical mode, 55.6 mGy), and 66.0 mGy (scanner 2: helical mode, 55.9 mGy). By changing kVp and mAs, a dose reduction of up to 75% (scanner 1), and 60% (scanner 2) was achieved. No observable differences in image quality between scans obtained with doses from 100% to 60% of standard settings were noted. Ten of 20 images obtained with the highest dose and 13 of 20 images obtained with lowest dose (19-29.4 mGy) were reliably identified by subjective quality assessment. Scans produced with a surface dose of less than 30 mGy were judged uninterpretable. CONCLUSION: Standard parameters used in cranial CT are oriented toward best image quality. A dose reduction up to 40% may be possible without loss of diagnostic image quality.     

Evaluation of skin exposure during cerebral CT perfusion studies on a phantom

Objectives

To evaluate the skin dose during cerebral CT perfusion on a phantom, and estimate the weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) to maximum skin dose conversion factors for four types of CT scanners.

Study design

We evaluated the relationship between surface dose during cerebral CT perfusion and distance from the scan center in the x–y plane using a 64-multidetector row CT scanner. Skin doses were also assessed with 4 different 64-multidetector CT scanners.

Results

The surface doses decreased with the distance from the scan center in the x–y plane. The surface doses at the points 6 cm and 10 cm from the scan center in the x–y plane were different from the dose at the point 8 cm by about 15%. CTDIw and skin doses differed among the CT scanners (CTDIw, 143–590 mGy; averaged temporal skin dose, 126–590 mGy). For all the four types of CT scanner, the doses increased in the following order: occipital point < frontal point < temporal points. The ratios of the maximum skin dose (averaged temporal skin dose) to CTDIw differed among the CT scanners (64–100%).

Conclusions

The maximum skin dose during cerebral CT perfusion and the dose to CTDIw ratios differs among CT scanners. The CTDIw is useful for estimation of the maximum skin dose during cerebral CT perfusion using a proper conversion factor specific to each type of CT scanner.