双源CT扫描模式对头颈部辐射剂量和影像质量的影响

目的 探讨头颈部CT扫描中,不同扫描模式对辐射剂量和影像质量的影响程度。方法 利用头颈部仿真模体和双源CT,分别使用固定扫描条件120 kV和200 mAs,以及自动管电流调制技术（CARE Dose 4D）、自动管电压调制技术（CARE kV）和部分角度扫描模式（X-CARE）的组合进行成像,分别为120 kV+200 mAs、120 kV+200 mAs+X-CARE、CARE Dose 4D+120 kV、CARE Dose 4D+120 kV+X-CARE、CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV、CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV+X-CARE 6种扫描模式。每次扫描均使用两片热释光剂量片（TLD）分别测量眼晶状体和甲状腺的剂量,两片TLD所测数值取均值。记录以上各种扫描时的容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）和剂量长度乘积（DLP）,测量眼晶状体层面和甲状腺层面影像的对比度噪声比（CNR）。结果 120 kV+200 mAs扫描时,眼晶状体和甲状腺的器官剂量分别为19.8和26.0 mGy,使用120 kV+200 mAs+X-CARE可降低剂量至13.3和22.2 mGy;与CARE Dose 4D+120 kV相比,CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV可使CTDI_vol由13.1降至10.1 mGy,眼晶状体剂量和甲状腺剂量由20.8和23.7 mGy分别降至16.6和19.9 mGy,而使用CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV+X-CARE时,器官剂量又进一步分别降至6.3和11.0 mGy,但影像质量显著降低;与CARE Dose 4D+120 kV相比,使用CARE Dose 4D+120 kV+X-CARE,眼晶状体和甲状腺剂量分别由20.8和23.7 mGy降至9.6和15.1 mGy,同时CTDI_vol由13.1 mGy降至9.3 mGy。使用CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV+X-CARE时,CTDI_vol和器官剂量降至最低,但头颅和颈部CNR也降至最低。结论 颅脑扫描时CARE Dose 4D+120 kV+X-CARE模式、颈部扫描时CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV模式在保持影像质量较好的同时可有效降低辐射剂量。当对影像质量要求不高时可选用CARE Dose 4D+CARE kV+X-CARE模式,从而显著降低辐射剂量。     

Evaluation of the efficacy of a bismuth shield during CT examinations

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a bismuth shield (Attenurad F&L Medical Products, Vandergrift, PA) in reducing the dose to surface organs during Computed Tomography (CT) examinations. The shield was evaluated for reduction of the dose to breast during chest examinations and reduction of the dose to the lens of the eye during brain examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dose was measured on patients (10 for the eye and 30 for the breast), and on an anthropomorphic phantom (Alderson Rando). The reduction of image quality was evaluated both qualitatively by an expert radiologist, and in terms of increased noise on the phantom images (Rando). RESULTS: The use of the protective device reduced the dose by 34% to the breast and 50% to the lens. These figures are confirmed by the measurements taken both on patients and on the anthropomorphic phantom. The protective device reduced image quality in the regions immediately beneath it, but in the cases considered, those regions were of no diagnostic interest, while in the brain and lung regions, the quality is only slightly reduced, always allowing a correct diagnostic evaluation. Numerical analysis also led to the conclusion that a modest increase in noise is only statistically significant for the anterior portions of the lung. When present, the artifacts appeared outside the field of clinical interest. That is mainly due to the use of a foam pad (0.7 - 1 cm thick) to protect the breast. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The protection proved effective both in the case of breast and of lens, leading to a significant reduction in dose, without excessively affecting image quality. The shield proved easy to use, and did not increase the examination time.     

Low-dose dental computed tomography: significant dose reduction without loss of image quality

Purpose: To measure and reduce the patient dose during computed tomography (CT) for dental applications. Material and Methods: Lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters were implanted in a tissue-equivalent humanoid phantom (Alderson-Rando-Phantom) to determine doses to the thyroid gland, the active bone marrow, the salivary glands, and the eye lens. Dental CT was performed with spiral CT and a dental software package. The usual dental CT technique was compared with a new dose-reduced protocol, which delivered best image quality at lowest possible radiation dose, as tested in a preceding study. Image quality was analysed using a human anatomic head preparation. In addition, the radiation dose was compared with panoramic radiography and digital volume tomography (DVT). Eight radiologists evaluated all images in a blinded fashion. A Wilcoxon rank pair test was used for statistical evaluation. Results: Radiation dose could be reduced by a factor of 9 (max.) with the new dose-reduced protocol (e.g. bone marrow dose from 23.6 mSv to 2.9 mSv; eye lens from 0.5 mSv to 0.3 mSv; thyroid gland from 2.5 mSv to 0.5 mSv; parotid glands from 2.3 mSv to 0.4 mSv). Dose reduction did not reduce image quality or diagnostic information. Conclusion: A considerable dose reduction without loss of diagnostic information is achievable in dental CT. As radiation exposure of the presented low-dose protocol is expected to be in the same range as DVT, low-dose dental CT might be superior to DVT, because CT can be used to evaluate soft tissues as well.     

High-resolution CT using multidetector CT equipment: evaluation of image quality in 11 cadaveric lungs and a phantom

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic efficacy of multidetector high-resolution CT (HRCT) by comparing it with single-detector HRCT and by comparing the noise and artifact of multidetector HRCT images with a phantom. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Multidetector HRCT with six parameters and single-detector HRCT were performed on cadaveric lungs. The image quality and diagnostic efficacy of multidetector HRCT were evaluated in comparison with those of single-detector HRCT. A phantom was scanned, and image artifact and noise were investigated. RESULTS: . The image quality of multidetector HRCT with axial 1.25 mm x 4i (four images per gantry rotation) mode was equal to that of single-detector HRCT. The image quality of multidetector HRCT with other modes was worse than that on single-detector HRCT. The diagnostic efficacy of multidetector HRCT with high-quality mode (pitch, 3:1) and axial mode was equal to that of single-detector HRCT. The diagnostic efficacy on multidetector HRCT with high-speed mode (pitch, 6:1) was worse than that on single-detector HRCT. In the phantom study, images made in high-speed mode had strong artifacts. Noise in the axial mode was milder than that in high-speed mode but more severe than that in high-quality mode. CONCLUSION: The image quality of axial HRCT with multidetector CT is equal to that on single-detector HRCT. Axial HRCT with multidetector CT is appropriate for evaluating subtle lung abnormalities, but high-speed mode is unsuitable. Using the high-quality mode degrades image quality but is still worthwhile.     

Image quality and radiation exposure in 320-row temporal bone computed tomography

Objectives

The aim was to define image quality and radiation exposure in the recently introduced 320-row CT of the temporal bone (tb) in comparison to a 16-row tb CT.

Methods

A cadaveric head phantom was used for repeated tb volume CT studies (80–120 kV, 25–150 mAs), performed in a 320-row scanner (single rotation, 0.5 mm slice thickness, kernel FC 51) in comparison to 16-row helical CT using standard acquisition parameters (SAP) of 120 kV and 75 mAs (kernel FC 53). Qualitative image evaluation was performed by two radiologists using a 5-point visual analogue scale. Image noise (D_SD) was determined by region of interest (ROI) based measurements in cadaveric as well as water phantom studies. Dosimetric measurements of the effective dose (ED) and organ dose (OD) of the lens were performed.

Results

Image quality of 320-row tb CT was equivalent to 16-row CT for SAP scans, resulting in image noise levels (D_SD 16-/320-row) of 109/237 and 206/446 for air and bone respectively. D_SD differences were predominantly (>90%) attributable to the different kernels available for tb studies in 16- and 320-row CT. Radiation exposure for 16-/320-row SAP scans amounted to 0.36/0.30 mSv (ED) and 10.0/8.4 mGy (lens dose).

Conclusion

320-row volume acquisition in tb CT delivers equivalent image quality to 16-row CT while decreasing radiation exposure figures by one sixth. Image noise increase in 320-row CT is negligible with respect to image quality.     

3种介入术中工作人员的辐射剂量水平分析

目的 分析和评价临床实施较多的3种典型介入术中,工作人员的辐射剂量水平.方法 用仿真模体模拟实际诊疗情况,用热释光(TLD)元件作为测量工具,检测X射线机旁有/无防护组合时介人工作者眼晶状体、颈部及胸部的辐射剂量水平,估算其眼晶状体当量剂量和有效剂量.结果 X射线机旁有防护设施条件下,头部受照剂量减少85%～90%.脑血管介入术第一手术者眼晶状体当量剂量高于心血管和外周血管介入术,外周血管介入术第一手术者年有效剂量低于脑血管和心血管介入术.结论 介入工作者在本研究中使用的防护措施及适当的工作强度下,年有效剂量不会超过20 mSv的限值,但眼晶状体当量剂量可能会超过ICRP最新推荐的眼晶状体剂量限值(20 mSv),介入工作者应重视对眼晶状体的防护.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the level of radiation exposures of operators in three typical types of interventional fluoroscopic procedures.Methods Alderson Radiation Therapy (ART) phantom was used to stimulate the practices of diagnosis and therapy using TLDs for dose measurement.The radiation exposures of eye lens, neck, and breast were measured when the lead shielding of machine was on/off and the equivalent dose and effective dose to the eye lens were estimated.Results Radiation exposure of head was obviously reduced by 85% -90% when the lead shielding was on.The doses in different procedures were different.In cerebral angiography the dose equivalent of eye len was the highest in the three procedures.The annual effective dose for the operators was smaller in peripheral vascular interventions than that in cardiovascular interventional therapy and that in cerebral angiography.Conclusions The operators involved in intervention will receive an annual effective dose of less than 20 mSv as recommended by the ICRP under the protection conditions provided by the current study, except for eye lens.Attention should be paid to the protection of the eyes of operators.     

自动管电流模式下管电压对CT辐射剂量和影像质量影响的模体研究

目的 探讨自动管电流调制模式下行头颈部和胸部CT扫描时,管电压的改变对辐射剂量及影像质量的影响。方法 自动管电流和自动管电压模式下,对头颈部和胸部模体进行常规CT扫描。自动管电流模式下,管电压分别手动选择70、80、100、120和140 kV,对头颈部和胸部模体进行常规CT扫描。每种管电压下定位像扫描3次,再进行1次螺旋扫描。头颈部模体在眼眶中心及第5颈椎（C5）椎体上缘层面选取感兴趣区（ROI）,胸部模体在肺尖及气管分叉层面选取ROI,测量记录对比噪声比（CNR）。用热释光剂量计（TLD）测量每次扫描时眼晶状体和乳腺的器官剂量（取3次测量的平均值）,计算定位像和螺旋扫描的累积值。记录每次扫描的容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）,并计算CTDI_vol累积值。最后通过计算品质因数（FOM）,找到最优化的管电压值。结果 自动管电流和自动管电压模式时,头颈部自动选择120 kV和108 mAs,胸部自动选择80 kV和167 mAs。自动管电流模式时,手动选择70 kV时眼晶状体辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最小（分别为0.779和4.070 mGy）,140 kV时眼晶状体辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最大（分别为2.571和25.670 mGy）。70 kV时乳腺辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最小（分别为0.698和0.900 mGy）,140 kV时乳腺辐射剂量和CTDI_vol值最大（分别为3.452和7.400 mGy）。CNR值在眼眶和C5椎体上缘层面分别为51.30~118.36和80.78~173.12,在肺尖和气管分叉层面分别为50.15~129.58和49.63~115.40。FOM因子在眼眶层面80 kV最大,在C5椎体上缘层面120 kV最大,在肺尖和气管分叉层面都是70 kV最大。头颈部模体最佳管电压：眼眶层面手动100 kV,颈部层面自动管电压模式（120 kV）。胸部模体最佳管电压：手动100 kV。结论 管电压的选择对CT扫描的辐射剂量和影像质量影响较大。对于常规CT扫描,手动100 kV适合眼眶区域扫描,自动120 kV适合颈部区域扫描,手动100 kV适合胸部扫描。     

Guidance on radiation dose limits for the lens of the eye: overview of the recommendations in NCRP Commentary No. 26

Abstract

Purpose: This review summarizes the conclusions and recommendations of the new National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Commentary No. 26 guidance on radiation dose limits for the lens of the eye. The NCRP addressed radiation protection principles in respect to the lens of the eye, discussed the current understanding of eye biology and lens effects, reviewed and evaluated epidemiology, and assessed exposed populations with the potential for significant radiation exposures to the lens while suggesting monitoring and protection practices.

Conclusions: Radiation-induced damage to the lens of the eye can include the loss of clarity resulting in opacification or clouding several years after exposure. The impact is highly dependent on the type of radiation, how the exposure of the lens was delivered, the genetic susceptibilities of the individual exposed, and the location of the opacity relative to the visual axis of the individual. The preponderance of epidemiological evidence suggests that lens damage could occur at lower doses than previously considered and the NCRP has determined that it is prudent to reduce the recommended annual lens of the eye occupational dose limit from an equivalent dose of 150?mSv to an absorbed dose of 50?mGy. Significant additional research is still needed in the following areas: comprehensive evaluation of the overall effects of ionizing radiation on the eye, dosimetry methodology and dose-sparing optimization techniques, additional high quality epidemiology studies, and a basic understanding of the mechanisms of cataract development.     

胸部CT低剂量扫描的图像质量与吸收剂量关系分析

目的　探索多层螺旋CT在胸部低剂量扫描的可能性和合理性。方法　 (1)X线吸收剂量测试 :用 12 0kV、0 75s、分别测试 8与 3mm层厚的 115 0、4 0 0、2 5 0、7 5mAsX线照射剂量。计算吸收剂量指数 ,并加以比较。 (2 )水体模测试CT值的均匀性和噪声水平 :在水体模的同一层面 ,用 12 0kV、 0 75s分别作 8与 3mm层厚的 115 0、4 0 0、2 5 0、7 5mAs扫描。在每幅图像的相同位置测 5个兴趣区 ,作CT值的均匀性和噪声水平比较。 (3)病例CT扫描 :随机选择肺部块影和片状影的患者各 30例。用 12 0kV ,0 75s,8与 3mm层厚在同一层面作 115 0、4 0 0、2 5 0、15 0、7 5mAs扫描。另选 15例作 190、15 0、4 0、2 5、15mAs螺旋扫描。作不同厚度的重建间隔对比和后处理图像最大密度投影 (MIP)、计算机容积摄影 (CVR)、多平面重建 (MPR)、高分辨率CT(HRCT)、三维成像(3D)、仿真支气管镜等效果比较。 (4)图像质量评估 :由 4名CT医生盲法评价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评判每一幅图像 ,进行统计学处理。结果　 (1)X线吸收剂量指数测试表明 ,115 0mAs的X线吸收剂量指数大于 4 0 0、2 5 0、7 5mAs的指数分别在 6 0 %、70 %、85 %以上。 (2 )水模测试结果 ,CT图像的均匀性随CT扫     

Reduced computed tomography radiation dose in HIV-related pneumonia: effect on diagnostic image quality

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic quality of low-dose computed tomography (CT) with that of standard-dose chest CT in the diagnosis of infectious lung diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty chest CT scans [high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), 15; spiral CT, 15] were performed in HIV-positive patients with an infectious lung disease. Two additional slices were obtained at two lower exposures (HRCT, 120 kV/70 mAs and 120 kV/50 mAs; spiral CT, 100 kV/56 mAs and 100 kV/40 mAs) after chest routine CT. Observers compared the quality of the images obtained at different parameters and image noise. Objective evaluation of image noise was also made. RESULTS: Diagnostic image quality was excellent in 93% of the low-dose HRCT scans and in 86% of the low-dose spiral CT scans, rates that are always acceptable in any case. Significant differences were found in noise levels between the low-dose and reference scans; however, artifacts did not compromise detection of abnormalities. In HRCT, a mean reduction of 77% from the standard technique to the low-dose scan is possible in total and in lung effective doses. In spiral CT, this reduction is lower at 71%. These values can reach a further reduction with ultra-low-dose imaging (84% in HRCT and 80% in spiral CT). CONCLUSIONS: Chest CT image quality appears to be adequate to evaluate pulmonary infectious diseases, even with an effective reduction in radiation dose. Standard-dose CT with a higher patient effective dose may be appropriate for selected cases.     

Automatic tube current modulation for whole-body polytrauma CT with immobilization devices: is there an increase in radiation dose and degradation of image quality?

The objective of this study was the assessment of the image quality and radiation dose in polytrauma CT using immobilization devices. An anthropomorphic whole body and a liver phantom were scanned on a 128-slice CT scanner with four different protocols using automatic tube current modulation (120 kVp, 150 ref. mAs; 120 kV, 200 ref. mAs; 140 kVp, 150 ref. mAs; and 140 kVp, 200 ref. mAs) and four different setups (no immobilization device (setup A), vacuum mattress 1 (setup B), vacuum mattress 2 (setup C), and spineboard (setup D)). Qualitative and quantitative image quality parameters and radiation dose were assessed. Image noise increased on average by 6.6, 11.2, and 9.4 %, and CNR decreased by 11.2, 13.9, and 6.5 for setups B, C, and D, respectively, compared with setup A. The CTDI_vol increased up to 6 % using immobilization devices. Severe streak artifacts, provoked by the inflation valve of the mattresses were detected at the level of the head and shoulder. Applying immobilization devices for whole-body CT with automatic tube current modulation increases the radiation dose and decreases the quantitative image quality slightly. Severe artifacts, induced by the inflation valve of the mattress, can influence the diagnostic accuracy at the level of the head and shoulder.     

64层螺旋CT肺部高分辨率图像质量影响因素的体模研究

目的 分析影响肺部高分辨率CT(HRCT)图像质量的主要因素,探讨常规肺部容积扫描条件下获得HRCT图像质量的可行性.方法 应用64层CT对Catphan500模具进行连续、重复扫描.对比内容:扫描方式(轴面扫描、螺旋扫描)、kV值(140、120 kV)、层厚(1.25、5.00 mm,其中5.00 mm图像折分为1.25 mm)、重建算法(骨+算法、肺算法).评价内容:空间分辨率、密度分辨率、图像噪声.统计分析采用析因设计方差分析.结果 扫描方式在密度分辨率(轴面扫描:11.44±0.04;螺旋扫描:12.61±0.04)、图像噪声(轴面扫描:5.89±0.05;螺旋扫描:6.92±0.05)上差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为539.61、179.02,P值均＜0.01),轴面扫描密度分辨率高于螺旋扫描,图像噪声低于螺旋扫描;重建算法间在空间分辨率(骨+:9.90±0.09;肺:7.40±0.09)、密度分辨率(骨+:11.39±0.04;肺:12.65±0.04)、图像噪声(骨+:6.55±0.05;肺:6.28±0.05)上差异均具有统计学意义(F值分别为375.00、627.95、13.97,P值均＜0.05),骨+算法优于肺算法但噪声值略高.结论 容积扫描在密度分辨率、图像噪声控制上较传统HRCT稍差,但在空间分辨率上容积扫描骨+算法重建与HRCT图像质量相当,用于显示肺内细节时容积高分辨率CT可代替常规HRCT.     

Challenges for computed tomography of overweight patients

In morbidly obese patients, computed tomography frequently represents the only viable option for non-invasive imaging diagnostics. The aim of this study was to analyze the weight limits, dose and image quality with standard CT scanners and to determine the diagnostic value and dose with a dual source XXL mode. A total of 15?patients (average body weight 189.6±42?kg) were retrospectively identified who had been examined with the XXL mode. Of these patients 7 (average body weight 176.4±56?kg) had been examined using both the XXL and standard protocols allowing for an intraindividual comparison in this subcollective. Additionally 14?patients weighing between 90 and 150?kg (average 106.1±19?kg) examined with standard protocols were included as references. Dose, image noise and subjectively assessed image quality (rating scale 1?C4) were determined. Additionally, a large abdomen phantom of 48?cm diameter was examined with both protocols at equivalent tube current-time product in order to compare the dose efficiency. The patient groups differed significantly in dose (CTDI_vol XXL 72.9±23 versus standard 16.7±11?mGy; intraindividual 64.1±20 versus 27.0±15?mGy). The image noise was generally somewhat higher in the XXL group but significantly lower in the intraindividual comparison (liver 24.2±14?HU versus 36.3±20?HU; p=0.03; fat 15.5±8?HU versus 26.2±12?HU; p=0.02). With ratings of 1.9±0.7 and 1.8±0.7 image quality did not differ significantly in general, whereas there was a clear difference in the intraindividual comparison (1.8±0.8 versus 3.0±1.2) and only the XXL protocol achieved diagnostic quality in all cases, while 43% of the examinations with the standard protocol were rated as non-diagnostic. The quantification of dose efficiency in the phantom scans yielded no significant difference between the protocols. Up to 150?kg body weight, CT can be performed with the standard technique at 120?kVp with tube current modulation. In larger patients diagnostic image quality can only be achieved reliably with the dual source XXL mode, although at considerably increased calculated dose. However, standard conversion factors yield false high values so that the estimation of the biologically relevant equivalent dose is very difficult.     

Radiation dose and image quality in pediatric CT: effect of technical factors and phantom size and shape

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of varying tube current and voltage on radiation dose, image noise, and image contrast with different phantom sizes and shapes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four round lucite phantoms with 8-32-cm diameters were scanned with multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and 80-120 kVp. Radiation dose was based on CT dose index, image noise, and iodine contrast and measured with constant and variable tube currents that were age appropriate for each tube voltage. Radiation dose and image noise and contrast were compared in round and oval 24-cm phantoms. For various combinations of technical factors and phantom sizes and shapes, percentage differences were calculated for radiation dose and image noise and contrast. Associations between tube voltage and radiation dose, image noise, and image contrast in round and oval phantoms were determined by fitting second-degree polynomials to data. Differences in radiation dose and image noise and contrast, which were attributable to differences in tube voltage, were tested with paired t tests. RESULTS: With 165-mAs tube current, radiation doses with 140- and 80-kVp tube voltages were 103% ([41.9 mGy - 20.6 mGy]/20.6 mGy) and 58% ([10.2 mGy - 4.2 mGy]/10.1 mGy) higher in the 8-cm phantom than in the 32-cm phantom. When tube current was adapted for phantom size, radiation dose at 80 kVp in the 8-cm phantom was reduced by 82% ([10.1 mGy - 1.8 mGy]/10.1 mGy). In the 8-cm phantom, tube voltage was decreased from 120 to 80 kVp and tube current remained at 165 mAs, resulting in a 68% noise increase ([3.1 HU - 1.8 HU]/1.8 HU). With variable tube current, 80-kVp tube voltage in the 8-cm phantom led to a 138% noise increase ([7.3 HU - 3.1 HU]/3.1 HU). With reduced tube voltage, image contrast increased. In the 8-cm phantom, with a constant 165-mAs tube current and a decrease in tube voltage from 120 to 80 kVp, there was a 35% ([333 HU - 217 HU]/333 HU) increase in contrast. No difference was noted in radiation dose or noise between round and oval phantoms (P = .604 and P = .06, respectively), but a small statistically significant difference (1%) in contrast attenuation was demonstrated (P = .025). CONCLUSION: Reduced tube voltage for pediatric contrast material-enhanced CT reduces radiation dose and maintains image contrast. Image noise increases, but the effect is minimal in smaller phantoms. An additional reduction in tube current further reduces radiation dose.     

铅眼镜对介入放射工作人员眼晶状体的防护效果研究

目的 探讨不同铅当量和镜片大小铅眼镜对介入放射工作人员眼晶状体的防护效果.方法 利用MCNPX软件和人体体素体模,模拟计算在不同投照体位条件下介入放射学工作人员佩戴不同铅眼镜时的眼晶状体剂量;通过在仿真人体模上布放眼晶状体剂量计开展实验测量,以验证理论计算结果.结果 模拟计算结果表明,当单个镜片大小为20 cm²时,佩戴0.1~1.0 mm Pb(铅)眼镜可降低眼晶状体受照剂量系数为3~9;剂量降低系数(DRF)不仅与眼镜的铅当量有关,而且还取决于X射线的投照体位;当镜片的铅当量超过0.35 mm Pb时,随着镜片铅当量的增加,剂量的进一步降低并不明显.在相同铅当量条件下,当镜片尺寸为6~30 cm²时,DRF与镜片的大小成线性增长关系.模拟计算数值和实验结果基本吻合.结论 为有效地保护介入放射学工作人员的眼晶状体,推荐佩戴铅当量为0.5 mm Pb且镜片尽量大的防护眼镜.     

Radiation dose and image quality in diagnostic radiology. Optimization of the dose-image quality relationship with clinical experience from scoliosis radiography,coronary intervention and a flat-panel digital detector

X-rays are known to cause malignancies, skin damage and other side effects and they are thus potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is essential and in fact mandatory to reduce the radiation dose in diagnostic radiology as far as possible. This is also known as the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. However, the dose is linked to image quality and the image quality may not be lowered so far that it jeopardizes the diagnostic outcome of a radiographic procedure. The process of reaching this balance between dose and image quality is called optimization. The aim of this thesis was to propose and evaluate methods for optimizing the radiation dose-image quality relationship in diagnostic radiography with a focus on clinical usefulness. The work was performed in three main parts. OPTIMIZATION OF SCOLIOSIS RADIOGRAPHY: In the first part, two recently developed methods for digital scoliosis radiography (digital exposure and pulse fluoroscopy) were evaluated and compared to the standard screen-film method. Radiation dose was measured as kerma area-product (KAP), entrance surface dose (ESD) and effective dose; image quality was assessed with a contrast-detail phantom and through visual grading analysis. Accuracy in angle measurements was also evaluated. The radiation dose for digital exposure was nearly twice as high as the screen-film method at a comparable image quality while the dose for pulsed fluoroscopy was very low but with a considerably lower image quality. The variability in angle measurements was sufficiently low for all methods. Then, the digital exposure protocol was optimized to a considerably lower dose with a slightly lower image quality compared to the baseline. FLAT-PANEL DETECTOR: In the second part, an amorphous-silicon direct digital flat-panel detector was evaluated using a contrast-detail phantom, measuring dose as entrance dose. The flat-panel detector yielded a superior image quality at a lower dose than both storage phosphor plates and screen-film. Equivalent image quality compared to storage phosphor plates was reached at about one-third of the dose. OPTIMIZATION OF PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION (PCI): In the third part, influence of various settings on radiation dose and image quality in coronary catheterisation and PCI was investigated. Based on these findings, the dose rate for fluoroscopy was reduced to one-third. The dose reduction was evaluated in a clinical series of 154 PCI procedures before and 138 after the optimization. Through this optimization, the total KAP was significantly reduced to two-thirds of the original value. IN SUMMARY: This thesis indicates the possibility of dose reduction in diagnostic radiology through optimization of the radiographic process.     

Identification and characterization of focal ground-glass opacity in the lungs by high-resolution CT using thin-section multidetector helical CT: experimental study using a chest CT phantom

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate how much the radiation dose can be reduced for the identification and characterization of focal ground-glass opacities (GGOs) by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Materials and methods A chest CT phantom including GGO nodules was scanned with a 40-detector CT scanner. The scanning parameters were as follows: tube voltage 120 kVp; beam collimation 32 × 1.25 mm; thickness and intervals 1.25 mm; tube current and rotation time 180, 150, 120, 90, 60, and 30 mA. 180 mA was the standard. Using a three-point scale at different currents, we visually evaluated image quality. Furthermore, we carried out observer performance tests using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the ability to identify GGO nodules at each current. Results By visual analysis, the scores for all particulars were significantly lower on images obtained at less than 120 mA than at 180 mA (Steel’s test, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in any particulars other than artifact on images obtained at 180, 150, and 120 mA. By ROC analysis there was no statistical difference in the Az value to identify GGO nodules on images obtained at 180, 150, 120, 90, or 60 mA. However, the Az value at 30 mA was significantly lower than at 180 mA (Dunnett’s test, P < 0.01). Conclusion The minimum current necessary for the characterization of GGO nodules on HRCT was 120 mA, although their identification was possible at currents of >30 mA.     

Low-dose and conventional-dose high resolution CT of pulmonary changes in breast cancer patients treated by tangential field radiotherapy

Twenty-seven consecutive breast cancer patients receiving tangential field radiation therapy were followed by high resolution CT (HRCT) in order to compare the accuracy of reduced-dose HRCT and conventional-dose HRCT in the evaluation of subtle pulmonary changes. Thin section 1-mm HRCT images were obtained at identical levels at 120 kVp, with 320 mAs, 200 mAs, 160 mAs, 120 mAs and 60 mAs settings. HRCT was performed during the planning of radiotherapy and 4, 8 and 24 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. Radiation was administered according to an individual CT-based plan by tangential fields with 4 or 6 MV photons to the whole breast given with 5 fractions of 1.9 Gy weekly to a total dose of 50 Gy. The tumor bed was boosted by electrons to 60 Gy. Pathological changes were detected in 21 examinations of 10 patients: 9 patients out of 27 (33%) showed radiation induced changes; 1 patient developed metastases within the irradiated volume. Septal thickening appeared in 5 patients at 4 weeks and in another 5 patients at 8 weeks. Parenchymal consolidation was detected in 1 patient at 4 weeks and in 5 patients at 8 weeks. HRCT using 160 mAs yield good quality images of subtle radiation induced injuries. The diagnostic validity of HRCT using lower than 160 mAs depends on the detail analyzed.     

能谱纯化联合器官剂量调制技术对婴幼儿头部CT扫描器官剂量及图像质量影响的体模研究

目的探讨能谱纯化技术(SPS)、器官剂量调制技术(OBTCM)以及两者结合对婴幼儿头部CT扫描器官剂量及图像质量的影响。方法利用两个头部仿真体模(CIRS 1岁和5岁), 分别采用参考扫描模式(Reference)、Reference + OBTCM、SPS及SPS+OBTCM 4种模式进行扫描;测量并比较不同体模不同扫描模式眼晶状体、脑部前侧及脑部后侧的辐射剂量, 眼眶和脑实质区域的噪声水平及对比噪声比(CNR)。结果相比Reference模式, 1岁与5岁体模的眼晶状体剂量在Reference + OBTCM模式分别减少约(21.89±0.01)%和(28.33±0.34)%;在SPS模式下, 1岁和5岁体模的眼晶状体剂量减少分别为(71.38±1.30)%和(53.72±2.42)%;SPS+OBTCM模式分别减少约(71.12±2.54)%和(55.73±1.90)%。不同体模不同扫描模式眼眶及脑实质的噪声水平, 差异有统计学意义(F=5.67～85.47, P<0.05);与Reference模式相比, Reference + OBTCM模式的噪声水平在不同体模不同部位...     

Measurement of radiation dose in cerebral CT perfusion study

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiation dose in cerebral perfusion studies with a multi-detector row CT (MDCT) scanner on various voltage and current settings by using a human head phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the CT perfusion study protocol, continuous cine scans (1 sec/rotation x60 sec) consisting of four 5-mm-thick contiguous slices were performed three times at variable tube voltages of 80 kV, 100 kV, 120 kV, and 140 kV with the same tube current setting of 200 mA and on variable current settings of 50 mA, 100 mA, 150 mA, and 200 mA with the same tube voltage of 80 kV. Radiation doses were measured using a total of 41 theroluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) placed in the human head phantom. Thirty-six TLDs were inside and three were on the surface of the slice of the X-ray beam center, and two were placed on the surface 3 cm caudal assuming the lens position. RESULTS: Average radiation doses of surface, inside, and lens increased in proportion to the increases of tube voltage and tube current. The lowest inside dose was 87.6+/-15.3 mGy, and the lowest surface dose was 162.5+/-6.7 mGy at settings of 80 kV and 50 mA. The highest inside dose was 1,591.5+/-179.7 mGy, and the highest surface dose was 2,264.6+/-123.7 mGy at 140 kV-200 mA. At 80 kV-50 mA, the average radiation dose of lens was the lowest at 5.5+/-0.0 mGy. At 140 kV-200 mA the radiation dose of lens was the highest at 127.2+/-0.6 mGy. CONCLUSION: In cerebral CT perfusion study, radiation dose can vary considerably. Awareness of the patient's radiation dose is recommended.