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.     

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.     

宁夏儿童头颅、胸部CT辐射剂量状况分析

目的 评估宁夏地区儿童头颅、胸部CT检查的辐射剂量水平,为不同年龄段儿童的CT辐射剂量优化提供基础。方法 采用分层整群抽样的方法,实地采集宁夏地区不同市、县、区不同规模医院1~2周内儿童（≤15岁）头颅、胸部CT的扫描参数、容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）及剂量长度乘积（DLP）,计算患者有效剂量（E）值;并将CTDI_vol、DLP的第75百分位数（P₇₅）与其他国家推荐的DRL值进行比较;所有儿童分4个年龄组：<1岁、1~5岁、6~10岁、11~15岁。结果 走访调查39家医院,调查CT设备47台,采集头颅断层扫描1 134例,胸部平扫636例。头颅CTDI_vol、DLP的P₇₅分别为：<1岁：44.2 mGy、456.2 mGy·cm;1~5岁：57.2 mGy、659.6 mGy·cm;6~10岁：61.1 mGy、668.7 mGy·cm;11~15岁：63.6 mGy、849.3 mGy·cm。胸部CTDI_vol、DLP的P₇₅分别为：<1岁：5.0 mGy、89.2 mGy·cm;1~5岁：5.9 mGy、124.8 mGy·cm;6~10岁：6.0 mGy、167.9 mGy·cm;11~15岁：7.1 mGy、235.0 mGy·cm。结论 宁夏地区儿童胸部CT的辐射剂量与其他报道相近,但头颅CT的辐射剂量相对偏高,且各年龄段均存在偏高现象,尤以婴儿患者较著;应加强宁夏地区儿童头颅CT的辐射剂量优化与监管,增强儿科医生、放射科医生的剂量控制意识,提高对辐射相关风险的认识。     

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).     

Radiation dose from volumetric helical perfusion CT of the thorax, abdomen or pelvis

Purpose

To evaluate the radiation doses delivered during volumetric helical perfusion CT of the thorax, abdomen or pelvis.

Materials and methods

The dose-length product (DLP) and CT dose index (CTDIvol) were recorded and effective dose (E) determined for patients undergoing CT (4D adaptive spiral) for tumour evaluation. Image noise and contrast to noise (CNR) at peak enhancement were also assessed for quality.

Results

Forty two consecutive examinations were included: thorax (16), abdomen (10), pelvis (16). Z-axis coverage ranged from 11.4 to 15.7?cm. Mean DLP was 1288.8?mGy.cm (range: 648 to 2456?mGy.cm). Mean CTDIvol was 96.2?mGy (range: 32.3 to 169.4?mGy). Mean effective dose was 19.6?mSv (range: 12.3?mSv to 36.7?mSv). In comparison mean DLP and effective dose was 885.2?mGy.cm (range: 504 to 1633?mGy.cm) and 13.3 mSV (range: 7.8 to 24.5?mSv) respectively for the standard staging CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Mean tumour CNR at peak enhancement was 1.87.

Conclusion

The radiation dose imposed by perfusion CT was on average 1.5 times that of a CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis. The dose is not insubstantial, and must be balanced by the potential clinical utility of additional physiologic data. Further efforts towards dose reduction should be encouraged.     

Optimization of patient dose and image quality with z-axis dose modulation for computed tomography (CT) head in acute head trauma and stroke

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze the effect of z-axis modulation for CT head protocols on patient dose and image quality in patients with acute head trauma and stroke. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of dose modulation on unenhanced CT head examinations in patients with acute head trauma and stroke. Two series of 100 consecutive studies were reviewed: 100 studies performed without dose modulation, 100 studies performed with z-axis dose modulation. Multidetector 16-section CT was performed sequentially and axial 5-mm-thick slices were obtained from base of skull to vertex. With z-axis dose modulation, the same tube current range was maintained, but a computer algorithm altered the tube current applied to each CT section. For each examination, the weighted volume CT dose index (CTDI (vol)) and dose-length product (DLP) were recorded and noise was measured. Each study was also reviewed for image quality by two independent, blinded readers. The variables (CTDI (vol) and DLP, image quality, and noise) in the two groups were compared by using student t test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. For unenhanced CT head examinations, the CTDI (vol) and DLP, respectively, were reduced by 35.8% and 35.2%, respectively, by using z-axis dose modulation. Image quality and noise were unaffected by the use of this dose modulation technique (P?<?0.004). Utilization of z-axis modulation technique for CT head examination in patients with acute head trauma and stroke offers significant radiation dose reduction while image quality is optimally maintained.     

Relationships between physical dose quantities and patient dose in CT

Patient dose in CT is usually expressed in terms of organ dose and effective dose. The latter is used as a measure of the stochastic risk. Determination of these doses by measurements or calculations can be time-consuming. We investigated the efficacy of physical dose quantities to describe the organ dose and effective dose. For various CT examinations of the head, neck and trunk, organ doses and effective doses were determined using conversion factors. Dose free-in-air on the axis of rotation (Dair) and weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIw) were compared with the absorbed doses of organs which are located totally within the body region examined. Dose-length product (DLP) was compared with the effective dose. The ratio of the organ dose to CTDIw was 1.37 (0.87-1.79) mSv mGy-1. DLP showed a significant correlation with the effective dose (p < 0.005). The average ratio of effective dose to DLP was 0.28 x 10(-2) mSv (mGy cm)-1 for CT of the head, 0.62 x 10(-2) mSv (mGy cm)-1 for CT of the neck and 1.90 x 10(-2) mSv (mGy cm)-1 for CT of the trunk. CTDIw and DLP can be used for estimating the organ dose and effective dose associated with CT examinations of the head, neck and trunk.     

Dose reduction in CT while maintaining diagnostic confidence: diagnostic reference levels at routine head, chest, and abdominal CT--IAEA-coordinated research project

PURPOSE: To measure radiation doses for computed tomography (CT) of the head, chest, and abdomen and compare them with the diagnostic reference levels, as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency Research coordination project. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local ethics committees of all participating institutions approved the study protocol. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. All scanners were helical single-section or multi-detector row CT systems. Six hundred thirty-three patients undergoing head (n = 97), chest (n = 243), or abdominal (n = 293) CT were included. Collected data included patient height, weight, sex, and age; tube voltage and tube current-time product settings; pitch; section thickness; number of sections; weighted or volumetric CT dose index; and dose-length product (DLP). The effective dose was also estimated and served as collective dose estimation data. RESULTS: Mean volumetric CT dose index and DLP values were below the European diagnostic reference levels: 39 mGy and 544 mGy . cm, respectively, at head CT; 9.3 mGy and 348 mGy . cm, respectively, at chest CT; and 10.4 mGy and 549 mGy . cm, respectively, at abdominal CT. Estimated effective doses were 1.2, 5.9, and 8.2 mSv, respectively. CONCLUSION: Comparison of CT results with diagnostic reference levels revealed the need for revisions, partly because the newer scanners have improved technology that facilitates lower patient doses.     

杭州市CT检查中医疗照射与职业照射水平的研究

目的 了解杭州市CT检查中的医疗照射与职业照射水平,为建立CT诊断参考水平提供依据。 方法 2018年7至12月,收集2017年杭州市内16家医用辐射防护监测点医院的CT设备信息及与CT操作相关的放射工作人员个人年剂量当量,并利用医院影像归档和通信系统收集2742名受检者的容积CT剂量指数（CTDIvol）和剂量长度乘积（DLP）。同时使用CT长杆电离室测量头部CT标准剂量模体的CTDIvol和DLP,并比较实测值与显示值的差别。基于调查数据计算儿童（<5岁、5~<10岁、10~<15岁组,共1158名）和成人（≥15岁组,共1584名）受检者不同检查部位CTDIvol和DLP的最大值、最小值、平均值、四分位数,并将CTDIvol（P75）和DLP（P75）与国外其他国家的数据进行比较。组间比较采用非参数Kruskal-Wallis H检验。 结果 16家医用辐射防护监测点医院共有40台CT设备[进口设备占92.5%（37/40）]。杭州市内省级、市级、县级监测点医院放射工作人员的平均个人年剂量当量分别为0.12、0.24、0.47 mSv。儿童组中,CT受检者的头部、胸部、腹部的CTDIvol（P75）分别为48.8、11.3、13.1 mGy,DLP（P75）分别为655.5、269.2、348.5 mGy·cm;成人组中,CT受检者的头部、胸部、腹部的CTDIvol（P75）分别为54.8、10.5、12.9 mGy;DLP（P75）分别为757.0、308.0、724.9 mGy·cm,2组各部位CTDIvol（P75）、DLP（P75）间的比较,差异均有统计学意义（χ2=4.998~39.529,均P<0.05）。杭州市CT受检者各年龄组间（<5岁、5~<10岁、10~<15岁和≥15岁组）头部、胸部和腹部的CTDIvol（χ2=24.334、10.573、22.723）、DLP（χ2=62.981、51.640、57.983）差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。其他国家儿童CT受检者的头部、胸部、腹部的CTDIvol和DLP分别为20~40、1.5~6.5、2.5~6.0 mGy和240~650、12~115、27~800 mGy·cm;其他国家成人CT受检者的头部、胸部、腹部CTDIvol和DLP分别为30~85、9~22、12~31 mGy和935.6~1360、346.5~610、600~1325 mGy·cm。与其他国家相比,中国杭州成人CT受检者的CTDIvol（P75）和DLP（P75）整体处于较低水平,但儿童CT受检者的CTDIvol（P75）和DLP（P75）则处于较高水平。 结论 杭州市CT检查所致放射工作人员职业照射水平符合国家标准要求。儿童CT受检者医疗照射水平较其他国家偏高。     

Survey of pediatric MDCT radiation dose from university hospitals in Thailand: a preliminary for national dose survey

Background Increasing pediatric CT usage worldwide needs the optimization of CT protocol examination. Although there are previous published dose reference level (DRL) values, the local DRLs should be established to guide for clinical practice and monitor the CT radiation. Purpose To determine the multidetector CT (MDCT) radiation dose in children in three university hospitals in Thailand in four age groups using the CT dose index (CTDI) and dose length product (DLP). Material and Methods A retrospective review of CT dosimetry in pediatric patients (<15 years of age) who had undergone head, chest, and abdominal MDCT in three major university hospitals in Thailand was performed. Volume CTDI (CTDI(vol)) and DLP were recorded, categorized into four age groups: <1 year, 1-< 5 years, 5-<10 years, and 10-<15 years in each scanner. Range, mean, and third quartile values were compared with the national reference dose levels for CT in pediatric patients from the UK and Switzerland according to International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendation. Results Per age group, the third quartile values for brain, chest, and abdominal CTs were, respectively, in terms of CTDI(vol): 25, 30, 40, and 45 mGy; 4.5, 5.7, 10, and 15.6 mGy; 8.5, 9, 14, and 17 mGy; and in terms of DLP: 400, 570, 610, and 800 mGy cm; 80, 140, 305, and 470 mGy cm; and 190, 275, 560,765 mGy cm. Conclusion This preliminary national dose survey for pediatric CT in Thailand found that the majority of CTDI(vol) and DLP values in brain, chest, and abdominal CTs were still below the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) from the UK and Switzerland regarding to ICRP recommendation.     

全身动脉双源CT低剂量成像在大动脉炎的临床应用

目的：评估大动脉炎(TA)患者的全身动脉血管受累情况。方法连续收集57例可疑 TA 患者,给予一次性全身动脉双源 CT 血管造影(CTA)扫描。扫描参数：管电压80 kV,参考管电流300 mAs,开启自动管电流调控,图像重建采用迭代重建技术。记录每例患者的容积 CT 剂量指数(CTDIvol)及剂量长度乘积(DLP)。所有病例均分别对头、颈、胸、腹、上肢动脉及下肢大、小腿动脉行主观及客观图像质量评分,同时统计全身各部位动脉血管的受累情况及病变的 CT 表现。结果经临床和 CTA 证实 TA 患者共40例。患者的平均 CTDIvol 为(2.5±0.9)mGy,平均 DLP 为(403.7±91.4)mGy·cm。颈、胸、腹和大腿动脉的图像质量计分最高,其次是上肢动脉,头部及小腿动脉图像质量最低且分值接近。额外检出的颅内动脉、下肢动脉及上肢动脉受累比例分别为5.9%、3.3%、0.5%,共38支(9.7%)。结论颅内及四肢动脉的额外检出为 TA 的全身受累情况提供了更为全面的评估。     

Quality criteria implementation for brain and lumbar spine CT examinations

A study was undertaken to implement the quality criteria proposed by the European Commission for brain general and lumbar spine (disc herniation) CT examinations. The proposed criteria were evaluated for samples including 93 brain and 86 lumbar spine CT examinations, with special emphasis on the diagnostic and radiation dose requirements. The extent to which the image criteria had been achieved was evaluated after two independent observers had each read the images twice. Dose measurements were conducted in parallel to estimate the proposed dose quantities needed to obtain the images. For brain examinations, we found that a group of image criteria were largely met, and met uniformly in all sites. One criterion (1.2.5) was frequently fulfilled but had intermediate values for two sites; the remaining criteria were fulfilled to different extents, although for criteria 1.2.1 and 1.2.2, scores were lower than 50% and 70%, respectively. The mean percentage image quality score had values between 57% and 78%, with variation coefficients in the range 30-68%. Mean values of the dose quantities were in the ranges 44-74 mGy for weighted CT dose index (CTDIw), 497-1018 mGy cm for dose-length product (DLP) and 1.1-2.2 mSv for effective dose (E). CTDIw and DLP were not correlated because of significant variations in the scanned length, whereas DLP and E were strongly correlated. A weak relationship between image quality score and DLP was found for the sample as a whole. For lumbar spine examinations, none of the critical reproduction image criteria was systematically achieved. One group of criteria (1.2.7, 1.2.8 and 1.2.9) was fulfilled to a large extent in many departments, but fulfilment of the remainder varied widely. The mean score fluctuated in the range 39-88%, with three groups of differences: low (39-51%), intermediate (67-71%) and high (85-88%). Mean values of the CTDIw varied between sites in the range 27-48 mGy. Mean DLP values varied between 188 mGy cm and 333 mGy cm, and the mean effective dose ranged between 3 mSv and 5 mSv. There were significant differences in effective dose between men and women. By sites, there was no relationship between DLP and mean score, with the highest image score associated with intermediate dose values. The percentage disagreement among the observers about a given criterion ranged between 2% and 22% for brain, and between 3% and 46% for lumbar spine.     

自动管电流调节技术对主动脉夹层术后的评价及其辐射剂量的研究

目的探讨64排螺旋CT(MSCT),采用固定噪声指数(NI)的Z轴自动管电流调节(ATCM)技术在主动脉夹层术后CT造影中对图像质量及辐射剂量的影响。资料与方法随机将本院主动脉夹层术后的患者100例分为2组,每组50例。A组采用固定管电流扫描技术,均采用280 mA。B组采用Z轴ATCM扫描技术,管电流为100～350 mA,根据体重指数(BMI)不同分为两组:BMI>25 kg/m2者,NI=10;BMI<25 kg/m2者,NI=12,其余扫描参数均一致。将所有图像均传输至ADW 4.3工作站,进行三维及二维后处理,同时记录机器自动生成的CT剂量指数(CTDlvol)、相应剂量长度乘积(DLP)。结果 B组在不影响诊断的情况下,辐射剂量较A组CTDlvol降低了28.3%、DLP降低了30.4%。A组CTDIvol均值为(19.13±1.94)mGy;DLP均值为(1205.59±197.12)mGy.cm,B组BMI>25 kg/m2者CTDIvol均值为(14.82±2.97)mGy;DLP均值为(887.6±177.51)mGy.cm,BMI<25kg/m2者CTDIvol均值为(12.61±2.17)mGy;DLP均值为(789.86±139.33)mGy.cm,所有图像均能满足诊断需要。结论 64排螺旋CT采用固定NI的ATCM技术在主动脉夹层CT造影中可获得较好图像质量,在满足诊断需求的同时降低了患者辐射剂量。     

CT radiation dose in children: a survey to establish age-based diagnostic reference levels in Switzerland

This work aimed at assessing the doses delivered in Switzerland to paediatric patients during computed tomography (CT) examinations of the brain, chest and abdomen, and at establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for various age groups. Forms were sent to the ten centres performing CT on children, addressing the demographics, the indication and the scanning parameters: number of series, kilovoltage, tube current, rotation time, reconstruction slice thickness and pitch, volume CT dose index (CTDI(vol)) and dose length product (DLP). Per age group, the proposed DRLs for brain, chest and abdomen are, respectively, in terms of CTDI(vol): 20, 30, 40, 60 mGy; 5, 8, 10, 12 mGy; 7, 9, 13, 16 mGy; and in terms of DLP: 270, 420, 560, 1,000 mGy cm; 110, 200, 220, 460 mGy cm; 130, 300, 380, 500 mGy cm. An optimisation process should be initiated to reduce the spread in dose recorded in this study. A major element of this process should be the use of DRLs.     

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.     

Impact of the introduction of 16-row MDCT on image quality and patient dose: phantom study and multi-centre survey

The purpose was to compare the image quality and patient dose between 4- and 16-row MDCT units and to evaluate the dispersion of the dose delivered for common clinical examinations. Four 4- and 16-row MDCT units were used in the study. Image noise levels from images of a CatPhan phantom were compared for all units using a given CTDI_vol of 15.0±1.0 mGy. Standard acquisition protocols from ten centres, shifted from 4- to 16-row MDCT (plus one additional centre for 16-row MDCT), were compared for cerebral angiography and standard chest and abdomen examinations. In addition, the protocols used with 16-row MDCT units for diagnosis of the unstable shoulder and for cardiac examinations were also compared. The introduction of 16-MSCT units did not reduce the performance of the detectors. Concerning the acquisition protocols, a wide range in practice was observed for standard examinations; DLP varied from 800 to 5,120 mGy.cm, 130 to 860 mGy.cm, 410 to 1,790 mGy.cm and 850 to 2,500 mGy.cm for cerebral angiography, standard chest, standard abdomen and heart examinations, respectively.The introduction of 16-row MDCT did not, on average, increase the patient dose for standard chest and abdominal examinations. However, a significant dose increase has been observed for cerebral angiography. There is a wide dispersion in the doses delivered, especially for cardiac imaging.     

宁夏成年人常见CT检查项目的辐射剂量状况调查研究

目的 调查宁夏地区成年人常见CT检查项目的辐射剂量现状,为建立宁夏成年人患者CT检查的第一个诊断参考水平提供依据。方法 采用分层整群抽样的方法,对宁夏地区不同规模医疗机构的不同品牌及型号CT扫描设备的使用情况及辐射状况进行调查,采用间隔抽样,获取被调查单位每日不同检查项目的扫描参数及辐射剂量值。登记医院、CT设备、检查项目、检查类型及患者的基本信息,记录各检查项目的CT扫描参数、CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）和剂量长度乘积（DLP）值,计算患者的有效剂量E值;对所得数据按检查项目分组统计分析,并与其他国家推荐的诊断参考水平（DRL）值和辐射剂量状况进行比较。结果 调查宁夏地区45家医疗机构（公立三甲10家、公立三乙5家、公立二甲23家、民营医院5家、体检中心2家）6个生产品牌的58台CT设备,成年人患者4 952名。常见检查项目的CTDI_vol、DLP值及患者E值的第75百分位数值（P₇₅）为：头颅65.67 mGy、860.74 mGy ·cm、1.64 mSv;颈部29.32 mGy、490.00 mGy ·cm、2.83 mSv,颈部增强36.92 mGy、954.42 mGy ·cm、4.87 mSv;胸部11.50 mGy、382.06 mGy ·cm、5.68 mSv,胸部增强45.8 mGy、1 713.22 mGy ·cm、25.01 mSv;上腹部20.1 mGy、506.59 mGy ·cm、7.75 mSv,上腹部增强50.07 mGy、1 434.19 mGy ·cm、21.94 mSv;腹盆部14.33 mGy、670.78 mGy ·cm、10.26 mSv,腹盆部增强48 mGy、2 294 mGy ·cm、35.10 mSv;盆腔16.1 mGy、471.58 mGy ·cm、6.08 mSv,盆腔增强31.04 mGy、1 138.78 mGy ·cm、14.69 mSv。结论 宁夏地区头颅、颈部、胸部及盆腔CT辐射剂量较其他国家偏低或相差不大,而腹部CT辐射剂量明显高于其他国家,迫切需要对宁夏腹部CT扫描方案进行优化。     

Radiation from "extra" images acquired with abdominal and/or pelvic CT: effect of automatic tube current modulation

PURPOSE: To retrospectively determine the number and usefulness of images acquired beyond the intended anatomic area of interest with abdominal and/or pelvic computed tomography (CT) and to assess the effect of automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) on associated radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Superior and inferior levels at routine abdominal and/or pelvic CT were defined as the dome of the diaphragm and the inferior margin of the pubic symphysis, respectively. Records of 106 consecutive examinations (male-to-female ratio, 45:61; age range, 21-86 years) performed from June 1 to June 30, 2003, were reviewed to determine the number of "extra" images. Sixty-two abdominal and/or pelvic CT examinations performed concurrently with chest or thigh CT or for trauma were not included in the 106. Abdominal and/or pelvic CT was performed with either ATCM (n = 44) or manual selection of tube current (n = 62). CT parameters recorded for each extra image included tube current, peak kilovoltage, and gantry rotation time. Mean and median tube current-time products were calculated for extra images. Extra images were analyzed for pathologic findings. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test. RESULTS: Extra images were acquired above the dome of the diaphragm in 103 (97%) of 106 examinations and below the pubic symphysis in 100 (94%) of 106. A total of 1,280 extra images were acquired in 106 examinations (mean, 12 images per examination). Nineteen additional findings were observed on extra images. With ATCM, mean tube current-time product was 74.5 and 120.6 mAs for extra images acquired above the diaphragm and below the pubic symphysis, respectively; with manual selection, mean tube current-time products were 167.5 and 168.3 mAs (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Most extra images acquired at abdominal and/or pelvic CT contributed no additional information. With ATCM, the radiation dose was reduced by a mean of 56% (median, 72%) for extra images above the diaphragm and 29% (median, 36%) for images below the pubic symphysis, compared with dose levels with manual selection.     

Patient dose increase caused by posteroanterior CT localizer radiographs

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the output dose (volume CT dose index [ CTDI_vol], and dose length product [DLP]) of automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) determined by localizer radiographs obtained in the anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) directions.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-four patients who underwent upper abdomen and/or chest–to–pelvis computed tomography (CT) were included. Patients underwent two series of CT examinations, and localizer radiographs were obtained in the AP and PA directions. The horizontal diameter of the localizer radiograph, scan length, CTDI_vol, and DLP were measured.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the scan length; however, all the other values were significantly higher in the PA direction. The mean horizontal diameter was 33.1 ± 2.6 cm and 35.4 ± 2.9 cm in the AP and PA directions of the localizer radiographs, respectively. The CTDI_vol and DLP in the PA direction increased by approximately 7–8%.Bland-Altman plots between AP and PA localizer directions in upper abdominal CT showed a positive bias of 1.1 mGy and 30.0 mGy cm for CTDI_vol and DLP, respectively. Correspondingly, chest–to–pelvic CT showed a positive bias of 0.93 mGy and 69.3 mGy cm for CTDI_vol and DLP, respectively.ConclusionThe output dose of ATCM determined by localizer radiographs obtained in the PA direction was increased compared to the AP direction. Localizer radiographs obtained in the AP direction should be preferred for optimizing the output dose using ATCM.Implications for practiceBased on the evidence of this study, localizer radiographs obtained in the AP direction should be preferred for optimizing the output dose in CT examinations.