Radiation dose differences between thoracic radiotherapy planning CT and thoracic diagnostic CT scans

PurposeTo compare the absorbed dose from computed tomography (CT) in radiotherapy planning (RP-CT) against those from diagnostic CT (DG-CT) examinations and to explore the possible reasons for any dose differences.MethodTwo groups of patients underwent CT-scans of the thorax with either DG-CT (n = 55) or RP-CT (n = 55). Patients from each group had similar weight and body mass index (BMI) and were divided into low (<25) and high BMI (>25). Parameters including CTDIvol, DLP and scan-length were compared.ResultsThe mean CTDIvol and DLP values from RP-CT (38.1 mGy, 1472 mGy cm) are approximately four times higher than for DG-CT (9.63 mGy, 376.5 mGy cm). For low BMI group, the CTDIvol in the RP-CT scans (36.4 mGy) is 6.3 times higher than the one in the DG-CT scans (5.8 mGy). For the high BMI group, the CTDIvol in the RP-CT (39.6 mGy) is 2.5 times higher than the one in the DG-CT scans (15.8 mGy). In the DG-CT scans a strong negative linear correlation between noise index (NI) and mean CTDIvol was observed (r = −0.954, p = 0.004); the higher NI, the lower CTDIvol. This was not the case in the RP-CT scans.ConclusionThe absorbed radiation dose is significantly higher and less BMI dependent for RP-CT scans compared to DG-CT. Image quality requirements of the examinations should be researched to ensure that radiation doses are not unnecessarily high.     

Influence of bladder distension on opacification of urinary collecting system during CT urography

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare opacification of the renal collecting system and ureters detected by computed tomographic urography (CTU) performed 20 min and 1 h after the ingestion of 1,000 ml of water. CTU was performed on 89 patients (55 men, 34 women; age 28–77 years) and 168 collecting systems and ureters were evaluated. A 16-detector-row scanner (Sensation 16, Siemens) was used; a two-phase protocol with a split bolus of contrast agent (total 120 ml) was applied. A combined nephrographic-excretory phase was obtained 100 s after the second injection. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the excretory phase were created and used to evaluate the degree of opacification of the collecting system and ureters. In 44 patients, water was administered 20 min before examination, and in 45 patients, 1 h before examination. CTU performed 1 h after water ingestion demonstrated complete opacification of calices in 87.5%, of renal pelvis in 97.5%, of upper ureter in 91.8% and of lower ureter in 87.5% of patients. CTU performed 20 min after water ingestion demonstrated complete opacification of calices in 79.5%, of renal pelvis in 85%, of upper ureter in 62.5% and of lower ureter in 54.5% of patients. Complete opacification of the proximal and distal ureter in the group with a 1-h delay was statistically higher (P < 0.01). CTU performed on the distended bladder, 1 h after the oral ingestion of water, enables excellent opacification of collecting system, including distal ureters.     

Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) and European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) joint consensus statement for MR imaging of placenta accreta spectrum disorders

This study was conducted in order to establish the joint Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) and European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines on placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and propose strategies to standardize image acquisition, interpretation, and reporting for this condition with MRI. The published evidence-based data and the opinion of experts were combined using the RAND–UCLA Appropriateness Method and formed the basis for these consensus guidelines. The responses of the experts to questions regarding the details of patient preparation, MRI protocol, image interpretation, and reporting were collected, analyzed, and classified as “recommended” versus “not recommended” (if at least 80% consensus among experts) or uncertain (if less than 80% consensus among experts). Consensus regarding image acquisition, interpretation, and reporting was determined using the RAND–UCLA Appropriateness Method. The use of a tailored MRI protocol and standardized report was recommended. A standardized imaging protocol and reporting system ensures recognition of the salient features of PAS disorders. These consensus recommendations should be used as a guide for the evaluation of PAS disorders with MRI. • MRI is a powerful adjunct to ultrasound and provides valuable information on the topography and depth of placental invasion. • Consensus statement proposed a common lexicon to allow for uniformity in MRI acquisition, interpretation, and reporting of PAS disorders. • Seven MRI features, namely intraplacental dark T2 bands, uterine/placental bulge, loss of low T2 retroplacental line, myometrial thinning/disruption, bladder wall interruption, focal exophytic placental mass, and abnormal vasculature of the placental bed, reached consensus and are categorized as “recommended” for diagnosing PAS disorders.     

ESUR prostate MR guidelines 2012

The aim was to develop clinical guidelines for multi-parametric MRI of the prostate by a group of prostate MRI experts from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR), based on literature evidence and consensus expert opinion. True evidence-based guidelines could not be formulated, but a compromise, reflected by “minimal” and “optimal” requirements has been made. The scope of these ESUR guidelines is to promulgate high quality MRI in acquisition and evaluation with the correct indications for prostate cancer across the whole of Europe and eventually outside Europe. The guidelines for the optimal technique and three protocols for “detection”, “staging” and “node and bone” are presented. The use of endorectal coil vs. pelvic phased array coil and 1.5 vs. 3 T is discussed. Clinical indications and a PI-RADS classification for structured reporting are presented.     

新双源CT虚拟平扫技术在肝脏检查中的应用

目的 研究新双源CT的虚拟平扫技术在肝脏扫描中的应用价值.方法 51例肝脏CT平扫和增强扫描患者在完成常规平扫、肝动脉期及门静脉期3期扫描后,采用肝脏虚拟平扫后处理软件生成虚拟平扫图像.采用Wilcoxon分析比较常规平扫和虚拟平扫图像的病灶显示,并利用t检验对比分析肝脏、肌肉的CT值、图像SNR,以及患者单期扫描时接受的辐射剂量和总辐射剂量容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)值和剂量长度乘积(DLP)值.结果 虚拟平扫和常规平扫在病灶显示上无明显差异.虚拟平扫肝脏CT值(61.32±6.04)HU,大于常规平扫的(56.85±4.80)HU,差异有统计学意义(t=-3.927,P＜0.01);虚拟平扫图像SNR 11.28±2.78,大于常规平扫的8.65±1.56,差异有统计学意义(t=-5.590,P＜0.01).虚拟平扫CTDIvol总量(14.35±1.66)mGy和DLP总量(313.91±45.08)mGy·cm均低于常规平扫的(21.43±2.46)mGy和(469.02±66.22)mGy·cm,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为16.168和13.132,P值均＜0.01).结论 新双源CT的虚拟平扫技术在保证图像质量的前提下降低了辐射剂量,使其取代常规平扫成为可能.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the virtual non-contrast liver CT from dual-energy CT for the clinical application. Methods In total, 51 patients were included in the study, and all patients underwent multi-phase liver CT on a dual-source CT. The True non-contrast liver CT (TNCT) was performed in a single-energy acquisition mode, but the arterial and portovenous liver CT (VNCT) were performed in a dual-energy mode of 110 kV and 140 kV respectively. The virtual non-contrast CT images were derived from the arterial data using liver virtual non-contrast software. Between the true non-contrast CT and the virtual non-contrast CT, the image quality, mean CT HU values in the liver and muscle, signal to noise (SNR), the radiation dose of volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) in a single phase and total examination were compared with t test. Results There was no significant difference in the detection of liver lesions between TNCT and VNCT. The CT Hu values of muscle on both TNCT and VNCT images were almost equal. The CT HU values of liver on VNCT images were higher than that on TNCT images and the difference was significant [61.32 ±6. 04 vs. (56. 85 ±4. 80) HU, t = -3. 927,P＜0.01]. There was also significant differenc of SNR between TNCT (11.28±2. 78) and VNCT (8.65 ± 1.56) images( t =-5.590,P＜0.01). The CTDIvol and DLP of single phase were (7.07 ±0.85) mGy and (155.11 ±respectively, but in TNCT the total CTDIvol and DLP reached (21.43 ± 2. 46 ) mGy and (469. 02 ±significance, but the total CTDIvol and DLP were significantly different (t = 16. 168 and 13. 132, P ＜0. 01). Conclusion With the consequent reduction in radiation dose, the VNCT can replace TNCT as an imaging protocol in multi-phase abdominal CT examination in clinic.     

Attenuation-based kV pair selection in dual source dual energy computed tomography angiography of the chest: impact on radiation dose and image quality

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of attenuation-based kilovoltage (kV) pair selection in dual source dual energy (DSDE)-pulmonary embolism (PE) protocol examinations on radiation dose savings and image quality.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out on 118 patients with suspected PE. In patients in whom attenuation-based kV pair selection selected the 80/140Sn kV pair, the pre-scan 100/140Sn CTDIvol (computed tomography dose index volume) values were compared with the pre-scan 80/140Sn CTDIvol values. Subjective and objective image quality parameters were assessed.

Results

Attenuation-based kV pair selection switched to the 80/140Sn kV pair (“switched” cohort) in 63 out of 118 patients (53%). The mean 100/140Sn pre-scan CTDIvol was 8.8 mGy, while the mean 80/140Sn pre-scan CTDIvol was 7.5 mGy. The average estimated dose reduction for the “switched” cohort was 1.3 mGy (95% CI 1.2, 1.4; p?<?0.001), representing a 15% reduction in dose. After adjusting for patient weight, mean attenuation was significantly higher in the “switched” vs. “non-switched” cohorts in all five pulmonary arteries and in all lobes on iodine maps.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that attenuation-based kV pair selection in DSDE examination is feasible and can offer radiation dose reduction without compromising image quality.

Key Points

? Attenuation-based kV pair selection in dual energy examination is feasible. ? It can offer radiation dose reduction to approximately 50% of patients. ? Approximate 15% reduction in radiation dose was achieved using this technique. ? The image quality is not compromised by use of attenuation-based kV pair selection.

     

双源CT低电压迭代重建联合分次注射法低辐射泌尿系造影的可行性研究

目的 评估双源CT （DSCT）低电压迭代重建联合分次注射法（SBI）行CT泌尿系造影（CTU）的辐射剂量、图像质量和影像诊断准确率。方法 连续80例临床初诊为泌尿道疾病而准备行CTU检查的患者依据随机数字表法分为对照组和试验组两组。对照组40例采用常规注射,常规电压（120 kV）,滤波反投影法（filtered back-project,FBP）重建,试验组40例采用分次注射法,低电压扫描（80 kV）,正弦迭代重建（sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction,SAFIRE）,评估两组的有效剂量E、图像质量及影像诊断准确率。结果 共77例患者顺利完成检查和图像评估,其中对照组39例,试验组38例。试验组的平均有效剂量E为（3.93±0.85）mSv,低于对照组的（26.68±4.07）mSv （t=-33.78,P<0.05）。两组图像质量主观评分分别为（4.49±0.79）分和（4.39±1.53）分,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。试验组的信噪比（SNR）为127.3±15.9,明显高于对照组的109.6±13.2,差异有统计学意义（t=4.49,P<0.05）,但对比噪声比（CNR）分别为100.84±12.92和108.96±14.42,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组最终诊断准确率分别为84.62%和81.58%,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 双源CT低电压扫描迭代重建联合分次注射法CTU检查可大幅度降低辐射剂量,但图像质量主观评分、CNR值和影像诊断准确率未受明显影响。     

Importance of Dose Settings in the X-Ray Systems Used for Interventional Radiology: A National Survey

The purpose of this work was to investigate the differences in dose settings among the X-ray units involved in a national survey of patient doses in interventional radiology (IR). The survey was promoted by the National Society of IR and involved 10 centers. As part of the agreed quality control for the survey, entrance doses were measured in a 20-cm-thick acrylic phantom simulating a medium-sized patient. A standard digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging protocol for the abdomen was used at the different centers. The center of the phantom was placed at the isocenter of the C-arm system during the measurements to simulate clinical conditions. Units with image intensifiers and flat detectors were involved in the survey. Entrance doses for low, medium, and high fluoroscopy modes and DSA acquisitions were measured for a field of view of 20 cm (or closest). A widespread range of entrance dose values was obtained: 4.5–18.6, 9.2–28.4, and 15.4–51.5 mGy/min in low, medium, and high fluoroscopy mode, respectively, and 0.7–5.0 mGy/DSA image. The ratios between the maximum and the minimum values measured (3–4 for fluoroscopy and 7 for DSA) suggest an important margin for optimization. The calibration factor for the dose-area product meter was also included in the survey and resulted in a mean value of 0.73, with a standard deviation of 0.07. It seems clear that the dose setting for the X-ray systems used in IR requires better criteria and approaches. This paper was presented as a scientific poster at the CIRSE annual meeting in Copenhagen, September 2008.     

Evaluation of exposure dose to patients undergoing catheter ablation procedures—a phantom study

The aim of this study was to evaluate entrance skin dose (ESD), organ dose and effective dose to patients undergoing catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, based on the dosimetry in an anthropomorphic phantom. ESD values associated with mean fluoroscopy time and digital cine frames were in a range of 0.12–0.30 Gy in right anterior oblique (RAO) and 0.05–0.40 Gy in left anterior oblique (LAO) projection, the values which were less than a threshold dose of 2 Gy for the onset of skin injury. Organs that received high doses in ablation procedures were lung, followed by bone surface, esophagus, liver and red bone marrow. Doses for lung were 24.8–122.7 mGy, and effective doses were 7.9–34.8 mSv for mean fluoroscopy time of 23.4–92.3 min and digital cine frames of 263–511. Conversion coefficients of dose-area product (DAP) to ESD were 8.7 mGy/(Gy·cm²) in RAO and 7.4 mGy/(Gy·cm²) in LAO projection. The coefficients of DAP to the effective dose were 0.37 mSv/(Gy·cm²) in RAO, and 0.41 mSv/(Gy·cm²) in LAO projection. These coefficients enabled us to estimate patient exposure in real time by using monitored values of DAP.     

The feasibility of high-pitch acquisition protocol for imaging of the pediatric abdomen by dual-source CT

Purpose

To investigate feasibility of high-pitch acquisition protocol for imaging of pediatric abdomen.

Materials and methods

The study group consisted of 90 patients scanned with high-pitch acquisition protocol (pitch?=?3) by 64-slice dual-source CT (DSCT) scanner. Fifty-four patients scanned with standard protocol (pitch?=?1.5) by 16-slice single-source CT scanner comprised the control group. Anteroposterior and lateral diameters of abdomen, effective diameter, scan time and length, qualitative and quantitative noise levels, volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), and size-specific dose estimations were compared between groups.

Results

The mean scan time of high-pitch CT protocol was shorter than control protocol (1.66?±?0.31 vs. 4.1?±?0.75 s; p?<?0.001). The high-pitch protocol reduced the radiation dose by 48% (CTDIvol and DLP values 0.94 mGy and 32.2 mGy-cm vs. 1.59 mGy and 61.5 mGy-cm; p?<?0.001, respectively). Although image noise was higher with high-pitch acquisition, there was no significant effect on diagnostic confidence. Voluntary and involuntary artifacts were less frequent in high-pitch protocol (p?<?0.001). Interobserver agreement was moderate in terms of artifact and very good in terms of diagnostic confidence assessment.

Conclusion

High-pitch acquisition protocol by DSCT yields significant radiation dose reduction without compromising image quality and diagnostic confidence for pediatric abdomen imaging.

     

Fluoroscopy-controlled voiding cystourethrography in infants and children: Are the radiation risks trivial?

The purpose of this study was to determine the gonadal dose, effective dose and relevant radiogenic risks associated with pediatric patients undergoing voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Exposure parameters were monitored in 118 consecutive children undergoing VCUG. The entrance surface dose (ESD) was determined by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). For male patients, the gonadal dose was determined by TLDs attached on the anterior scrotum. For female patients, the gonadal dose was estimated by converting ESD to the ovarian dose. ESD-to-ovarian dose conversion factors were determined by thermoluminescence dosimetry and physical anthropomorphic phantoms representing newborn and 1-, 5- and 10-year-old individuals. The effective dose was estimated by using ESD and data obtained from the literature. The mean fluoroscopy time and number of radiographs during VCUG were 0.73 min and 2.3 for female and 0.91 min and 3.0 for male pediatric patients, respectively. The gonadal dose range was 0.34–5.17 mGy in boys and 0.36–2.57 mGy in girls. The corresponding ranges of effective dosage were 0.12–1.67 mSv and 0.15–1.45 mSv. Mean radiation risks for genetic anomalies and carcinogenesis following VCUG during childhood were estimated to be up to 15 per million and 125 per million, respectively. Radiation risks associated with pediatric patients undergoing VCUG should not be disregarded if such a procedure is to be justified adequately.     

Positive enteric contrast material for abdominal and pelvic CT with automatic exposure control: what is the effect on patient radiation exposure?

Objective

To assess the effect of positive enteric contrast administration on automatic exposure control (AEC) CT radiation exposure in (1) a CT phantom, and (2) a retrospective review of patients.

Materials and methods

We scanned a CT phantom containing simulated bowel that was sequentially filled with water and positive enteric contrast, and recorded the mean volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). We also identified 17 patients who had undergone 2 technically comparable CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, one with positive enteric contrast and the other with oral water. Paired Student's t-tests were used to compare the mean CTDIvol between scans performed with and without positive enteric contrast. Both the phantom and patient CT scans were performed using AEC with a fixed noise index.

Results

The mean CTDIvol for the phantom with simulated bowel containing water and positive enteric contrast were 8.2 ± 0.2 mGy, and 8.7 ± 0.1 mGy (6.1% higher than water, p = 0.02), respectively. The mean CTDIvol for patients scanned with oral water and with positive enteric contrast were 11.8 mGy and 13.1 mGy, respectively (p = 0.003). This corresponded to a mean CTDIvol which was 11.0% higher (range: 0.0-20.7% higher) in scans with positive enteric contrast than those with oral water in patients.

Conclusions

When automatic exposure control is utilized for abdominopelvic CT, the radiation exposure, as measured by CTDIvol, is higher for scans performed with positive enteric contrast than those with oral water.     

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.     

Efficacy of breast shielding during CT of the head

In light of increasing frequency of CT examinations in the past decades, the aims of this prospective study were to investigate scatter radiation breast exposure in head CT and its dependence upon body constitution, and to assess the efficacy of lead shielding as a means of breast dose reduction. In 49 women referred to head CT for objective medical reasons one breast was covered with lead apron during CT scanning. Radiation doses were measured by use of thermoluminescent dosimeters, at skin of both breasts and over the apron. The doses were then compared as well as correlated to body mass index and meatus acusticus externus-to-dosimeter distance, respectively. Average exposure at the skin of the unshielded breast was 0.28 mGy (range 0.15–0.41 mGy), compared with 0.13 mGy (range 0.05–0.29 mGy) at the shielded breast. The doses showed a mean reduction by 57% due to lead shielding. At least half of breast exposure was imparted to the breast from outside, whereas the remainder results from internal scatter. The higher the body mass index, the higher the percentage of internal scatter in total breast dose. Although the level of scatter radiation to the breast is generally low during head CT examination, the use of lead cover enables recognizable further reduction of the exposure, and is recommended as a feasible and effective procedure of breast protection during CT of the head.     

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。     

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.     

80kV64排多层螺旋CT低辐射肺动脉成像

目的 研究80 kV 管电压64排多层螺旋CT低辐射肺动脉成像的可行性。方法 64名志愿者随机分为2组。观察组35例采用80kV管电压CT结合右头臂静脉作为团注追踪(bolus tracking) 监测点进行肺动脉成像,对照组29例采用120kV管电压,延迟时间采用团注测试峰值时间+0.7 s,进行肺动脉成像。测量容积CT剂量指数(CTDI_vol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP),计算加权CT剂量指数(CTDI_w)和有效剂量(E),测量肺动脉强化后CT值和背景噪声,计算信噪比(SNR)和对比噪声比(CNR)。5分法对两组图像质量进行目测评分。对DLP、E、SNR、CNR进行t检验;采用Mann-Whitney U检验比较两组图像目测评分结果。结果 观察组DLP和E分别为(146.5±7.6)mGy·cm和(2.5±0.1)mSv,对照组DLP和E分别为(313.4±13.5) mGy·cm和(5.3±0.2) mSv,两者差异有统计学意义(P＜0.001),观察组的辐射剂量低于对照组。图像质量量化评价:观察组和对照组的SNR分别为32.6±3.6和31.35±2.0,差异无统计学意义(P=0.089)。观察组和对照组CNR分别为28.5±3.4和27.6±1.1,差异无统计学意义(P=0.18)。目测评分结果:观察组为5分8例,4分26例,3分1例;对照组为5分5例,4分24例,差异无统计学意义(P=0.76)。结论 80 kV 64排多层螺旋CT结合右头臂静脉作为bolus tracking 监测点可以减少辐射剂量,同时不降低图像质量,是肺动脉造影的首选检查方法。     

基于水当量直径体型特异性剂量估计在儿童头部CT检查中的价值

目的:探讨基于水当量直径( Dw)体型特异性剂量估计(SSDE)在评价儿童头部CT辐射剂量的价值。 方法:回顾性分析首都儿科研究所附属儿童医院头颅CT平扫患儿187例,按年龄分为3组,1组(<1月)、2组(≥1月~6岁)、3组(≥6 ~14岁)。记录剂量报告容积CT剂量指数(CTDI ...     

Thyroid dose from common head and neck CT examinations in children: is there an excess risk for thyroid cancer induction?

This study was conducted to estimate thyroid dose and the associated risk for thyroid cancer induction from common head and neck computed tomography (CT) examinations during childhood. The Monte Carlo N-particle transport code was employed to simulate the routine CT scanning of the brain, paranasal sinuses, inner ear and neck performed on sequential and/or spiral modes. The mean thyroid dose was calculated using mathematical phantoms representing a newborn infant and children of 1year, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years old. To verify Monte Carlo results, dose measurements were carried out on physical anthropomorphic phantoms using thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs). The scattered dose to thyroid from head CT examinations varied from 0.6 mGy to 8.7 mGy depending upon the scanned region, the pediatric patient’s age and the acquisition mode used. Primary irradiation of the thyroid gland during CT of the neck resulted in an absorbed dose range of 15.2–52.0 mGy. The mean difference between Monte Carlo calculations and TLD measurements was 11.8%. Thyroid exposure to scattered radiation from head CT scanning is associated with a low but not negligible risk of cancer induction of 4–65 per million patients. Neck CT can result in an increased risk for development of thyroid malignancies up to 390 per million patients.     

Comparison of doses for pulmonary embolism detection with helical CT and pulmonary angiography

The objective of this study was to compare the radiation exposure delivered by helical CT and pulmonary angiography (PA) for the detection of pulmonary embolism (PE), with an anthropomorphic phantom. A preliminary survey defined a representative standard procedure for helical CT and PA (n=148) by choosing the exposure settings most frequently used. Then, radiation doses were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters TLD 100 (Lif) introduced into the depth of an anthropomorphic phantom. Average doses were approximately five times smaller with helical CT than with PA (6.4±1.5 and 28±7.6 mGy, respectively). The most important doses were abreast the pulmonary apex for CT, and abreast the pulmonary arteries for PA. Compared with PA, helical CT dose distribution was relatively uniform (10–13 mGy). Finally, concerning abdomen and pelvis, doses were more important for PA than for CT scan (0.06–2.86 and 0.2–11.5 mGy, respectively). For the diagnostics of PE, radiation exposure is five times smaller with helical CT than with pulmonary angiography.