婴儿头颅CT中铋屏蔽对辐射剂量和影像质量的影响

目的 研究婴儿头颅CT检查中使用铋屏蔽材料降低眼晶状体受照剂量的效果及对图像质量的影响。方法 使用适合患儿使用的自制铋屏蔽防护眼罩、婴儿体模,采用热释光探测器测量受照剂量。CT扫描条件选择120 kV、130 mA轴位扫描,分别进行铋屏蔽和无屏蔽两组模体测试,比较模体内相当于晶状体位置的受照剂量;应用同样CT扫描参数,对临床疑为颅内出血的99例患儿佩戴铋屏蔽眼罩后进行头部扫描,由2名高年资医生分别进行图像质量评估,并比较评分的一致性。结果 体模实验显示,无屏蔽时眼罩后方区域吸收剂量为25 mGy,经铋防护眼罩屏蔽后眼罩后方的吸收剂量为17 mGy,降低辐射剂量32%。佩戴铋屏蔽眼罩对患儿头部CT图像质量无明显影响。结论 在婴儿头颅CT扫描中使用铋屏蔽防护眼罩,可明显降低眼晶状体放射吸收剂量,同时对CT图像质量的影响是可接受的。     

铋屏蔽联合器官管电流调制技术在颅脑CT检查中应用的体模研究

目的 通过测量敏感器官的辐射剂量,评价铋屏蔽联合器官-管电流调制（X-care）技术在颅脑CT扫描中的应用价值。方法 使用德国德国西门子公司炫速双源CT对头颈体模进行相同容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）下的X-care、铋屏蔽和X-care联合铋屏蔽3种方式扫描颅脑,及无铋屏蔽和铋屏蔽2种方式扫描双能量CT血管造影（DE-CTA）。选取铋屏蔽所在层面测量脑血管、邻近脑组织及脑脊液的CT值以及图像噪声,计算脑血管和脑实质的对比噪声比。通过放置热释光个人剂量计（TLD）的方式计算器官剂量当量（H_T）,并记录每次扫描后生成的CTDI_vol和剂量长度乘积（DLP）。结果 颅脑扫描在相同的CTDI_vol下,采用X-care、铋屏蔽和X-care联合铋屏蔽3种扫描方法的H_T,晶状体均值分别为（37.89±2.00）、（42.20±2.96）、（28.21±1.31） mSv,较颅脑常规序列扫描有明显下降（F=186.52,P<0.05）;采用铋屏蔽和X-care联合铋屏蔽,H_T,甲状腺为（0.77±0.07）和（0.89±0.08） mSv,较颅脑常规扫描和仅采用X-care有明显下降（F=103.26,P<0.05）;DE-CTA采用铋屏蔽扫描后H_T,晶状体和H_T,甲状腺分别为（11.56±1.04）和（0.32±0.03） mSv,较屏蔽前有明显下降（t=5.07,P<0.05）。用与不用X-care、铋屏蔽及X-care联合铋屏蔽,颅脑常规扫描的噪声和对比信噪比（CNR）值无显著性改变;用与不用铋屏蔽,双能量CTA扫描的噪声和CNR无显著性改变。结论 铋屏蔽联合器官管电流调制技术能够在保证一定图像质量的前提下,降低颅脑CT扫描中晶状体及甲状腺的器官剂量当量。     

颞骨CT扫描方案对晶体剂量影响的研究

目的 探讨颞骨CT的不同扫描方式对眼晶体剂量的影响。方法 在相同管电压和有效mAs下,对成人离体头颅标本分别行横断位和冠状位的标准单层连续扫描、常规多层螺旋扫描以及改良的多层螺旋扫描。分析各种扫描方式的CT容积剂量指数(CTDI_vol)和剂量长度乘积(DLP),计算被检体有效剂量,并使用热释光剂量片测量晶体的器官剂量。结果 单层连续扫描时总体有效剂量为1.21 mSv,横断位扫描的晶体剂量为50.96 mGy,冠状位晶体剂量为1.73 mGy;常规多层螺旋扫描的有效剂量为0.803 mSv,晶体剂量为40.17 mGy;改良的多层螺旋扫描的有效剂量为0.803 mSv,晶体剂量为10.33 mGy。结论 相同管电压和有效mAs下,单层连续横断位和冠状位扫描的总体有效剂量和晶体剂量分别是常规螺旋扫描的1.51和1.31倍。改良的多层螺旋CT扫描方式可将螺旋扫描时的晶体剂量降低74.3%,可作为临床颞骨CT扫描的选择方式。     

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。     

CT头颈部检查所致婴幼儿眼晶状体吸收剂量估算方法的模体研究

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

CT扫描方式对表浅器官辐射剂量测量值变异性的影响

目的 探讨CT扫描中表浅器官剂量测量值和图像噪声的不确定性。方法 使用GE Revolution CT对离体头颅标本分别行逐层和螺旋两种模式20次重复扫描。取GE Revolution CT和Philips Brilliance iCT准直宽度80 mm,Siemens Somatom Definition Flash CT准直宽度40 mm,螺距均为1,对胸部模体进行45次重复扫描。以上扫描中各序列均保持容积CT剂量指数（volume CT dose index,CTDI_vol）不变。用剂量计测量头颅标本右眼晶状体位置和胸部模体右乳腺中心位置剂量,剂量计传感器位置保持不变。重组传感器中心所在层面的5 mm层厚肺/软组织算法横断面图像,测量空气区CT值的标准偏差（图像噪声）。分别计算扫描3、5、10、20、30、45次剂量测量值及CT值标准偏差的平均值（Av）、标准差（SD）、变异系数（CV）和相对极差（RR）。采用Pearson和Spearman相关分析评估CT值标准偏差与剂量测量值之间的相关性。结果 头颅标本逐层扫描时剂量测量值几乎不变,螺旋扫描时测量值变化较大,20次测量RR达到10.67%。3台CT扫描仪重复扫描45次的剂量测量值RR分别达到43.83%、25.31%、14.32%。肺/软组织算法图像空气区CT值标准偏差变化幅度亦较大,但差异与剂量测量值不完全相关。结论 逐层扫描模式时,表浅器官剂量测量值稳定。螺旋扫描时,表浅器官剂量测量值和图像噪声均有较大变化。     

鼻窦、眼眶和颞骨CT扫描的低辐射剂量研究现状

在临床实践中,颅面部的器官如鼻窦、眼眶和颞骨等部位的CT扫描日趋广泛.随着多排CT的迅速发展,探测器宽度加大、层厚变薄,与传统CT相比,影响辐射剂量的因素发生了变化.在鼻窦、眼眶和颞骨的扫描中,头部是对射线最敏感的器官,眼晶状体均会接受辐射,尤其是鼻窦和颞骨的扫描,眼晶状体会直接接受额外的辐射,而没有任何的诊断需要.     

儿童胸部CT扫描时腹部屏蔽方法与效果研究

目的 研究儿童胸部CT扫描时腹部的屏蔽方法及其效果。方法 用美国CIRS公司生产的5岁儿童体模代替儿童受检者,在腹部内布放热释光剂量计LiF（Mg,Cu,P）,按儿童胸部CT扫描的通常程序对体模进行扫描,测量在无屏蔽、用铅衣覆盖和用铅衣包裹时腹腔内主要器官与组织的剂量。结果 儿童胸部CT扫描时,腹腔内部分器官的吸收剂量可达到数mGy。3种扫描之间,相同位置处的剂量值差异有统计学意义（χ²=16.00,P<0.05）;正面覆盖和包裹屏蔽方式之间的剂量值差异有统计学意义（Z=-2.52,P<0.05 ）。较之于无屏蔽措施,采用0.35 mm铅衣包裹腹部,可分别降低睾丸和结肠的剂量71.2%和42.3%,采用同样当量铅衣铺盖腹部剂量可降低55.9%和26.1%。结论 开展儿童胸部CT扫描时,使用铅防护衣可有效屏蔽腹部受照,对性腺和结肠的防护具有重要作用,特别是包裹式的屏蔽措施值得推荐。     

介入手术中职业人员眼晶状体受照剂量测量方法及剂量水平研究

目的 建立介入手术中职业人员眼晶状体受照剂量测量方法,调查介入职业人员眼晶状体受照剂量,为降低介入职业人员眼晶状体受照剂量提供科学依据。方法 选择热释光剂量计(TLD)和光激发光剂量计(OSLD),以眼晶状体个人剂量当量H_p(3)刻度;选择包括单X射线管和双X射线管在内的5种型号的数字减影血管造影装置(DSA),选择心血管介入、脑血管介入等不同介入手术,开展介入职业人员的眼晶状体剂量水平测量。结果 调查的5种不同介入手术类型职业人员眼晶状体的个人剂量当量H_p(3)之间差别较大,其中冠状动脉造影术剂量最低,脑部支架植入术剂量最高;同一介入手术类型,第一术者剂量最高,第三术者剂量最低;同一术者的左眼剂量明显高于右眼剂量。此外OSLD测量结果明显高于TLD测量结果。结论 建立的个人剂量当量H_p(3)刻度方法可靠,使用TLD和OSLD两种剂量计用于介入职业人员眼晶状体剂量测量可行,TLD和OSLD两种剂量计现场测量结果有差异。     

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。     

MOSFET dosimetry for radiation dose assessment of bismuth shielding of the eye in children

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to measure radiation dose to the orbit during pediatric cranial CT with and without bismuth shielding using a novel dosimetry system. Cranial CT was performed on a pediatric anthropomorphic phantom, with and without bismuth eye shields. A solid-state metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeter was used to obtain real-time dose measurements. CONCLUSION: Bismuth shielding reduced radiation dose to the eye by up to 42%; shield artifact fell outside the diagnostic area of interest.     

Computed tomography of the head: An experimental study to investigate the effectiveness of lead shielding during three scanning protocols

PurposeThe purpose of this experimental study, carried out in 2002, was to investigate the effectiveness of lead shielding during three scanning protocols for Computed Tomography (CT) head examinations.During CT, the thyroid is irradiated via scattered radiation outside the primary beam. Scientists have proved a definite link between thyroid cancer and radiation but have struggled to quantify the risks from low doses such as those in medical exposures. Children are known to be at higher risks from the effects of radiation than adults.MethodAn anthropomorphic phantom was used to simulate the patient. Shielding in the form of a standard lead thyroid shield was used due to the nature of the rotating X-ray beam involved with CT. Thermoluminescent detector chips were used to measure the approximate dose to the thyroid with and without the application of the shield.ResultsThe effectiveness of shielding varied with scanning technique, as did the thyroid dose due to scattered radiation. The lead shield significantly reduced the dose to the thyroid by 46–58% at the surface of the thyroid and by 37–44% within the thyroid tissue at 1 cm depth.ConclusionIn light of the increasing number of CT scanners, and the fact that head scans account for 50% of all CT examinations and 25% of the collective dose from CT to the UK population, it is important that all methods of dose reduction are considered. The use of shielding is a simple yet effective method of dose optimisation that has not been extensively investigated.     

Coronary calcium scoring with MDCT: the radiation dose to the breast and the effectiveness of bismuth breast shield

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the breast radiation dose during coronary calcium scoring with multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT). We also evaluated the degree of dose reduction by using a bismuth breast shield when performing coronary calcium scoring with MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dose reduction achievable by shielding the adult (35 years or older) female breasts was studied in 25 women who underwent coronary calcium scoring with MDCT. All examinations were performed with a 16-MDCT scanner. To compare the shielded versus unshielded breast dose, the examinations were performed with (right breast) and without (left breast) breast shielding in all patients. With this technique the superficial breast doses were calculated. To determine the average glandular breast radiation dose, we imaged an anthropomorphic dosimetric phantom into which calibrated dosimeters were placed to measure the dose to the breast. The phantom was imaged using the same protocol. Radiation doses to the breasts with and without the breast shielding were measured and compared using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: The mean radiation doses with and without the breast shield were 5.71+/-1.1 mGy versus 9.08+/-1.5 mGy, respectively. The breast shield provided a 37.12% decrease in radiation dose to the breast with shielding. The difference between the dose received by the breasts with and without bismuth shielding was significant, with a p-value of less than 0.001. CONCLUSION: The high radiation during MDCT greatly exceeds the recommended doses and should not be underestimated. Bismuth in plane shielding for coronary calcium scoring with MDCT decreased the radiation dose to the breast. We recommend routine use of breast shields in female patients undergoing calcium scoring with MDCT.     

Quantitative assessment of selective in-plane shielding of tissues in computed tomography through evaluation of absorbed dose and image quality

This study aimed at assessment of efficacy of selective in-plane shielding in adults by quantitative evaluation of the achieved dose reduction and image quality. Commercially available accessories for in-plane shielding of the eye lens, thyroid and breast, and an anthropomorphic phantom were used for the evaluation of absorbed dose and image quality. Organ dose and total energy imparted were assessed by means of a Monte Carlo technique taking into account tube voltage, tube current, and scanner type. Image quality was quantified as noise in soft tissue. Application of the lens shield reduced dose to the lens by 27% and to the brain by 1%. The thyroid shield reduced thyroid dose by 26%; the breast shield reduced dose to the breasts by 30% and to the lungs by 15%. Total energy imparted (unshielded/shielded) was 88/86 mJ for computed tomography (CT) brain, 64/60 mJ for CT cervical spine, and 289/260 mJ for CT chest scanning. An increase in image noise could be observed in the ranges were bismuth shielding was applied. The observed reduction of organ dose and total energy imparted could be achieved more efficiently by a reduction of tube current. The application of in-plane selective shielding is therefore discouraged.     

New organ-based tube current modulation method to reduce the radiation dose during computed tomography of the head: evaluation of image quality and radiation dose to the eyes in the phantom study

A new organ-based tube current modulation (NOB-TCM) method was designed with the intent to decrease tube current by 30% over a prescribed 90° radial arc across the anterior aspect of the radiosensitive organ, without increasing tube current in the remaining radial arc. We compared a reference scan and five other dose-reducing methods with regard to effects on dose, practicality, and image quality to determine the most effective method for the reduction of the radiation dose to the eyes during CT examinations of the head. We compared the radiation doses to the eyes and physical image quality in different regions of interest for TCM and shielding scans. Three types of TCM scans were performed: longitudinal TCM, angular TCM, and NOB-TCM. A bismuth sheet and lead goggles were each applied for the shielding scan. Relative to the reference scan, the dose to the eye was reduced to 25.88% with NOB-TCM, 44.53% with lead goggles, and 36.91% with a bismuth shield. Relative to the reference scan, the mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was decreased to 8.02% with NOB-TCM, 28.36% with lead goggles, and 32.95% with the bismuth shield. The SNR of the anterior region of interest was decreased to 11.89% with NOB-TCM and 87.89% with the bismuth shield. The average figure of merit was increased by 11.7% with longitudinal TCM and 13.39% with NOB-TCM, compared with the reference scan. NOB-TCM is a superior solution for head CT, including the orbital area, due to the reduction in radiation exposure without significant loss in image quality.     

Impact of image noise levels, scout scan dose and lens shield on image quality and radiation exposure in z-axis dose-modulated neck MSCT on 16- and 64-slice Toshiba Aquilion scanners

Objective

Assessing the impact of image noise (IN) levels, scout scan dose and lens shield use on image quality and radiation exposure in neck multislice CT (MSCT) when using z-axis dose modulation (DM).

Methods

Neck MSCT phantom studies with/without z-axis DM were performed by using different IN levels (S.D. 7.5-30 HU) and scout scan tube currents (7.5-50 mA) on Toshiba Aquilion scanners (16-/64-slice). Image quality indices were evaluated by two radiologists and radiation exposure parameters calculated. Cadaveric phantom measurements elucidated lens shield interactions with DM efficacy. The lowest dose scan protocol with diagnostic image quality was introduced into the clinical imaging routine and retrospectively evaluated in 20 age-matched patients undergoing neck MSCT with/without DM.

Results

The highest image noise level in DM neck studies with comparable image quality to standard neck CT amounted to 20 HU, resulting in a mean tube current of 50 mAs (CTDI_w 6.3 mGy). DM reduced effective dose by 35% and organ dose figures (lens, thyroid) by 33%. Scout scan dose lowering to 20 mA resulted in an effective dose (ED) decrease of 0.06 mSv (5%). Avoiding lens shield placement during scout scan effected an organ dose decrease of 20%. Overall contour sharpness and image contrast did not differ significantly (DM/without DM) whereas image noise was rated higher in DM neck CT studies (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

z-Axis dose modulation, as assessed on 16- and 64-slice Toshiba Aquilion scanners, is effective and mandatory in neck MSCT. DM efficacy can be enhanced by optimising scout scan doses and lens shield use.     

Female breast radiation exposure during thorax multidetector computed tomography and the effectiveness of bismuth breast shield to reduce breast radiation dose

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the breast radiation dose when performing routine thoracic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). We also evaluated dose reduction and the effect on image quality of using a bismuth breast shield when performing thoracic MDCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dose reduction achievable by shielding the adult (18 years or older) female breasts was studied in 50 women who underwent routine thoracic MDCT. All examinations were performed with a 16-MDCT scanner (Sensation Cardiac 16; Siemens Medical Solutions). To compare the shielded/unshielded breast dose, the examination was performed with (right breast) and without (left breast) breast shielding in all patients. With this technique, the superficial breast doses were calculated. To determine the average glandular breast radiation dose, we imaged an anthropomorphic dosimetric phantom into which calibrated dosimeters were placed to measure the dose to breast. The phantom was imaged using the same protocol. Radiation doses to the breasts with and without the breast shielding were measured and compared using the Student t test. RESULTS: In the qualitative evaluation of the MDCT scans, all were considered to be of diagnostic quality. We did not see any differences in quality between the shielded and unshielded lung. The mean radiation doses to the breasts with the shield and to those without the shield were 8.6 +/- 2.33 versus 14.46 +/- 3.94 mGy, respectively. The breast shield enabled a 40.53% decrease in radiation dose to the breast. The difference between the dose received by the breasts with and that received by the breasts without bismuth shielding was significant, with a P value of less than 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Bismuth in-plane shielding for routine thoracic MDCT decreased radiation dose to the breast without qualitative changes in image quality. The other radiosensitive superficial organs (eg, testes and thyroid gland) specifically must be protected with shielding.     

Effect of leaded glasses and thyroid shielding on cone beam CT radiation dose in an adult female phantom

Objectives:

This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of leaded glasses in reducing the lens of eye dose and of lead thyroid collars in reducing the dose to the thyroid gland of an adult female from dental cone beam CT (CBCT). The effect of collimation on the radiation dose in head organs is also examined.

Methods:

Dose measurements were conducted by placing optically stimulated luminescent dosemeters in an anthropomorphic female phantom. Eye lens dose was measured by placing a dosemeter on the anterior surface of the phantom eye location. All exposures were performed on one commercially available dental CBCT machine, using selected collimation and exposure techniques. Each scan technique was performed without any lead shielding and then repeated with lead shielding in place. To calculate the percent reduction from lead shielding, the dose measured with lead shielding was divided by the dose measured without lead shielding. The percent reduction from collimation was calculated by comparing the dose measured with collimation to the dose measured without collimation.

Results:

The dose to the internal eye for one of the scans without leaded glasses or thyroid shield was 0.450 cGy and with glasses and thyroid shield was 0.116 cGy (a 74% reduction). The reduction to the lens of the eye was from 0.396 cGy to 0.153 cGy (a 61% reduction). Without glasses or thyroid shield, the thyroid dose was 0.158 cGy; and when both glasses and shield were used, the thyroid dose was reduced to 0.091 cGy (a 42% reduction).

Conclusions:

Collimation alone reduced the dose to the brain by up to 91%, with a similar reduction in other organs. Based on these data, leaded glasses, thyroid collars and collimation minimize the dose to organs outside the field of view.