介入诊疗程序中患者皮肤最大受照剂量的检测与评价

目的测定冠脉造影、肝动脉造影、射频消融、脑动脉造影等介入程序中对患者主射束皮肤剂量分布和最大皮肤受照剂量，了解患者皮肤能否发生确定性效应。方法在冠脉造影、肝动脉造影和射频消融3种手术曝光前每个患者背部放9个测量点，每个点2片LiF（Mg，Cu，P）剂量片；脑动脉造影曝光前患者正、侧位各放1个测量点。手术后进行TLD测量。结果肝动脉造影手术时，患者皮肤最大吸收剂量为1683．9mGy，平均吸收剂量607．3mGy；脑动脉造影正位时最大值可达959．3mGy，平均值418．8mGy；侧位最高达704mGy。平均191．52mGy；射频消融最高值为853．8mGy。平均219．7mGy；冠脉造影最大值为456．1mGy，平均227．6mGy。结论本实验结果是对皮肤最大剂量的一种估计值，尚不能精确提供患者皮肤受照的最大值。因为剂量片布放不够密集，可能没有包括很小的高剂量部位。     

放射性介入操作中病人接受剂量水平研究现状

介入性放射学是近年发展起来的、在一些计算机新技术和生物工程新材料基础上利用放射诊断学手段进行诊断和治疗的新技术。它的出现,确实给人们带来了巨大的利益,但也开始注意到它可能给病人造成辐射损伤。在一些放射性介入的操作中,病人接受剂量可能大到能引起病人的皮肤和眼晶体损伤,因而病人的辐射防护问题已引起国内外广泛的重视,而且开展了较为广泛的研究。     

心血管病介入诊疗程序中第一术者有效剂量估算方法的比较研究

目的 通过模拟实验测量,比较国际辐射防护委员会（ICRP）139号报告推荐的4种单双剂量计算法对估算心血管介入诊疗程序中第一术者有效剂量之间的差异,以探讨这4种算法对介入诊疗场景的适用性。方法 模拟第一术者的男性躯干模体穿戴铅衣和铅围脖,在其体内布放热释光探测器,在其铅衣内外布放热释光个人剂量计,模拟心血管病介入诊疗场景,通过模拟测量得到的器官剂量计算第一术者的有效剂量,与通过个人剂量计及4种单双剂量计算法得到的结果进行比较。结果 在本实验条件下,由模拟测量计算得到的有效剂量为0.581 mSv;而用Swiss ordinance法、McEwan法、Von Boetticher法与Martin-Magee法估算得到的有效剂量分别为0.667、0.484、0.485和0.726 mSv,与模拟测量得到的有效剂量的相对偏差分别为14.8%、-16.7%、-16.5%和24.9%。结论 4种计算方法得到第一术者有效剂量与模拟测量结果均有较大的差异;从辐射防护观点出发,推荐使用Swiss ordinance法开展心血管病介入诊疗程序中第一术者的个人剂量监测。     

悬吊防护屏对介入医师最佳防护方案的体模研究

目的：探讨悬吊防护屏规格及摆放位置对介入手术中第一及第二术者辐射防护效果,为选择悬吊防护屏最佳辐射防护方案提供科学依据。方法在第一及第二术者站位,从地面20 cm至180 cm处,每隔20 cm放置一个个人计量仪。投照体位选择正位与左侧位。悬吊防护屏为铅玻璃(简称玻璃式)与铅玻璃下接铅橡胶皮(简称混搭式)两种。防护屏摆位分别为靠近术者、远离术者、在术者左侧及贴近球管4种。测量2种投照体位下,不同防护屏规格与摆位在第一及第二术者位9个高度的实时辐射剂量率,计算剂量屏蔽率。结果两种防护屏防护效果接近,以玻璃式略优。对于第一术者,正位投照时以近术者摆位的防护效果最佳,侧位投照则以术者左侧摆位的防护效果最好;对于第二术者,正及侧位投照均以近术者摆位防护效果最优。在最佳摆位情况下：正位投照时第一术者在120 cm高度、侧位投照时第一及第二术者各高度仍可检测到较高的辐射剂量率;第一与第二术者总体接受的辐射剂量接近;第一术者的剂量屏蔽率除正位120 cm高度稍低(玻璃式为60.11%,混搭式为39.89%)外,其余各点均高达93%以上,第二术者剂量屏蔽率为57%~97%;侧位屏蔽率整体略高于正位屏蔽率。结论两种防护屏防护效果接近,均能取得较好的防护效果,但正位投照时第一术者的120 cm高度及侧位投照时2位术者的各高度辐射剂量率仍相对较高,需加强对120 cm高度的辐射防护,并尽量少用侧位投照。     

10种介入诊疗程序中患者的辐射剂量调查

目的 调查研究介入诊疗程序中患者的受照剂量,评估其放射诊疗风险.方法 利用配置有符合IEC 60601-2标准的穿透型电离室的飞利浦Allura Xper FD20 DSA系统,收集记录10种介入诊疗程序共198例患者的剂量参数,估算出可供评估皮肤损伤的最高皮肤剂量及有效剂量.结果 累计透视时间范围为2.1～80.9 min,摄影帧数范围为15～678帧,剂量面积乘积范围为11～825 Gy·cm2,累计剂量范围为24～3374 mGy.有16例患者最高皮肤剂量超过1 Gy,79例患者有效剂量大于20 mSv.结论 有部分病例的最高皮肤剂量超过了皮肤损伤阈值,所以对患者的放射防护应给予足够的重枧.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate radiation dose to the patients undergoing interventional radiology and make radiation risk assessment.Methods Data was collected on 198 instances of 10 interventional radiology procedures by using Philips Allura Xper FD20 DSA, which was equipped with the transparent ionization chamber system in compliance with IEC 60601-2.Patient peak skin dose and effective dose were estimated.Results Cumulative fluoroscopy time was 2.1 - 80.9 min, and number of images monitored for PSD were above 1 Gy and 79 cases monitored for E were above 20 mSv.Conclusions Substantial number of cases exceeded the dose threshold for erythema.Due attention should be paid to radiation protection of patients.     

放射性介入操作中辐射剂量与防护措施

由放射性介入操作所导致的辐射剂量已引起人们越来越多的关注,尤其是考虑到该项操作的频率不断增加和日趋复杂化。现有研究的主要集中于三个方面:目前放射性介入操作中的剂量水平、操作人员和患者的辐射危险以及辐射防护措施。     

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.     

浙江省部分介入放射工作场所防护现状及辐射水平调查

目的 了解浙江省介入放射学放射防护现状和存在的问题,并提出相应对策。方法 采用简单随机抽样的方法在杭州、宁波、温州、绍兴、金华5个地市抽取70个介入放射工作场所进行监测,医院介入放射机房个人防护用品和辅助防护设施采用医院填报的方法收集,透视防护区工作人员各部位和机房外辐射水平采用现场辐射水平检测的方法收集。结果 41家医院均配备了个人防护用品和个人防护设施,但有22家医院配备不完整;下X射线管照射时,介入放射工作人员的胸部、腹部、下肢部比头部更容易受到大剂量的射线照射,差异有统计学意义（F=4.85、4.92,P<0.05）;透视防护区工作人员各部位辐射水平合格率不同,差异有统计学意义（χ²=35.14、14.92,P<0.05）;防护吊帘可以显著降低透视防护区工作人员各部位辐射水平,差异有统计学意义（t=11.61~68.28,P<0.05）;同时,防护吊帘可以提高透视防护区工作人员各部位的检测合格率,差异有统计学意义（χ²=6.09~28.45,P<0.05）。结论 介入放射工作人员应该充分利用辅助防护设备,加强对胸部、腹部和下肢部等部位的保护;医院必须积极开展放射工作场所的日常监测,及时对防护薄弱环节进行整改。     

悬吊防护屏对介入医师最佳防护方案的体模研究

目的：探讨悬吊防护屏规格及摆放位置对介入手术中第一及第二术者辐射防护效果,为选择悬吊防护屏最佳辐射防护方案提供科学依据。方法在第一及第二术者站位,从地面20 cm至180 cm处,每隔20 cm放置一个个人计量仪。投照体位选择正位与左侧位。悬吊防护屏为铅玻璃（简称玻璃式）与铅玻璃下接铅橡胶皮（简称混搭式）两种。防护屏摆位分别为靠近术者、远离术者、在术者左侧及贴近球管4种。测量2种投照体位下,不同防护屏规格与摆位在第一及第二术者位9个高度的实时辐射剂量率,计算剂量屏蔽率。结果两种防护屏防护效果接近,以玻璃式略优。对于第一术者,正位投照时以近术者摆位的防护效果最佳,侧位投照则以术者左侧摆位的防护效果最好;对于第二术者,正及侧位投照均以近术者摆位防护效果最优。在最佳摆位情况下：正位投照时第一术者在120 cm高度、侧位投照时第一及第二术者各高度仍可检测到较高的辐射剂量率;第一与第二术者总体接受的辐射剂量接近;第一术者的剂量屏蔽率除正位120 cm高度稍低（玻璃式为60．11%,混搭式为39．89%）外,其余各点均高达93%以上,第二术者剂量屏蔽率为57%～97%;侧位屏蔽率整体略高于正位屏蔽率。结论两种防护屏防护效果接近,均能取得较好的防护效果,但正位投照时第一术者的120 cm高度及侧位投照时两位术者的各高度辐射剂量率仍相对较高,需加强对120 cm高度的辐射防护,并尽量少用侧位投照。     

Radiation exposure to premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit in Turkey

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine the radiation dose received by infants from radiographic exposure and the contribution from scatter radiation due to radiographic exposure of other infants in the same room. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the entrance skin doses (ESDs) and effective doses of 23 infants with a gestational age as low as 28 weeks. ESDs were determined from tube output measurements (ESD(TO)) (n = 23) and from the use of thermoluminescent dosimetry (ESD(TLD)) (n = 16). Scattered radiation was evaluated using a 5 cm Perspex phantom. Effective doses were estimated from ESD(TO) by Monte Carlo computed software and radiation risks were estimated from the effective dose. ESD(TO) and ESD(TLD) were correlated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean ESD(TO) for the chest and abdomen were 67 microGy and 65 microGy per procedure, respectively. The mean ESD(TLD) per radiograph was 70 microGy. The measured scattered radiation range at a 2 m distance from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was (11-17 microGy) per radiograph. Mean effective doses were 16 and 27 microSv per procedure for the chest and abdomen, respectively. ESD(TLD) was well correlated with ESD(TO) obtained from the total chest and abdomen radiographs for each infant (R(2) = 0.86). The radiation risks for childhood cancer estimated from the effective dose were 0.4 x 10(-6) to 2 x 10(-6) and 0.6 x 10(-6) to 2.9 x 10(-6) for chest and abdomen radiographs, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that neonates received acceptable doses from common radiological examinations. Although the contribution of scatter radiation to the neonatal dose is low, considering the sensitivity of the neonates to radiation, further protective action was performed by increasing the distance of the infants from each other.     

计算机乳腺X线摄影单面阅读和双面阅读系统影像质量与辐射剂量的比较研究

目的对比研究计算机乳腺X线摄影单面阅读系统和双面阅读系统影像质量和辐射剂量。资料与方法在相同的辐射剂量下用计算机乳腺X线摄影单面阅读系统和双面阅读系统对ALVIM统计学乳腺摄影模体TRM进行曝光,记录摄影条件为26 kV、55 mAs,模体表面入射剂量(ESD)和腺体平均剂量(AGD)分别为2.18 mGy和0.65mGy,然后固定此摄影条件kV值,选用不同mAs值(60 mAs、50 mAs、45 mAs、40 mAs、35 mAs)用计算机乳腺X线摄影双面阅读系统对模体进行曝光,记录ESD和AGD,并将所获取的影像在图像诊断工作站显示器上由三名放射学专家进行视读打分,按照5值判断法评判,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,计算出每种信号的判断概率值Pdet,对所得数据进行统计学分析。结果在ESD和AGD分别为2.18 mGy和0.65 mGy时,双面阅读系统所摄取模体影像内容物中不同直径钙化点和肿块灶的Pdet值分别是0.731～0.924和0.671～0.945,单面阅读系统所摄取模体影像内容物中不同直径钙化点和肿块灶的Pdet值分别是0.530～0.561和0.476～0.581。在相同的判断概率值Pdet下,计算机乳腺X线摄影单面阅读系统所用ESD和AGD分别为2.18 mGy和0.65 mGy,计算机乳腺X线摄影双面阅读系统所用的ESD和AGD分别为1.75 mGy和0.53 mGy,双面阅读系统较单面阅读系统ESD减少了19.6%,AGD减少18.4%。结论在相同曝光条件下,计算机乳腺X线摄影双面阅读系统对模体内容物的检出率高于计算机乳腺X线摄影单面阅读系统;在获得相似图像质量时,计算机乳腺X线摄影双面阅读系统的辐射剂量明显低于计算机乳腺X线摄影单面阅读系统。     

实施QC对影像质量与病人剂量影响的研究

目的　探讨实施放射诊断设备质量控制（ＱＣ） 后,病人受照剂量及Ｘ 射线胶片影像质量的变化。方法　ＱＣ前后用热释光剂量探测器测量病人入射体表剂量,并用欧洲共同体（ＣＥＣ） 影像质量标准对已测量剂量的病人Ｘ 射线胶片影像质量进行评价,做统计学分析。结果　Ｘ 射线机实施质量控制后,病人受照剂量有了明显下降（Ｐ＜ ０－０１ 或Ｐ＜ ０－０５）,胸部后前位下降了２３％ ,腰椎前后位和腰椎侧位下降了４８％ ,骨盆前后位下降了８８％ 。ＱＣ前、后比较,腰椎侧位片影像质量没有显著差异（Ｐ＞０－０５）,而胸部后前位、腰椎前后位及骨盆前后位胶片影像质量反而有所提高（ Ｐ＜０－０１ 或Ｐ＜０－０５）。结论　对Ｘ射线机进行ＱＣ检测后可使病人受照剂量较大幅度地下降,但Ｘ 射线胶片影像质量没有降低,诊断信息没有丢失。     

XperSwing技术与常规冠状动脉造影的辐射剂量对比模体研究

目的 研究常规冠状动脉造影(CCA)与采用XperSwing技术冠状动脉造影的辐射剂量差异.方法 应用中国人仿真胸部体模,采用XperSwing和CCA2种检查技术,将热释光个人剂量计(TLD)布放于仿真胸部体模的主要组织器官,测量各组织器官的吸收剂量并读取设备的剂量面积乘积(DAP)值.实际测量有效剂量等于组织器官吸收剂量乘以相应组织权重因子后的总和;设备读取的有效剂量等于DAP乘以转换因子(0.185 mSv/ Gy·cm2).结果 采用XperSwing技术造影的组织器官平均吸收剂量低于CCA检查;CCA和XperSwing技术造影的设备读取平均有效剂量分别为3.88和3.13 mSv,低于实际测量的平均有效剂量(5.57和4.94 mSv).结论 采用XperSwing技术的辐射剂量低于CCA,设备读取的有效剂量有可能低估了患者实际接受的有效剂量水平.     

心血管病介入操作时患者受照剂量研究

目的 对心血管介入手术中患者所受辐射剂量及与辐射剂量相关的指标进行采集和分析,为改善患者的辐射防护提供依据.方法 对在省属三级甲等医院进行的26例完整的心血管介入手术的患者进行临床数据采集,按手术类别分成冠状动脉血管造影术(CA)及行冠状动脉血管造影术(CA)后继续行经皮穿刺腔内冠状动脉成形术(PTCA)两组,采用TLD个人剂量计照射野矩阵测量法,检测患者荧光照射时间、入射皮肤剂量(ESD)、最高皮肤剂量(PSD)、剂量-面积乘积(DAP)等指标,用TLD测量在模拟心血管手术条件下体模器官剂量.结果 荧光透视时间为(17.7±15.6)min,范围为0.80～42.4 min;ESD范围为(159±138)mGy,4.40～459 mGy;PSD范围为(769±705)mGy,22.6～2.43×103mGy.CA+PTCA组的荧光照射时间、ESD、PSD均大于CA组,差异有统计学意义.最大皮肤受照剂量与透视时间有较好的相关性(r=0.84,P＜0.01).结论 心血管病放射性介入操作时,可通过透视时间来估算最大皮肤受照剂量.

Abstract：

Objective To collect and analyze the radiation dose to patients in cardiovascular interventional procedures and the radiation dose-related indicators,in order to provide a basis for improving radiation protection of patients.MethodsThe clinical data of 26 cases of complete cardiovascular interventional procedures was collected in the municipal Grade A Class Three hospitals,including coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA),and the patient-received radiation doses and other related factors was studied.TLD personal dosimeter radiation field matrix method was used to measure fluorescence time,the entrance skin dose (ESD),the peak skin dose (PSD),dosearea product (DAP) and other indicators.TLD was used to measure the organ dose of the phantom under the cardiovascular interventional procedure condition.ResultsThe fluoroscopy time was (17.7 ±15.6) min during the range of 0.80-42.4 min.The average entrance skin dose (ESD) was (159 ± 138)mGy during the range of 4.40-459 mGy.The peak skin dose (PSD) was (769 ± 705) mGy during the range of 22.6 - 2.43 × 103mGy.The fluorescence time,entrance skin dose (ESD) ,peak skin dose (PSD) of the group CA + PTCA are greater than the group CA and the difference has statistical significan.The peak skin dose and the fluoroscopy time have good linear correlation (r = 0.84,P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusion The peak skin dose the patient received in cardiovascular interventional radiological operation can be estimated through the fluoroscopy time.     

介入放射学工作人员个人有效剂量监测方法研究进展

本文主要介绍目前介入放射学工作人员职业照射有效剂量评价的相关指标、个人有效剂量监测方法以及各个方法中引起争议较大的问题。通过查阅国内外相关文献及标准,列出已找到的全球范围内从1979年至2014年关于介入放射学工作人员个人有效剂量监测算法,指出影响算法准确性的主要因素,并重点对剂量计的佩带位置进行了讨论。根据最新研究结果及目前介入工作人员剂量计佩带情况提出建议,为相关标准的制定提供参考。     

三种双剂量计法估算介入术者有效剂量比较

目的 比较3种双剂量计算法估算介入术者有效剂量的优劣。方法 在仿真人体模内布放热释光剂量片并将体模置于介入术者位置,在体模外穿戴铅防护衣、铅围脖和铅帽,并在铅衣内左前胸和铅围脖外左侧放置个人剂量计,在手术台上放置散射模体,分别为CIRS放疗调强体模和CT剂量检测模体,模拟介入手术曝光条件曝光一定时间,通过器官组织吸收剂量估算有效剂量;以3种双剂量计法计算有效剂量并与体模法结果进行比较。结果 得到两组各4个有效剂量结果,即使用CIRS放疗调强体模时,体模法、NCRP法、Niklason法和Boetticher法分别为0.138、0.097、0.161和0.173 mSv;使用CT剂量检测模体时分别为0.018、0.013、0.019和0.026 mSv。其中,Niklason法与体模法最为接近。结论 对于估算介入术者的有效剂量,Niklason法更为准确和实用。     

乳腺计算机X射线摄影自动曝光模式的校正

目的 通过参照乳腺屏-片系统摄影自动曝光控制模式,对乳腺CR摄影自动曝光进行校正,从而实现影像质量与辐射剂量的最优化。方法 应用屏-片组合,28 kV条件下,对40 mm厚的有机玻璃进行自动曝光,以此所得曝光量(mAs)为基准,分10档分别采用±10 mAs的曝光量用CR进行曝光,选取LgM=2.0的曝光量作为基准,对CR的自动曝光模式进行校正。采用经校正后的CR自动曝光模式,分别采用26、28和30 kV对Fluke NA 18-220 乳腺模体进行摄影,模体采用自动曝光控制(AEC)模式进行摄影,记录曝光量数值(mAs),对CR影像进行处理。同时CR采用相同的kV和照射野及不同的曝光量对模体进行摄影,CR影像经后处理后请4位放射医师进行双盲阅片,按照美国放射学会(ACR)的评分标准评价打分。结果 采用稍高于传统屏-片组合的曝光量作为CR自动曝光校正基准值,可实现乳腺CR摄影自动曝光模式的校正,经校正后模体测试影像的评分均高于ACR的评分标准。结论 乳腺CR摄影自动曝光模式可根据CR特点进行校正,经校正后的乳腺CR摄影的自动曝光控制模式应用于临床既可明显降低病人辐射剂量,又可得到满足临床诊断需求的优质乳腺影像。     

Dose and image quality in the comparison of analogue and digital techniques in paediatric urology examinations

In paediatric radiology it has been recognised that children have a higher risk of developing cancer from the irradiation than adults (two to three times); therefore, increased attention has been directed towards the dose to the patient. In this study the effect on patient dose and image quality in replacing the exposure in micturating cystourethrography (MCUG) examinations with the stored fluoroscopy image has been investigated. In the intravenous urography (IVU) examination we compared analogue and digital image quality, but the dose measurements were performed on a phantom. Standard clinical X-ray equipment was used. Sixty-eight patients in each of two centres were studied for the MCUG. Doses were measured with a dose-area product (DAP) meter and the image quality was scored. A non-parametric statistical analysis was performed. For the IVU, a phantom was used in the dose measurements but clinical images were scored in the comparison between analogue and digital images. For the MCUG, replacing the exposure with stored fluoroscopy images lowered the DAP value from 0.77 to 0.50 Gy cm². The image quality did not show any difference between the techniques; however, if reflux was to be graded, exposure was needed. For the IVU, the doses could be lowered by a factor of 3 using digital techniques. The image quality showed no statistical difference between the two techniques. There is a potential for a substantial dose reduction in both MUCG and IVU examinations using digital techniques.     

How to set up and apply reference levels in fluoroscopy at a national level

A nationwide survey was launched to investigate the use of fluoroscopy and establish national reference levels (RL) for dose-intensive procedures. The 2-year investigation covered five radiology and nine cardiology departments in public hospitals and private clinics, and focused on 12 examination types: 6 diagnostic and 6 interventional. A total of 1,000 examinations was registered. Information including the fluoroscopy time (T), the number of frames (N) and the dose-area product (DAP) was provided. The data set was used to establish the distributions of T, N and the DAP and the associated RL values. The examinations were pooled to improve the statistics. A wide variation in dose and image quality in fixed geometry was observed. As an example, the skin dose rate for abdominal examinations varied in the range of 10 to 45 mGy/min for comparable image quality. A wide variability was found for several types of examinations, mainly complex ones. DAP RLs of 210, 125, 80, 240, 440 and 110 Gy cm² were established for lower limb and iliac angiography, cerebral angiography, coronary angiography, biliary drainage and stenting, cerebral embolization and PTCA, respectively. The RL values established are compared to the data published in the literature.     

Clinical evaluation of a new stationary high strip density antiscatter grid in comparison with a conventional moving grid: influence on image quality and patient radiation dose

This study aimed to evaluate a new stationary 13/75 antiscatter grid in comparison with a moving 12/40 grid with regard to its influence on image quality and patient radiation dose. One hundred consecutive patients had plain films of the abdomen using a moving 12/40 grid and another 100 patients were examined with a stationary 13/75 grid (tube voltage 73 kV, film size 35 cm x 43 cm, film-screen system speed class 400). As an intraindividual comparison, radiographs of the abdomen with a film size of 18 cm x 43 cm were taken of 27 patients using both grid types for every patient. Patients' weight and dose-area product were recorded. Image quality was evaluated by a multireader study using standardized questionnaires and three- or five-level grading systems. Results showed that use of the 13/75 grid accords with the ALARA principle: measurement of the dose-area product demonstrated a dose saving of 24% for a film size of 35 cm x 43 cm and a saving of 34% for a film size of 18 cm x 43 cm without calling into question the diagnostic image quality. The mean scores of the 12/40 grid were lower for three out of six normal anatomic structures (P<0.05) among the 200 patients, indicating a loss of image quality with the 13/75 grid. Assessment of the intraindividual trial revealed reduced detectability of three out of four anatomical details when the 13/75 grid was employed. At the cost of a minor loss of image quality in comparison with the 12/40 grid, the new stationary grid provides a clear reduction of radiation dose under clinical circumstances.