Can the anode heel effect be used to optimise radiation dose and image quality for AP pelvis radiography?

IntroductionA study was conducted to determine whether the anode heel effect can be used to influence optimisation of radiation dose and image quality (IQ) for AP pelvis radiography.MethodsATOM dosimetry phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom were positioned for AP pelvis. Using a CR system, images were acquired and doses were measured with phantom feet toward anode and then feet toward cathode. Exposure factors (kVp, mAs and SID) were systematically generated using a factorial design. Images were scored visually for quality using relative visual grading together with a 3 point Likert scale. Signal to noise ratio was also calculated as a physical measure of image quality. Dosimetry data were collected for the ovaries and testes.ResultsThe optimum technique for male, which resulted in lower dose and suitable image quality, was with feet positioned toward the anode (0.80 ± 0.03 mGy; SNR of 38 ± 2.9; visual IQ score 3.13 ± 0.35). The optimum technique for female was with feet toward anode (0.23 ± 0.02 mGy; SNR of 34.7 ± 2.6; visual IQ score 3.15 ± 0.26). kVp had the biggest effect on both visual and physical image quality metrics (p < 0.001) for both tube orientations, whereas SID had the lowest effect on both visual and physical image quality metrics compared with mAs and kVp (p < 0.001). The effect of SID on the SNR was not significant (p > 0.05) with feet toward anode.ConclusionPositioning the patient with feet toward the anode, as opposed to the cathode, has no adverse effect on visual image quality assessment but it does have an effect on physical image quality.Implications for practiceThis study would add a new clinical concept in positioning of AP pelvis radiography especially for male positioning.     

Increasing source to image distance for AP pelvis imaging – Impact on radiation dose and image quality

AimA quantative primary study to determine whether increasing source to image distance (SID), with and without the use of automatic exposure control (AEC) for antero-posterior (AP) pelvis imaging, reduces dose whilst still producing an image of diagnostic quality.MethodsUsing a computed radiography (CR) system, an anthropomorphic pelvic phantom was positioned for an AP examination using the table bucky. SID was initially set at 110 cm, with tube potential set at a constant 75 kVp, with two outer chambers selected and a fine focal spot of 0.6 mm. SID was then varied from 90 cm to 140 cm with two exposures made at each 5 cm interval, one using the AEC and another with a constant 16 mAs derived from the initial exposure. Effective dose (E) and entrance surface dose (ESD) were calculated for each acquisition. Seven experienced observers blindly graded image quality using a 5-point Likert scale and 2 Alternative Forced Choice software. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) was calculated for comparison. For each acquisition, femoral head diameter was also measured for magnification indication.ResultsResults demonstrated that when increasing SID from 110 cm to 140 cm, both E and ESD reduced by 3.7% and 17.3% respectively when using AEC and 50.13% and 41.79% respectively, when the constant mAs was used. No significant statistical (T-test) difference (p = 0.967) between image quality was detected when increasing SID, with an intra-observer correlation of 0.77 (95% confidence level). SNR reduced slightly for both AEC (38%) and no AEC (36%) with increasing SID.ConclusionFor CR, increasing SID significantly reduces both E and ESD for AP pelvis imaging without adversely affecting image quality.     

"Anode heel effect" on patient dose in lumbar spine radiography

Appropriate use of the "anode heel effect" of the output beam from an X-ray tube can reduce the effective dose to patients in some common radiological examinations. We investigated the variation in radiation intensity across the X-ray beam caused by the anode heel effect, and quantified the difference in absorbed dose to critical organs resulting from lumbar spine X-ray projections carried out with the two possible orientations of the patient along the tube axis (cathode to anode). A Rando phantom and some high sensitivity thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs) (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) were used. With the tube axis horizontal, radiation intensity profiles, parallel and perpendicular to the axis, were measured. Lumbar spine radiographs were recorded using the Rando phantom in the standard anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections. TLD pellets were used to measure the absorbed radiation dose at various sites corresponding to critical organ tissues (ovaries, testes, breasts, thyroid and lens). Each set of projections was recorded in two phantom orientations, first with the phantom head placed towards the cathode end of the X-ray tube, and then in the reverse direction. From the radiation intensity profile of the incident X-ray beam, the "cathode end" to "anode end" air dose ratio was found to be 1.8. In lumbar spine radiography, with the phantom head placed towards the anode end of the X-ray tube, the ovaries and testes received an average dose 17% and 12% higher, respectively, in the lateral projection, and 16% and 27% higher, respectively, in the AP projection, than those obtained in the reverse "patient" orientation. These results indicate that patients (particularly females) should always be positioned with the head placed towards the cathode end of the X-ray tube for lumbar spine radiography to achieve significant dose reductions.     

Optimisation of the AP abdomen projection for larger patient body thicknesses

IntroductionThis study aims to identify optimal exposure parameters, delivering the lowest radiation dose while maintaining images of diagnostic quality for the antero-posterior (AP) abdomen x-ray projection in large patients with an AP abdominal diameter of >22.3 cm.MethodologyThe study was composed of two phases. In phase 1, an anthropomorphic phantom (20 cm AP abdominal diameter) was repetitively radiographed while adding 3 layers (5 cm thick each) of fat onto the phantom reaching a maximum AP abdominal diameter of 35 cm. For every 5 cm thickness, images were taken at 10 kVp (kilovoltage peak) intervals, starting from 80 kVp as the standard protocol currently in use at the local medical imaging department, to 120 kVp in combination with the use of automatic exposure control (AEC). The dose area product (DAP), milliampere-second (mAs) delivered by the AEC, and measurements to calculate the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were recorded. Phase 2 included image quality evaluation of the resultant images by radiographers and radiologists through absolute visual grading analysis (VGA). The resultant VGA scores were analysed using visual grading characteristics (VGC) curves.ResultsThe optimal kVp setting for AP abdominal diameters at: 20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm was found to be 110 kVp increased from 80 kVp as the standard protocol (with a 56.5% decrease in DAP and 76.2% in mAs, a 54.2% decrease in DAP and 76.2% decrease in mAs and a 29.2% decrease in DAP and 59.7% decrease in mAs, respectively). The optimal kVp setting for AP abdominal diameter at 35 cm was found to be 120 kVp increased from 80 kvp as the standard protocol (with a 50.7% decrease in DAP and 73.4% decrease in mAs). All this was achieved while maintaining images of diagnostic quality.ConclusionTailoring the exposure parameters for large patients in radiography of the abdomen results in a significant reductions in DAP which correlates to lower patient doses while still maintaining diagnostic image quality.Implications for clinical practiceThis research study and resultant parameters may help guide clinical departments to optimise AP abdomen radiographic exposures for large patients in the clinical setting.     

Antero-posterior (AP) pelvis x-ray imaging on a trolley: Impact of trolley design,mattress design and radiographer practice on image quality and radiation dose

IntroductionPhysical and technical differences exist between imaging on an x-ray tabletop and imaging on a trolley. This study evaluates how trolley imaging impacts image quality and radiation dose for an antero-posterior (AP) pelvis projection whilst subsequently exploring means of optimising this imaging examination.MethodsAn anthropomorphic pelvis phantom was imaged on a commercially available trolley under various conditions. Variables explored included two mattresses, two image receptor holder positions, three source to image distances (SIDs) and four mAs values. Image quality was evaluated using relative visual grading analysis with the reference image acquired on the x-ray tabletop. Contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. Effective dose was established using Monte Carlo simulation. Optimisation scores were derived as a figure of merit by dividing effective dose with visual image quality scores.ResultsVisual image quality reduced significantly (p < 0.05) whilst effective dose increased significantly (p < 0.05) for images acquired on the trolley using identical acquisition parameters to the reference image. The trolley image with the highest optimisation score was acquired using 130 cm SID, 20 mAs, the standard mattress and platform not elevated. A difference of 12.8 mm was found between the image with the lowest and highest magnification factor (18%).ConclusionThe acquisition parameters used for AP pelvis on the x-ray tabletop are not transferable to trolley imaging and should be modified accordingly to compensate for the differences that exist. Exposure charts should be developed for trolley imaging to ensure optimal image quality at lowest possible dose.     

降低儿童16层螺旋CT检查辐射剂量的研究

目的论证CT扫描参数kVp和mAs与剂量和图像噪声的关系,在不影响临床诊断的基础上,修正并验证一种基于成人扫描参数的安全可行的儿童16层螺旋CT检查的扫描参数。方法利用16层螺旋CT,采用标准CT剂量指数(CTDI)测试仪、100mm笔型电离室,分别测量16cm和32cm直径模体在2mm×5mm准直宽度时不同kVp和mAs的CTDI;采用20cm标准水模,测量单一感兴趣区域(ROI)标准偏差值SD代表噪声水平。以成人扫描参数的不同百分比修正为不同年龄段儿童CT扫描的参数供临床验证。结果随着kVp和mAs的增加,CTDI随之增加,并与mAs呈线性关系;16cm直径模体的表面CTDI要高于32cm模体58%;实际的加权CTDIw值高于CT扫描仪显示的CTDIw;mAs相同时,kVp越高,图像噪声SD值越低,在kVp固定时,随着mAs的增加,图像噪声SD随之减少,当mAs增加到一定程度后,图像噪声趋向平稳。结论在不影响临床诊断的图像噪声水平下,根据年龄和体型特点,儿童16层CT检查mAs可以比成人降低10%～85%。     

Dose Calculation on KV Cone Beam CT Images: An Investigation of the Hu-Density Conversion Stability and Dose Accuracy Using the Site-Specific Calibration

Precise calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) to electron density (HU-density) is essential to dose calculation. On-board kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is used predominantly for patients' positioning, but will potentially be used for dose calculation. The impacts of varying 3 imaging parameters (mAs, source-imager distance [SID], and cone angle) and phantom size on the HU number accuracy and HU-density calibrations for CBCT imaging were studied. We proposed a site-specific calibration method to achieve higher accuracy in CBCT image-based dose calculation. Three configurations of the Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (CIRS) water equivalent electron density phantom were used to simulate sites including head, lungs, and lower body (abdomen/pelvis). The planning computed tomography (CT) scan was used as the baseline for comparisons. CBCT scans of these phantom configurations were performed using Varian Trilogy? system in a precalibrated mode with fixed tube voltage (125 kVp), but varied mAs, SID, and cone angle. An HU-density curve was generated and evaluated for each set of scan parameters. Three HU-density tables generated using different phantom configurations with the same imaging parameter settings were selected for dose calculation on CBCT images for an accuracy comparison. Changing mAs or SID had small impact on HU numbers. For adipose tissue, the HU discrepancy from the baseline was 20 HU in a small phantom, but 5 times lager in a large phantom. Yet, reducing the cone angle significantly decreases the HU discrepancy. The HU-density table was also affected accordingly. By performing dose comparison between CT and CBCT image-based plans, results showed that using the site-specific HU-density tables to calibrate CBCT images of different sites improves the dose accuracy to ～2%. Our phantom study showed that CBCT imaging can be a feasible option for dose computation in adaptive radiotherapy approach if the site-specific calibration is applied.     

Lead-rubber shielding effect on radiation dose to the gonads from a bilateral hand X-ray examination

IntroductionRecent guidance from the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) focuses on cessation of patient Lead-rubber (Pb) shielding placed within the Field of View (FOV) that may influence image exposure or quality. Furthermore, the BIR assert shielding organs greater than 5 cm from the primary X-ray beam will have a negligible effect to the received radiation dose. Bilateral hand X-rays are frequently and repeatedly requested for the diagnosis and ongoing management of arthritic conditions. There is a lack of literature regarding the effect of Pb shielding during bilateral hand X-ray examinations. This research aimed to investigate the scattered secondary radiation dose to the gonads during a bilateral hand X-ray, with and without the use of Pb shielding outside the FOV at a greater distance than 5 cm from the primary beam.MethodsUsing an anthropomorphic phantom and constructed upper limbs, radiation was recorded to the male and female gonads. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) (?" x ?" x 0.15″ TLD-100H) were placed in groups of three upon the testes and within the left and right ovary to record the ionising radiation dose. Three collimated exposures were completed using a standard clinical practice hand X-ray protocol of 60 kVp and 2.5 mAs with a source to image distance (SID) of 100 cm. The mean and standard deviation of the radiation dose was calculated for both with and without Pb shielding. A paired two-sample t-test was conducted to determine statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsData analysis demonstrated dose measured to the testes of 5.3 μGy (SD 0.8) without Pb shielding and 2.3 μGy (SD 0.2) with Pb (reduction of 3 μGy; 56.6%). Left ovary doses measured 40.6 μGy (SD 1.2) without Pb shielding and 28.8 μGy (SD 1.7) with Pb (reduction of 11.9 μGy; 29.2%) and right ovary doses measured 39.5 μGy (SD 1.9) without Pb shielding and 26.6 μGy (SD 1.0) with Pb (reduction of 12.8 μGy; 32.4%). The paired two-sample t-test presented a statistically significant dose reduction (p = 0.0039).ConclusionThe study demonstrated dose limitation from scattered secondary radiation to the gonads when Pb shielding was used during a bilateral hand X-ray at distances greater than 5 cm from the primary X-ray beam on anatomy outside the FOV.Implications for practiceThe use of Pb shielding over the gonad area during a bilateral hand X-ray examination aligns to ALARP best practice and provides prospects for patient (male and female) dose reduction.     

10 kVp rule – An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom imaging study using a CR system: Impact on image quality and effective dose using AEC and manual mode

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of tube potential (kVp) variation in relation to perceptual image quality and effective dose (E) for pelvis using automatic exposure control (AEC) and non-AEC in a Computed Radiography (CR) system.Methods and materialsTo determine the effects of using AEC and non-AEC by applying the 10 kVp rule in two experiments using an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom. Images were acquired using 10 kVp increments (60–120 kVp) for both experiments. The first experiment, based on seven AEC combinations, produced 49 images. The mean mAs from each kVp increment were used as a baseline for the second experiment producing 35 images. A total of 84 images were produced and a panel of 5 experienced observers participated for the image scoring using the two alternative forced choice (2AFC) visual grading software. PCXMC software was used to estimate E.ResultsA decrease in perceptual image quality as the kVp increases was observed both in non-AEC and AEC experiments, however no significant statistical differences (p > 0.05) were found. Image quality scores from all observers at 10 kVp increments for all mAs values using non-AEC mode demonstrates a better score up to 90 kVp. E results show a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.000) on the 75th quartile from 0.37 mSv at 60 kVp to 0.13 mSv at 120 kVp when applying the 10 kVp rule in non-AEC mode.ConclusionUsing the 10 kVp rule, no significant reduction in perceptual image quality is observed when increasing kVp whilst a marked and significant E reduction is observed.     

基于蒙特卡罗数学模型两种脊柱全景X射线成像技术受检者辐射剂量的对比研究

目的 比较两种脊柱全景X射线成像技术对受检者产生的辐射剂量。方法 使用仿真体模进行实验,摸索出该体模在日本岛津Sonialvision safire17设备Slot scan脊柱全景成像的适宜成像条件,然后在GE Discovery XR650型DR系统上对该体模进行不同曝光条件的DR脊柱全景成像,3位有经验的放射科医生对两种成像技术的图像进行评分,选择图像质量评分均值最接近的对应成像参数为实验成像参数。将相关成像参数及X射线机信息输入PCXMC 2.0软件,计算受检者脊柱全景成像的器官吸收剂量和有效剂量。结果 Slot scan脊柱全景成像的适宜成像条件为高质量全景成像模式(HQ模式)、SID 150 cm、100 kVp和2 mAs, DR手动曝光模式脊柱全景成像相当图像质量的成像条件为SID 200 cm、100 kVp和3.2 mAs。Slot scan HQ模式、DR手动曝光模式和DR自动曝光模式脊柱全景成像的有效剂量(E)分别为(0.118 7±0.001 4)、(0.084 7±0.000 8)和(0.158 0±0.001 5) mSv,DR手动曝光模式的有效剂量明显低于其余2种模式(F=3 007.293,P<0.05);除乳腺以外,DR手动曝光模式的器官剂量均低于Slot scan HQ模式的器官剂量(P<0.05);除甲状腺、食管、肺以外,DR自动曝光模式的器官剂量均高于另外两种成像方式的器官剂量(P<0.05)。结论 两种手动全景成像技术的辐射剂量均处于较低水平,合理选择全景成像技术的曝光参数和模式可实现低剂量全景X射线成像。     

A pilot study investigating two dose reduction techniques for AP lumbar spine radiography using direct dosimetry and Projection VR

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to compare radiation dose measurements generated using a virtual radiography simulation with experimental dosimeter measurements for two radiation dose reduction techniques in digital radiography.MethodsEntrance Surface Dose (ESD) measurements were generated for an antero-posterior lumbar spine radiograph experimentally using NanoDOT™, single point dosimeters, for two radiographic systems (systems 1 and 2) and using Projection VR™, a virtual radiography simulation (system 3). Two dose reduction methods were tested, application of the 15% kVp rule, or simplified 10 kVp rule, and the exposure maintenance formula. The 15% or 10 kVp rules use a specified increase in kVp and halving of the mAs to reduce patient ESD. The exposure maintenance formula uses the increase in source-to-object distance to reduce ESD.ResultsIncreasing kVp from 75 to 96 kVp, with the concomitant decrease in mAs, resulted in percent ESD reduction of 59.5% (4.02–1.63 mGy), 60.8% (3.55–1.39 mGy), and 60.3% (6.65–2.64 mGy), for experimental systems 1 and 2, and virtual simulation (system 3), respectively. Increasing the SID (with the appropriate increase in mAs) from 100 to 140 cm reduced ESD by 22.3% 18.8%, and 23.5%, for experimental systems 1 and 2, and virtual simulation (system 3), respectively.ConclusionPercent dose reduction measurements were similar between the experimental and virtual measurement systems investigated. For the dose reduction practices tested, Projection VR™ provides a realistic alternate of percent dose reduction to direct dosimetry.     

5岁儿童仿真模体千伏锥束CT模拟剂量测量

目的 利用热释光探测器（TLD）在CIRS 5岁仿真儿童模体内测量瓦里安千伏锥束CT（kV-CBCT）标准扫描参数下各重要器官剂量,并以此计算有效剂量。方法 挑选一致性在2%以内的TLD并退火。首先基于相同骨盆扫描模式分别用CT电离室和TLD测量CIRS骨盆仿真模体相同体积内的剂量和读数,二者比值即为TLD转换系数;将夹在组织等效插件中的TLD放入儿童模体器官内预留的插孔,在头部、胸部和骨盆3种标准扫描条件模式下,测量器官剂量,并计算有效剂量。结果 TLD转换系数是3.91 mGy/每读数;在头部、胸部和骨盆3种标准扫描条件下,得出全身有效剂量分别是0.63、6.85和19.3 mSv。结论 用CT电离室刻度过的TLD测量kV-CBCT给儿童仿真模体带来的辐射剂量的方法具有可行性。本研究中骨盆扫描条件的有效剂量高于胸部和头部,即该条件预期产生的辐射危害较大,诱发继发性癌症风险较高。     

Optimising image quality and radiation dose for neonatal incubator imaging

IntroductionNeonates often require imaging within incubators however limited evidence exists as to the optimal method and acquisition parameters to achieve these examinations. This study aims to standardise and optimise neonatal chest radiography within incubators.MethodsA neonatal anthropomorphic phantom was imaged on two different incubators under controlled conditions using a DR system. Exposure factors, SID and placement of image receptor (direct v tray) were explored whilst keeping all other parameters consistent. Image quality was evaluated using absolute visual grading analysis (VGA) with contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) also calculated for comparison. Effective dose was established using Monte Carlo simulation using entrance surface dose within its calculations.ResultsVGA and CNR reduced significantly (p < 0.05) whilst effective dose increased significantly (p < 0.05) for images acquired using the incubator tray. The optimal combinations of parameters for incubator imaging were: image receptor directly behind neonate, 0.5 mAs, 60 kV at 100 cm SID, however, if tray needs to be used then these need to be adapted to: 1 mAs at maximum achievable SID. Effective dose was highest for images acquired using both incubator tray and 100 cm SID owing to a decrease in focus to skin distance. There is significant increase (p < 0.01) in VGA between using 0.5 mAs and 1 mAs but an apparent lack of increase between 1 and 1.5 mAs.ConclusionUsing the incubator tray has an adverse effect on both image quality and radiation dose for incubator imaging. Direct exposure is optimal for this type of examination but if tray needs to be used, both mAs and SID need to be increased slightly to compensate.Implications for practiceThis study can help inform practice in order to both standardise and optimise chest imaging for neonates in incubators.     

Optimization of computed tomography (CT) arthrography of hip for the visualization of cartilage: an in vitro study

Objective

We sought to optimize the kilovoltage, tube current, and the radiation dose of computed tomographic arthrography of the hip joint using in vitro methods.

Materials and methods

A phantom was prepared using a left femoral head harvested from a patient undergoing total hip arthroplasty and packed in a condom filled with iodinated contrast. The right hip joint of a cadaver was also injected with iodinated contrast. The phantom and the cadaver were scanned using different values of peak kilovoltage (kVp) and tube current (milliamp seconds, mAs). Three different regions of interest (ROI) were drawn in the cartilage, subchondral bone plate, and intraarticular contrast. The attenuation values, contrast/noise ratio (CNR), and effective dose were calculated. Two independent observers classified the quality of the contrast-cartilage interface and the cartilage-subchondral bone plate interface as (1) diagnostic quality or (2) nondiagnostic quality.

Results

Contrast, cartilage, and subchondral bone plate attenuation values decreased at higher kVp. CNR increased with both kVp and mAs. The qualitative analysis showed that in both phantom and cadaver, at 120 kVp and 50 mAs, the contrast-cartilage and cartilage-subchondral bone plate interfaces were of diagnostic quality, with an effective dose decreased to 0.5 MSv.

Conclusions

The absolute effective dose is not directly related to the quality of images but to the specific combination of kVp and mAs used for image acquisition. The combination of 120 kVp and 50 mAs can be suggested to decrease the dose without adversely affect the visibility of cartilage and subchondral bone plate.     

数字摄影受检者辐射剂量调查

目的 了解数字摄影（DR）检查中受检者的辐射剂量水平,为数字放射摄影受检者指导水平的制定提供基础数据。方法 使用热释光剂量计TLD测量受检者不同部位、不同投照方向的入射体表剂量（ESD）;使用剂量面积乘积仪测量受检者不同部位、不同投照方向的剂量面积乘积（DAP）,并利用测量的DAP值,估算出有效剂量（E）。结果 同类检查中,kV和mAs的变化范围较大,不同部位DR检查中ESD、DAP和E的差别均具有统计学意义（F=33.47、24.68、43.19,P<0.05）。其中,ESD和DAP均以腰椎（LAT）最高,均数为4.62mGy/次和2.26Gy·cm²/次;E以腹部（AP）最高,均数为0.59mSv,高于腰椎（LAT）的0.31mSv。结论 DR在加强受检者放射防护最优化方面很有潜力,应尽快建立适合我国国民体质特征的数字放射摄影受检者辐射剂量的指导水平。     

An objective approach to including the entire femur on one antero-posterior projection

Several studies have shown that in trauma imaging, a full length antero-posterior femur on one image is desirable. An increased source image distance (SID) is required, and radiographic approaches to the amount of increase appear to be subjective. The current study investigated objective approaches to optimising the SID and exposure factors for full length femur radiography.Multiple pelvis and femur exposures were made on a cadaver. Dose Area Product was recorded for each exposure, and the image from each was assessed by four independent observers. Image quality was scored using reliable anatomical criteria. The mean image quality scores were considered in the context of the relevant DAP dose to permit comment on an optimal exposure factor combination.Results demonstrated that a source image distance (SID) of 140 cm will permit visualisation of an average length femur, but a SID of 150 cm is recommended as standard to ensure visualisation of the full femur of taller patients. The optimal femur exposure is derived from that of a pelvis using this simple algorithm:

• 1.Remove the grid and increase SID to 140 cm;
• 2.Maintain the kVp;
• 3.Reduce the mAs by the grid factor of 4;
• 4.Then double the mAs to account the 1.5× increase in SID.

The study highlights the greater value of objective and evidence based approaches to radiography over a more subjective approach, and reinforces the ongoing need for research in all aspects and areas of imaging.     

The impact of gonad shielding in anteroposterior (AP) pelvis projections in an adult: A phantom study utilising digital radiography (DR)

IntroductionPositioning relative to the lateral automatic exposure control (AEC) chambers (cranial/caudal orientation) optimises dose and image quality in pelvic radiography. In the cranial orientation introducing gonad shielding (GS) in females may increase radiation dose. The aim of this study was to fully optimise the combination of pelvis orientation and use of GS in both male and females.MethodsAn anthropomorphic pelvis phantom was exposed, with dose area product (DAP) recorded, in both orientations without GS and four conditions with GS: cranial orientation (female/male), caudal orientation (female/male). A 4 cm × 4 cm grid incorporating thirteen positions for the GS resulted in 52 experimental settings. Blind image quality assessment, utilising a modified scale, was undertaken by two experienced observers.ResultsComparing no GS (caudal orientation) to female GS, no significant change in DAP was seen (3.97 v 4.03 dGy*cm²; Mann–Whitney p = 0.060). Comparing no GS (cranial orientation) to male GS no significant change in DAP was seen (8.66 v 8.77 dGy*cm²; Mann–Whitney; p = 0.210). DAP increased significantly with introduction of female GS in the cranial orientation (23%: 8.66 v 10.65 dGy*cm², Mann–Whitney; p < 0.001) and male GS in the caudal orientation (22.8%: 3.97 v 4.87 dGy*cm², Mann–Whitney; p < 0.001). Significantly higher repeat rates (Chi-squared test; p < 0.001) were seen for GS in female (85–100%) compared to male (30.8%).ConclusionThe use of gonad shielding can increase DAP and lead to repeats being required, with more required for female GS usage, suggesting the utility of GS for pelvis examinations is questionable.Implications for practiceOptimisation of radiation dose in pelvic radiographic examinations utilising AEC terminated exposures requires consideration of AEC chamber position and GS usage.     

An option for optimising the radiographic technique for horizontal beam lateral (HBL) hip radiography when using digital X-ray equipment

AimTo investigate the optimum technique for the horizontal beam lateral (HBL) hip projection considering image quality and radiation dose.MethodsUsing digital radiography equipment an anthropomorphic phantom was positioned for a HBL projection of the hip. Radiographic exposures were undertaken across a range of acquisition parameters (tube potentials, source to image distances, object to detector distances, with and without an anti-scatter radiation grid/additional copper filtration). Each acquisition combination was imaged three times and the dose area product (DAP) and post-AEC mAs recorded. 168 images were acquired. A single observer evaluated five anatomical areas on all images using a two-alternative force choice technique. The reference image was selected based on the current locally accepted technique. 50 images out of the original 168 were independently assessed by a further four observers to ensure reliability of the results.ResultsImage quality, when comparing all the images to the reference, was improved on in two cases; however the radiation dose had increased. 18 images had equal image quality with some having an 80% reduction in the DAP. In terms of the diagnostic acceptability, 51 were considered acceptable with a lower radiation dose.ConclusionBy optimising acquisition factors for the HBL hip projection the radiation dose to the patient can be reduced. Based on the findings the factors proposed for HBL hip projections are 90 kVp, 135 cm SID, 45 cm ODD, grid and 0.1 mm copper filtration.     

Body size and tube voltage-dependent guiding equations for optimal selection of image acquisition parameters in clinical X-ray imaging

The purpose of this work was to present body size and tube voltage-dependent equations for optimal selection of image acquisition parameters in guiding clinical X-ray imaging. The dose output of X-ray tubes was expressed as a function of the image acquisition parameters of tube voltage (kVp), tube current–exposure time product (mAs), and body size (d). Dose power (n) to kVp was determined to be a linear function of body size in an earlier phantom study. Tube voltage-dependent attenuation coefficients of water were used to determine the kVp effect on the depth dose of X-rays from the body’s entrance surface. The new expression for the dose output of X-ray tubes in patients was then employed for image quality and radiation dose optimization, assuming that image quality is a logistic function of the radiation dose to patients. For constant kVp, the percentage of mAs increase for a 1-cm increase in body size d is dependent on the kVp applied. For constant mAs, the percentage of kVp increase for a 1-cm increase in body size is dependent on both body size d and the kVp applied. For constant body size, the percentage of kVp increase should be a fraction of the percentage of decrease in the mAs, where the fraction is dependent on the body size. The improved body size and tube voltage-dependent governing equations for variations in X-ray imaging parameters should be more accurate in guiding optimal selection of the kVp and mAs image acquisition parameters in medical X-ray imaging.     

The effect of beam tube potential variation on gonad dose to patients during chest radiography investigated using high sensitivity LiF:Mg,Cu,P thermoluminescent dosemeters

Optimization of X-ray beam tube potential (kVp) in radiological examinations can minimize patient dose. This research aims to investigate the effect of tube potential variation on gonad doses to patients during posteroanterior (PA) chest radiography examinations. This study was carried out using a Toshiba general purpose X-ray unit and a Rando phantom. Dose measuring equipment included an ion chamber system, a dose-area product (DAP) meter and a thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) reader system with high sensitivity TLD pellets of LiF:Mg,Cu,P for low level gonad dose measurement. PA chest exposures of the phantom to produce a constant exit dose were made using a standard low tube potential (range 60-100 kVp) non-grid technique and a high tube potential (range 95-150 kVp) grid technique. Entrance surface doses (ESDs) and DAPs were also included in the measurements. Effective doses (EDs) were computed from ESD and DAP measurements using NRPB-SR262 and Xdose software. Results show that with the low tube potential technique both ovary dose and testes dose increase with increasing tube potential; statistically significant correlations of r = 0.994 (p = 0.0006) and r = 0.998 (p = 0.001), respectively, were found. For both organs, doses increase at a rate of approximately 2% per kVp. With the high tube potential technique there is insignificant correlation between gonad doses and tube potential. When comparing patient doses from typical exposures made at 70 kVp (low tube potential non-grid technique) with doses from exposures made at 120 kVp (high tube potential grid technique), the high tube potential technique delivers significantly higher values for ESD, and ovary, testes and effective doses by factors of 1.7, 5.2, 5.5 and 2.7, respectively.