Radiation dose reduction to breast and thyroid during MDCT: effectiveness of an in-plane bismuth shield

PURPOSE: To evaluate dose reduction and image deterioration using in-plane bismuth breast-shielding and thyroid-shielding for MDCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Skin and organ doses of thyroid and breast were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters in a female Alderson-Rando Phantom with and without a 4-ply in-plane bismuth shield. Routine neck (120 kVp, 150 mAs(eff); 16 x 1.5 mm) and chest (120 kVp, 100 mAs(eff); 16 x 1.5 mm) scan protocols were simulated on a 16-row MDCT scanner in three different settings: without shielding, with the shield directly on the surface, and with a 1-cm-thick cotton spacer between surface and shield. Image noise was quantified and compared using the t test. RESULTS: On average, shielding resulted in a 47% organ-dose reduction for the thyroid and 32% for the breast. Placement of the spacer between shield and surface had no significant impact on the measured doses, but significantly decreased the image noise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In-plane bismuth breast and thyroid shielding significantly decreases radiation dose in MDCT without deteriorating image quality.     

铋屏蔽对头颈部多层螺旋CT中眼晶状体辐射剂量的降低作用

目的 探讨扫描平面内铋屏蔽在头颈部多层螺旋CT(MSCT)扫描中对影像质量的影响和眼晶状体辐射剂量的降低作用.方法 分别使用颅脑、颞骨和鼻窦临床扫描条件,在无屏蔽、1层、2层和3层铋屏蔽覆盖眼部区域时,对标准水模和离体头颅标本进行扫描,用热释光剂量片测量头颅标本每次扫描时的眼晶状体器官剂量.在屏蔽材料和被扫描体间放置5、10、15和20 mm厚的海绵时,使用鼻窦扫描条件采集影像,并测量眼晶状体的剂量.测量水模影像中与屏蔽物为2、4、6和8 cm距离处的CT值,主观评价头颅标本影像中伪影对解剖结构的影响.结果 颅脑、颞骨和鼻窦CT临床扫描中眼晶状体的器官剂量分别为24.31、27.60和20.01 mGy.使用铋屏蔽时,均使得眼晶状体剂量有显著下降,但下降幅度随着铋屏蔽物的增加而降低.在各种厚度的屏蔽物时,屏蔽物间隙越大,眼晶状体剂量的降低程度越小,测量兴趣区CT值的增加程度也显著降低.颅脑和颞骨CT扫描分别使用2层和3层铋屏蔽,在不影响诊断的前提下,可有效降低眼晶状体剂量分别为47.1%和59.1%;鼻窦CT扫描时,1层屏蔽无间隙、2层屏蔽1.5 cm间隙不影响诊断,可降低眼晶状体剂量分别为31.5%和34.5%.结论 扫描平面内铋屏蔽材料的合理应用,可有效降低头颈部CT扫描中眼晶状体的辐射剂量.     

Reduction of dose to the female breast in thoracic CT: a comparison of standard-protocol, bismuth-shielded, partial and tube-current-modulated CT examinations

We evaluated the potential for reduction of dose to the female breast in computed tomography (CT) of the thorax by using three different techniques: bismuth shielding, partial CT scanning and tube-current modulation (TCM). Measurements and simulations of dose and image quality were performed for a 64-slice CT system using a semi-anthropomorphic thorax phantom with breasts added. Three-dimensional dose distributions were calculated by Monte Carlo (MC) methods. Noise was determined by measurements and simulations. Bismuth shielding resulted in a dose reduction of about 50% for the breast, noise increased up to 40% and image quality was impaired by artifacts. In partial CT scans, not irradiating the breasts directly, dose to the breasts was reduced typically by 50%. To sustain a constant noise level, an increase of irradiation in the anteroposterior position resulted in a higher dose to the spine. Reduction of dose to the breasts of about 10% was achieved with TCM; distribution of noise was homogeneous and image quality uniform. Reduction of dose to the female breast was achieved by using all adapted CT methods. Bismuth shielding may compromise image quality, increase noise level and introduce streak artifacts. Partial and TCM examinations reduced dose to the breast without influencing 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.     

In-plane bismuth breast shields for pediatric CT: effects on radiation dose and image quality using experimental and clinical data

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the amount of radiation dose reduction and its effect on image quality when using an in-plane bismuth breast shield for multidetector CT (MDCT) of the chest and abdomen in female pediatric patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive MDCT examinations (chest, 29; abdomen, 21) of female pediatric patients (mean age, 9 years; range, 2 months-18 years) were performed with a 2-ply (1.7 g of bismuth per square centimeter) bismuth shield (three sizes to accommodate patients of varying sizes) overlying the patient's breasts. MDCT images were evaluated for a perceptible difference in image quality in the lungs at the anatomic level under the shield as compared with nonshielded lung and whether the images were of diagnostic quality. In addition, 2-mm regions of interest were placed in the peripheral anterior and posterior portions of each lung in shielded and nonshielded areas, and noise (standard deviation in Hounsfield units) was measured in the regions. Differences among the regions in noise were compared for shielded versus nonshielded areas (paired t test). To measure differences in actual dose, we also evaluated the breast shield with an infant anthropomorphic phantom using thermoluminescent detectors in the breast tissue. The phantom was imaged with and without the breast shield using identical MDCT parameters. RESULTS: All MDCT scans of patients were of diagnostic quality with no perceptible difference in image quality in shielded versus nonshielded lung. We found no statistically significant difference in noise between the shielded and nonshielded lung regions of interest (shielded: mean noise, 17.3 H; nonshielded: mean noise, 18.8 H; p = 0.5180). Phantom measurements revealed a 29% reduction in radiation dose to the breast when a medium-dose MDCT protocol was used. CONCLUSION: Bismuth in-plane breast shielding for pediatric MDCT decreased radiation dose to the breast without qualitative or quantitative changes in image quality.     

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.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of a bismuth shield during CT examinations

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a bismuth shield (Attenurad F&L Medical Products, Vandergrift, PA) in reducing the dose to surface organs during Computed Tomography (CT) examinations. The shield was evaluated for reduction of the dose to breast during chest examinations and reduction of the dose to the lens of the eye during brain examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dose was measured on patients (10 for the eye and 30 for the breast), and on an anthropomorphic phantom (Alderson Rando). The reduction of image quality was evaluated both qualitatively by an expert radiologist, and in terms of increased noise on the phantom images (Rando). RESULTS: The use of the protective device reduced the dose by 34% to the breast and 50% to the lens. These figures are confirmed by the measurements taken both on patients and on the anthropomorphic phantom. The protective device reduced image quality in the regions immediately beneath it, but in the cases considered, those regions were of no diagnostic interest, while in the brain and lung regions, the quality is only slightly reduced, always allowing a correct diagnostic evaluation. Numerical analysis also led to the conclusion that a modest increase in noise is only statistically significant for the anterior portions of the lung. When present, the artifacts appeared outside the field of clinical interest. That is mainly due to the use of a foam pad (0.7 - 1 cm thick) to protect the breast. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The protection proved effective both in the case of breast and of lens, leading to a significant reduction in dose, without excessively affecting image quality. The shield proved easy to use, and did not increase the examination time.     

Dose reduction to radiosensitive tissues in CT. Do commercially available shields meet the users' needs?

AIM: To assess the effectiveness and economy of routinely using commercially available in-plane bismuth shielding during CT scanning of the chest and brain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty patients were scanned with thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs) in situ to measure the radiation dose to the thyroid and eye during CT scanning of the brain and chest. Half of the patients had the "AttenuRad" shield in place during scanning. RESULTS: Use of the shielding reduced the mean dose to the eye from 6.0 +/- 0.3 mGy to 4.9 mGy +/- 0.2 mGy and the thyroid dose from 16.4 mGy +/- 1.2 mGy to 7.1 mGy +/- 0.5 mGy. CONCLUSION: Use of the thyroid shield is recommended for all CT scanning of the chest. The eye shield does not produce as marked a reduction in radiation dose to the lens of the eye, when an angled gantry is used, since the eyes are not in the primary beam. Use of the eyeshield is justifiable where irradiation of the orbit is unavoidable, although whether artifacts would be a problem if the shield was used in this way was not assessed.     

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.     

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。     

Dose reduction in multislice CT by means of bismuth shields: results of in vivo measurements and computed evaluation

Purpose

We investigated the amount of patient dose reduction in the thyroid, lens of the eye and the breast when using bismuth protections in multislice computed tomography (CT) exams as well as their influence on the quality of diagnostic images.

Materials and methods

The radiation dose was measured by using thermoluminescence dosimeters. The study was conducted on the two CT scanners installed in our radiology department (64 and eight slices). The shield effects on the CT image were evaluated by measuring the signal-to-noise ratio in a phantom and in vivo, and by verifying the presence of artefacts on patients’ images. The obtained organ-dose reduction factors were used to evaluate the effects of shielding on the effective dose.

Results

The shielding attenuation ranged from 30% to 60% depending on the CT scan protocols and organs. The difference between shielded and unshielded signal-to-noise ratio was statistically significant but within the standard requirements for quality assurance. Results were in agreement with the radiologists’ perception of image quality. The use of the shields allowed up to 38% reduction of effective dose.

Conclusions

Use of bismuth shields significantly decreases both organ and effective radiation dose, with a consequent reduction in health risk for the patient, quantified in 1.4 fewer cases of radiation-induced tumours every 5 years in our centre (12,100 exams/year), in agreement with the risk factors proposed by Publication 60 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The relative inexpensiveness of these protections, their easy application and their substantial lack of influence on image quality suggest their massive introduction into routine clinical practice.     

Dose reduction in computed tomography: the effect of eye and testicle shielding on radiation dose measured in patients with beryllium oxide-based optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of eye and testicle shielding on radiation dose to the lens and the testes of patients undergoing CT examinations. Fifty-one male patients underwent CT twice with identical protocols initially without, the second time with protective garments. Doses to the testes and the lenses were recorded with beryllium oxide-based dosimeters. The dose to the testes and lenses from CT exposure was reduced by 96.2% ± 1.7% and 28.2% ± 18.5%, when testicle and eye shielding was used, respectively. The effect of the eye shielding on the eye lens dose was found to depend on the x-ray tube position when the eye is primarily exposed during the scan. The maximum eye lens dose reduction achieved was found to be 43.2% ± 6.5% corresponding to the anterior position of the tube. A significant correlation between the patient’s body mass index and dose exposure could not be found. Eye and testicle shields, apart from being inexpensive and easy to use, were proven to be effective in reducing eye lens and testicle radiation dose burden from CT exposures.     

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.     

高级迭代重建算法降低盆腔CT剂量潜能的模体研究

目的 探讨应用自适应统计迭代重建(ASiR)和基于模型的迭代重建(MBIR)降低盆腔CT扫描剂量的可行性。方法 应用宝石能谱CT以不同的管电流对标准男性模体扫描,记录不同毫安值扫描条件下的容积CT剂量指数(CTDI_vol)和剂量长度乘积(DLP),测量滤过反投影重建(FBP)、50% ASiR及MBIR 3种重建模式下图像的平均CT值、噪声及对比噪声比。由3位高年资医师对图像给予主观评价。结果 50% ASiR及MBIR重建算法比FBP重建算法噪声明显减少,对比噪声比明显提高。能够符合诊断要求的最小mA值分别为250 mA (FBP)、180 mA(50% ASiR) 和100 mA (MBIR)。在同等图像质量情况下,50% ASiR及 MBIR重建模式分别可减少剂量28.0% 及59.9%。结论 高级迭代重建算法能够减少图像噪声,提高图像对比噪声比,降低盆腔CT剂量。     

Low-dose CT of the paranasal sinuses with eye lens protection: effect on image quality and radiation dose

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of lens protection on image quality and radiation dose to the eye lenses in CT of the paranasal sinuses. In 127 patients referred to rule out sinusitis, an axial spiral CT with a lens protection placed on the patients eyes was obtained (1.5/2/1, 50 mAs, 120 kV). Coronal views were reconstructed at 5-mm interval. To quantify a subjective impression of image quality, three regions of interest within the eyeball were plotted along a line perpendicular to the protection at 2, 5, and 9 mm beneath skin level on the axial images. Additionally, dose reduction of a bismuth-containing latex shield was measured using a film-dosimetry technique. The average eyeball density was 17.97 HU (SD 3.7 HU). The relative increase in CT density was 180.6 (17.7), 103.3 (11.7), and 53.6 HU (9.2), respectively. There was no diagnostic information loss on axial and coronal views observed. Artifacts were practically invisible on images viewed in a bone window/level setting. The use of the shield reduced skin radiation from 7.5 to 4.5 mGy. The utilization of a radioprotection to the eye lenses in paranasal CT is a suitable and effective means of reducing skin radiation by 40%.     

Added copper filtration in digital paediatric double-contrast colon examinations: effects on radiation dose and image quality

Paediatric double-contrast barium enema examinations are usually performed at high tube voltage, 102–105 kV. The aim of this study was to investigate how much the effective dose to the child could be reduced by increasing the X-ray energy further by adding copper filter in the beam, and if this dose reduction could be achieved without endangering image quality. Organ doses to an anthropomorphic phantom simulating a 1-year-old child was measured using thermoluminescence dosimetry for assessment of the effective dose and this value was compared with the energy imparted which was obtained from kerma-area product measurements. To verify that the image quality achieved with this added filtration was still diagnostically acceptable, the study included 15 patient examinations. Since the increased X-ray energy will most probably affect low-contrast objects, image quality was also evaluated with two different phantoms containing low-contrast objects. Effective dose for a complete examination can be decreased 44 % and energy imparted 77 % when a 0.3-mm copper filter is inserted in the beam at tube voltage 102 kV. The patient study did not show any significant deterioration of image quality, whereas phantom measurements of contrast-detail resolution and signal-to-noise ratio was marginally impaired by the added copper filtration. This technique is now in clinical practice for paediatric colon examinations. Received 31 July 1996; Revision received 23 December 1996; Accepted 12 February 1997     

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。     

能谱纯化联合器官剂量调制技术对婴幼儿头部CT扫描器官剂量及图像质量影响的体模研究

目的探讨能谱纯化技术(SPS)、器官剂量调制技术(OBTCM)以及两者结合对婴幼儿头部CT扫描器官剂量及图像质量的影响。方法利用两个头部仿真体模(CIRS 1岁和5岁), 分别采用参考扫描模式(Reference)、Reference + OBTCM、SPS及SPS+OBTCM 4种模式进行扫描;测量并比较不同体模不同扫描模式眼晶状体、脑部前侧及脑部后侧的辐射剂量, 眼眶和脑实质区域的噪声水平及对比噪声比(CNR)。结果相比Reference模式, 1岁与5岁体模的眼晶状体剂量在Reference + OBTCM模式分别减少约(21.89±0.01)%和(28.33±0.34)%;在SPS模式下, 1岁和5岁体模的眼晶状体剂量减少分别为(71.38±1.30)%和(53.72±2.42)%;SPS+OBTCM模式分别减少约(71.12±2.54)%和(55.73±1.90)%。不同体模不同扫描模式眼眶及脑实质的噪声水平, 差异有统计学意义(F=5.67～85.47, P<0.05);与Reference模式相比, Reference + OBTCM模式的噪声水平在不同体模不同部位...     

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.     

Reduction of absorbed doses in radiography of the facial skeleton

Radiation absorbed doses from radiography of the paranasal sinuses and the facial skeleton were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) on a phantom head using high-sensitivity screens in an Orbix stand. The entrance doses to the skin of the head ranged from 0.31 to 2.9 mGy per exposure. The absorbed dose from a full series of sinus exposures averaged 0.33 mGy for the oral mucous membrane, 0.33 mGy for the maxillary sinus mucous membrane, 0.11 mGy for the parotid gland, 0.15 mGy for the submandibular gland, 0.61 mGy for the eye lens, and 0.75 mGy for the thyroid gland region. A leaded soft collar adapted to the thyroid region reduced the thyroid doses by more than one order of magnitude, but also reduced the image field. The mean energy imparted from a full series of paranasal sinus projections was 4.8 mJ and from a total series of the facial skeleton, 7.9 mJ.