Radiation dose estimates in dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography

The purpose of this study was to quantify radiation dose parameters of dual-source CT coronary angiography. Eighty patients underwent contrast-enhanced, retrospectively ECG-gated dual-source CT coronary angiography with heart rate-adapted ECG pulsing using two algorithms: In 40 patients, the tube current was reduced to 20% (A_min1) of the normal tube current (A_max) outside the pulsing window; in 40 patients tube current was reduced to 4% (A_min2) of A_max. Mean CTDI_vol in the A_min1 group was 45.1 ± 3.6 mGy; the mean CTDI_vol in the A_min2 group was 39.1 ± 3.2 mGy, with CTDI_vol in the A_min2 group being significantly reduced when compared to the A_min1 group (P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between CTDI_vol and heart rate in group A_min1 (r = −0.82, P < 0.001), whereas no correlation was found between CTDI_vol and heart rate in group A_min2 (r = −0.066). Using the conversion coefficient for the chest, dual-source CT coronary angiography resulted in an estimated mean effective dose of 8.8 mSv in the A_min1 group and 7.8 mSv in the A_min2. Radiation exposure of dual-source CT coronary angiography using an ECG-pulsing protocol reducing the tube current to 20% significantly decreases with increasing heart rates, despite using wider pulsing windows at higher heart rates. When using a protocol with reduced tube current of 4%, the radiation dose is significantly lower, irrespective of the heart rate.     

Adequate image quality with reduced radiation dose in prospectively triggered coronary CTA compared with retrospective techniques

The goal of our study was to compare a prospective triggering (PT) CT technique with retrospectively gated (RG) CT techniques in coronary computed tomographic angiograms (CCTA) with respect to image quality and radiation dose. Sixty consecutive patients were enrolled. CCTAs using the RG technique were obtained with a dual-source 64-slice CT system in 40 patients, using ECG-triggered tube current modulation, with either a broad pulsing window at 30–80% of the RR interval (group RGb, 20 patients, heart rate > 70 bpm) or a small pulsing window at 70% (group RGs, 20 patients, heart rate < 70 bpm). The other 20 patients underwent CCTA using the PT technique on a 128-slice CT system (group PT, heart rate < 70 bpm). All images were evaluated by two observers for quality on a three-point scale, with 1 being excellent and 3 being insufficient. The effective radiation dose was calculated for each patient. The average image quality score was 1.5 ± 0.6 for PT, 1.35 ± 0.5 for RGs and 1.65 ± 0.5 for RGb. The mean effective dose for RGb was 9 ± 4 mSv, for RGs 7 ± 3 mSv and for PT 3 ± 1 mSv. This represents a 57% dose reduction for PT compared with RGs and a 67% dose reduction for PT compared with RGb. In conclusion, in selected patients CCTA with the PT technique offers adequate image quality with a significantly lower radiation dose compared with CCTA using RG techniques. None of the authors have financial or other kinds of interests that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with this article.     

Direct radiation exposure of the eye lenses in cranial computed tomography and exposure reduction through radiographer training

IntroductionIonizing radiation can cause increased opacity of the lens and later lead to radiation-induced cataract.Therefore, the eye lens should be positioned outside of the direct radiation beam in cranial computed tomography (CCT). If this is not possible, protective measures must be taken, which includes the use of external lens protectors. In this study we assess whether direct radiation exposure of the eyes in CCT can be reduced by trained radiographers and whether the use of eye lens protectors improves after training.MethodsFirst, we evaluated 763 non-enhanced CCT regarding direct radiation exposure of eyeballs and eye lenses and usage of lens shielding. Afterwards, we trained radiographers to avoid radiation exposure of the eyes by head adjustment and protectors and assessed the improvements in a subsequent study of 678 CCT. We tried to identify factors that influenced radiation exposure of the eye lens.ResultsAfter training, frequency of radiation exposure of lenses was significantly reduced by 5.9% (220/763 patients in pre- vs. 155/678 patients in post-training group, p = 0.01). The use of external lens protectors significantly increased after training by 9.8% (37/763 patients in pre- vs. 99/678 patients in post-training group, p < 0.001). The absence of tiltable headrest was a risk factor for increased eye lens radiation exposure in the pre-training group. The presence of cervical spine immobilizer was associated with more frequent radiation exposure of the lenses in the pre- and post-training group.ConclusionsRadiographer training and the use of tiltable headrest lead to reduction of radiation exposure to the eye lens.Implications for practiceRadiographer training is an effective method to reduce eye lens exposure in CCT. The usage of tiltable headrest minimizes the radiation exposure of the lenses.     

Prospectively gated axial CT coronary angiography: preliminary experiences with a novel low-dose technique

To assess image quality and radiation exposure with prospectively gated axial CT coronary angiography (PGA) compared to retrospectively gated helical techniques (RGH). Forty patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and a stable heart rate below 65 bpm underwent CT coronary angiography (CTCA) using a 64-channel CT system. The patient cohort consisted of 20 consecutive patients examined using a PGA technique and 20 patients examined using a standard RGH technique. Both groups were matched demographically according to age, gender, body mass index, and heart rate. For both groups, two independent observers assessed image quality for all coronary segments on an ordinal scale from 1 (nonassessable) to 5 (excellent quality). Image quality and radiation exposure were compared between patient groups. There were no significant differences in vessel-based image quality between the two groups (P > 0.05). Mean (± SD) effective radiation exposure in the PGA group was 3.7 ± 0.8 mSv compared to 18.9 ± 3.8 mSv in the RGH group without ECG-based tube current modulation (P < 0.001). Preliminary experience shows PGA technique to be a promising approach for CTCA resulting in a substantial reduction in radiation exposure with image quality comparable to that of standard RGH technique. This paper has not yet been submitted for publication elsewhere. The abstract was accepted for presentation in the scientific sessions of ESR 2008.     

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。     

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。     

Initial experience with a chest pain protocol using 320-slice volume MDCT

We sought to determine the feasibility and image quality of 320-slice volume computed tomography (CT) angiography for the evaluation of patients with acute chest pain. Thirty consecutive patients (11 female, 19 male, mean age 63.2 ± 14.2 years) with noncritical, acute chest pain underwent 320-slice CT using a protocol consisting of a nonspiral, nongated CT of the entire chest, followed by a nonspiral, electrocardiography-gated CT study of the heart. Data were acquired following a biphasic intravenous injection of 90 ml iodinated contrast agent. Vessel attenuation values of different thoracic vascular territories were recorded, and image quality scored on a five-point scale by two readers. Mean attenuation was 467 ± 69 HU in the ascending aorta, 334 ± 52 HU in the aortic arch, 455 ± 71 HU in the descending aorta, 492 ± 94 HU in the pulmonary trunk, and 416 ± 63 HU and 436 ± 62 HU in the right and left coronary artery, respectively. Radiation exposure estimates ranged between 7 and 14 mSv. The CT protocol investigated enabled imaging of the thoracic aorta, coronary and pulmonary arteries with an excellent diagnostic quality for chest pain triage in all patients. This result was achieved with less contrast material and reduced radiation exposure compared with previously investigated imaging protocols.     

CT Fluoroscopy for Image-Guided Procedures: Physician Radiation Dose During Full-Rotation and Partial-Angle CT Scanning

PurposeTo determine physician radiation exposure when using partial-angle computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy (PACT) vs conventional full-rotation CT and whether there is an optimal tube/detector position at which physician dose is minimized.Materials and MethodsPhysician radiation dose (entrance air kerma) was measured for full-rotation CT (360°) and PACT (240°) at all tube/detector positions using a human-mimicking phantom placed in a 64-channel multidetector CT. Parameters included 120 kV, 20- and 40-mm collimation, and 100 mA. The mean, standard deviation, and increase/decrease in physician dose compared with a full-rotation scan were reported.ResultsPhysician radiation exposure during CT fluoroscopy with PACT was highly dependent on the position of the tube/detector during scanning. The lowest PACT physician dose was when the physician was on the detector side (center view angle 116°; ?35% decreased dose vs full-angle CT). The highest PACT physician dose was with the physician on the tube side (center view angle 298°; +34% increased dose vs full-angle CT), all doses P <.05 vs full-rotation CT.ConclusionsPartial-angle CT has the potential to both significantly increase or decrease physician radiation dose during CT fluoroscopy-guided procedures. The detector/tube position has a profound effect on physician dose. The lowest dose during PACT was achieved when the physician was located on the detector side (ie, distant from the tube). This data could be used to optimize CT fluoroscopy parameters to reduce physician radiation exposure for PACT-capable scanners.     

The case for radioprotective eyewear/facewear. Practical implications and suggestions

Numerous eyeglass lens materials have been recommended for protection of radiologists' eyes from the cataractogenic effect of radiation during fluoroscopic procedures. For the most part, these lenses coincidentally attenuate x-ray beams because they contain elements of high atomic number that are added to increase refractive index. With a bean hardened to simulate scatter, direct transmission ratios were measured for 32 commercially available lens materials. Scatter to the eye, both through and around the glass lenses and secondary scatter to the eye from the radiologist's head, was determined with lenses mounted on a head phantom and a 1-cm3 ion chamber in the position of the eye. Transmission ratios for the various lenses ranged from 3% to 98% for an 80 kVp x-ray beam (HVL = 4.5 mm Al). Measurements with the head phantom in place show that secondarily scattered radiation from the fluoroscopist's head contributes significantly to ocular exposure. Optimal radiation protection of the eyes during fluoroscopy depends not only on eyeglasses with leaded glass, but also on shielding of sufficient size and shape to reduce exposure to the surrounding head.     

Lens of the eye: radiation dose in balloon dacryocystoplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the absorbed radiation dose to the lens of the eye, which is the critical organ in the primary beam during fluoroscopically guided transluminal balloon dilation of the lacrimal drainage system (balloon dacryocystoplasty) for obstructive epiphora and to evaluate the possibility of deterministic radiation effect on the lens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiation dose to the lens of the eye during balloon dacryocystoplasty (which includes pre- and postintervention dacryocystography) was measured in 10 consecutive patients by using thermoluminescent dosimeters on the lids of both eyes as close as possible to the lenses. A C-arm angiographic unit coupled with a digital imaging system was used, with similar exposure and geometric parameters in all cases. RESULTS: The mean radiation dose to the lens of the treated eye was 4.6 mGy +/- 2.2 (dose range, 1.9-9.1 mGy) and to that of the untreated eye was 38.5 mGy +/- 17.5 (dose range, 14.7-67.8 mGy). CONCLUSION: The lens of the untreated eye receives a higher dose than that of the treated eye because of its closer proximity to the x-ray tube in a lateral projection. In the lens, even the highest measured radiation dose (67.8 mGy) still was well below the deterministic threshold for lens opacity and cataract formation.     

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...     

Comprehensive evaluation of occupational radiation exposure to intraoperative and perioperative personnel from <Superscript>18</Superscript>F-FDG radioguided surgical procedures

Purpose  The purpose of the current study was to comprehensively evaluate occupational radiation exposure to all intraoperative and perioperative personnel involved in radioguided surgical procedures utilizing ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG). Methods  Radiation exposure to surgeon, anesthetist, scrub technologist, circulating nurse, preoperative nurse, and postoperative nurse, using aluminum oxide dosimeters read by optically stimulated luminescence technology, was evaluated during ten actual radioguided surgical procedures involving administration of ¹⁸F-FDG. Results  Mean patient dosage of ¹⁸F-FDG was 699 ± 181 MBq (range 451–984). Mean time from ¹⁸F-FDG injection to initial exposure of personnel to the patient was shortest for the preoperative nurse (75 ± 63 min, range 0–182) followed by the circulating nurse, anesthetist, scrub technologist, surgeon, and postoperative nurse. Mean total time of exposure of the personnel to the patient was longest for the anesthetist (250 ± 128 min, range 69–492) followed by the circulating nurse, scrub technologist, surgeon, postoperative nurse, and preoperative nurse. Largest deep dose equivalent per case was received by the surgeon (164 ± 135 μSv, range 10–580) followed by the anesthetist, scrub technologist, postoperative nurse, circulating nurse, and preoperative nurse. Largest deep dose equivalent per hour of exposure was received by the preoperative nurse (83 ± 134 μSv/h, range 0–400) followed by the surgeon, anesthetist, postoperative nurse, scrub technologist, and circulating nurse. Conclusion  On a per case basis, occupational radiation exposure to intraoperative and perioperative personnel involved in ¹⁸F-FDG radioguided surgical procedures is relatively small. Development of guidelines for monitoring occupational radiation exposure in ¹⁸F-FDG cases will provide reassurance and afford a safe work environment for such personnel.     

PET imaging with [<Superscript>18</Superscript>F]3′-deoxy-3′-fluorothymidine for prediction of response to neoadjuvant treatment in patients with rectal cancer

Purpose Positron emission tomography (PET) using ¹⁸F-labelled 3′-deoxy-3′-fluorothymidine (FLT) was assessed for therapy monitoring in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Methods Ten patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were included and underwent long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy (total dose 45 Gy, 1.8 Gy/day, concomitant 250 mg/m² 5-fluorouracil) followed by surgery. FLT-PET was performed prior to chemoradiotherapy, 2 weeks after initiation of chemoradiotherapy and preoperatively (3–4 weeks post chemoradiotherapy). FLT uptake was correlated with histopathological tumour regression and changes in T stage. Results Mean tumour FLT uptake was 4.2±1.0 SUV before therapy and decreased significantly to 2.9 ± 0.6 SUV 14 days after initiation of chemoradiotherapy (−28.6% ± 10.7%, p = 0.005). The preoperative scan showed a further decrease to 1.9 ± 0.4 SUV (−54.7% ± 7.6%, p = 0.005). However, the degree of change in FLT uptake 2 weeks after initiation and after completion of neoadjuvant therapy did not correlate with histopathological tumour regression. Conclusion FLT-PET did not seem to be a promising method for assessment of tumour response in the studied chemoradiotherapy regimen in patients with rectal cancer.     

Estimation of the radiation exposure of a chest pain protocol with ECG-gating in dual-source computed tomography

The aim of the study was to evaluate radiation exposure of a chest pain protocol with ECG-gated dual-source computed tomography (DSCT). An Alderson Rando phantom equipped with thermoluminescent dosimeters was used for dose measurements. Exposure was performed on a dual-source computed tomography system with a standard protocol for chest pain evaluation (120 kV, 320 mAs/rot) with different simulated heart rates (HRs). The dose of a standard chest CT examination (120 kV, 160 mAs) was also measured. Effective dose of the chest pain protocol was 19.3/21.9 mSv (male/female, HR 60), 17.9/20.4 mSv (male/female, HR 80) and 14.7/16.7 mSv (male/female, HR 100). Effective dose of a standard chest examination was 6.3 mSv (males) and 7.2 mSv (females). Radiation dose of the chest pain protocol increases significantly with a lower heart rate for both males (p = 0.040) and females (p = 0.044). The average radiation dose of a standard chest CT examination is about 36.5% that of a CT examination performed for chest pain. Using DSCT, the evaluated chest pain protocol revealed a higher radiation exposure compared with standard chest CT. Furthermore, HRs markedly influenced the dose exposure when using the ECG-gated chest pain protocol.     

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.     

CT-based postimplant dosimetry of prostate brachytherapy: comparison of 1-mm and 5-mm section CT

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between 1-mm and 5-mm section computed tomography (CT)-based postimplant dosimetry. Materials and methods A series of 21 consecutive patients underwent permanent prostate brachytherapy. The postimplant prostate volume was calculated using 1-mm and 5-mm section CT. One radiation oncologist contoured the prostate on CT images to obtain the reconstructed prostate volume (pVol), prostate V₁₀₀ (percent of the prostate volume receiving at least the full prescribed dose), and prostate D₉₀ (mean dose delivered to 90% of the prostate gland). The same radiation oncologist performed the contouring three times to evaluate intraobserver variation and subjectively scored the quality of the CT images. Results The mean ±1 SD postimplant pVol was 20.17 ± 6.66 cc by 1-mm section CT and 22.24 ± 8.48 cc by 5-mm section CT; the difference in the mean values was 2.06 cc (P < 0.01). The mean postimplant prostate V₁₀₀ was 80.44% ± 7.06% by 1-mm section CT and 77.33% ± 10.22% by 5-mm section CT. The mean postimplant prostate D₉₀ was 83.28% ± 10.81% by 1-mm section CT and 78.60% ± 15.75% by 5-mm section CT. In the evaluation of image quality, 5-mm section CT was assigned significantly higher scores than 1-mm section CT. In regard to intraobserver variation, 5-mm section CT revealed less intraobserver variation than 1-mm section CT. Conclusion Our current results suggested that the outcomes of postimplant dosimetry using 1-mm section CT did not improved the results over those obtained using 5-mm section CT in terms of the quality of the CT image or reproducibility.     

Experimental Analysis of Radiation Protection Offered by a Novel Exoskeleton-Based Radiation Protection System versus Conventional Lead Aprons

PurposeTo evaluate the radiation protection offered by an exoskeleton-based radiation protection system (Stemrad MD) and to compare it with that offered by conventional lead aprons.MethodsThe experimental setup involved 2 anthropomorphic phantoms, an operator, a patient, and a C-arm as the x-ray radiation source. Thermoluminescent detectors were used to measure radiation doses to different radiosensitive body parts on the operator phantom both with the exoskeleton and a conventional lead apron at the left radial and right femoral positions. Detected radiation doses for the exoskeleton and lead apron for different body parts and positions were compared.ResultsAt the left radial position, the mean radiation dose (mGy) reduction by the exoskeleton compared with that by the lead apron was >90% for the left eye lens (0.22 ± 0.13 vs 5.18 ± 0.08; P < .0001), right eye lens (0.23 ± 0.13 vs 4.98 ± 0.10; P < .0001), left head (0.11 ± 0.16 vs 3.53 ± 0.07; P < .0001), right head (0.27 ± 0.09 vs 3.12 ± 0.10; P < .0001), and left brain (0.04 ± 0.08 vs 0.46 ± 0.07; P < .0001). At the right femoral position, radiation reduction was >90% for the left eye lens (0.14 ± 0.10 vs 4.16 ± 0.09; P < .0001), right eye lens (0.06 ± 0.08 vs 1.90 ± 0.11; P < .0001), left head (0.10 ± 0.08 vs 4.39 ± 0.08; P < .0001), left brain (0.03 ± 0.07 vs 1.44 ± 0.08; P < .0001), right brain (0.00 ± 0.14 vs 0.11 ± 0.13; P = .06), and thyroid (0.04 ± 0.07 vs 0.27 ± 0.09; P < .0001). Protection of the torso was equivalent to that offered by conventional lead aprons.ConclusionsThe exoskeleton-based system provided superior radiation protection to the physician compared with that provided by conventional lead aprons. The effects are particularly impactful for the brain, eye lens, and head areas.     

Double-phase <Superscript>18</Superscript>F-FDG PET-CT for determination of pulmonary tuberculoma activity

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential role of double phase acquisition of ¹⁸F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for the differentiation of active pulmonary tuberculoma. Methods A total of 25 consecutive patients with pulmonary tuberculoma were enrolled. PET/CT imaging was performed 60 (range 53–71) and 120 min (range 109–131) after injection of ¹⁸F-FDG. The intensity of ¹⁸F-FDG uptake by pulmonary lesions was assessed visually, and the intensity was scored with a four-point scale (grade 1: absent, grade 2: faint, grade 3: moderate, grade 4: intense). Results Active tuberculoma shows statistically significant higher values in maximal standardized uptake values SUV_maxE (active = 2.3 ± 0.75, inactive = 0.79 ± 0.15), SUV_maxD (active = 2.48 ± 0.79, inactive = 0.75 ± 0.13), and %ΔSUV_max (active = 8.07 ± 7.77%, inactive = −3.83 ± 6.59) than those of inactive tuberculoma. When greater than or equal to visual grade 2 was used as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 81.8%. When SUV_maxE 1.05 was used as the cutoff point, the sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 100%. When SUV_maxD 0.97 was used as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.8 and 100%. When %ΔSUV_max 6.59 was used as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity were 71.4 and 100%. The %ΔSUV_max was the potent predictor by logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The ΔSUV_max is a potential predictor for activity of pulmonary tuberculoma. However, the diagnostic performances were similar between visual and quantitative analyses. The visual assessment may be sufficient for determination of pulmonary tuberculoma activity. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and improve statistical accuracy. In-Ju Kim and Jung Sub Lee equally contributed to the current study.     

Whole body 16-row multislice CT in emergency room: effects of different protocols on scanning time, image quality and radiation exposure

The objective of this study was to compare two different scanning protocols in patients suspected to have multiple trauma using multidetector 16-row computed tomography (CT) to better define scanning time, imaging quality and radiation exposure. Forty-six patients, between March 2004 and March 2005, with suspected multiple trauma (cerebral, spine, chest, abdominal and pelvis) were evaluated with two different protocols: Protocol “A” 26 patients; Protocol “B” 20 patients. Protocol A consists of a single-pass continuous whole-body acquisition (from vertex to pubic symphysis), whereas Protocol B of conventional segmented acquisition with scanning of body segments individually. Both protocols were performed using a multidetector 16-rows CT (Light-Speed 16, General Electric Medical System, Milwaukee, WI, USA) with the same technical factors. Radiation dose was evaluated in two ways: computer tomography dose index (CTDI) = dose measured in central and peripheral region of the subjects as a direct result of a CT section acquisition of T millimeters thick (independent from the two protocols) and dose length product (DLP) = total dose deposited over the length of the acquisition (dependent from the two protocols). Image quality was rated according to the following scores: 1, excellent; 2, good; 3, satisfactory; 4, moderate and 5, poor. The results were compared using Wilcoxon’s test to identify significant difference in terms of image quality, scanning time, radiation exposure and presence of artifacts, assuming significance at a p value of <0.05. In the single-pass scanning, DLP was 2.671 mGy × cm and a total scan time of 35 s. In whole-body protocols, we have seen artifacts due to arm adduction in thorax and less image quality in brain. In the conventional segmented study, DLP was 3.217 mGy × cm and a total scan time of 65 s; this protocol offered less extraction capabilities of off-axial on focused images of the entire spine, aorta, facial bones or hip without rescanning. Protocol A revealed a significant decrease in scan time (35 vs 65 min, p < 0.05), time in the CT examination room (21.7 vs 31.6 min.; p < 0.05), and final image analysis (83.7 vs 102.9 min; p < 0.05) and radiation dose compared to protocol B (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found for patient transport time, image reconstruction time and imaging quality. Reconstruction and isotropic reformation of axial image acquired by whole-body, single-pass protocols due to entire spine evaluation, aortic and splanchnic CT angiography eliminate additional studies. The whole-body, single-pass protocols, compared with segmented acquisitions protocols, resulted in a reduced total radiation dose without relevant loss of diagnostic image information.     

64-Slice spiral computed tomography of the coronary arteries: dose reduction using an optimized imaging protocol including individual weight-adaptation of voltage and current–time product

Radiation dose and image quality were compared between a standard protocol (40 patients, group A) and a weight-adapted protocol of voltage and current–time product (44 patients, group B) using 64-slice coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Effective dose estimate was lower by 37% in all patients of group B (9.2 ± 2.5 mSv) compared with group A (14.6 ± 2.3 mSv, P < 0.0001). Group B patients with a small body mass index (BMI) benefited most with a dose reduction of 53% (6.7 ± 1.5 mSv in group B versus 14.1 ± 1.8 mSv in group A, P < 0.0001). Moderate reductions of 32% and 20% were achieved for patients with a medium and large BMI, respectively. Reduction in radiation dose did not affect the image quality as assessed by image noise, signal-to-noise ratios, and number of coronary segments with good diagnostic image quality. Individual weight-adaptation of voltage and current–time product significantly reduces the radiation dose without loss of image quality.