Background/Introduction
Computed tomography (CT) is a powerful imaging technique that provides high-contrast images and good spatial and temporal resolution [1],
but it involves higher radiation doses than other radiological investigations.
In the last 40 years CT systems have increasingly been used in clinical practice,
with growing concerns about patient radiation protection,
in particular for screening exams [2] or pediatric acquisitions [3,4].
Especially for these exams the risk to benefit ratio should be deeply evaluated,
according to the ALARA principle [5].
Different studies have focused on dose...
Description of activity and work performed
Since the Siemens Somatom Definition Flash CT acquisition,
the medical physics unit performed an important work of CT characterization [11].
In particular,
a preliminary study was performed on two phantoms: a Catphan 600 and a water phantom,
as shown in Fig. 2 .
Both phantoms were acquired with two full-dose protocols (FDPs): Thorax-Abdominal-Dual Energy protocol (TA protocol,
tube A 100kV,
tube B 140kV,
230 mAs Ref-mAs of tube A and reconstruction kernel I30f strength 2) and Head protocol (H protocol,
tube 120kV,
390 mAs Ref-mAs...
Conclusion and Recommendations
Protocols optimization by the use of iterative reconstruction methods,
such as SAFIRE,
can lead to an important dose reduction.
The study point out the attention to the choice of the reconstruction kernel as a function of the dose reduction and of the diagnostic IQ desired.
A dose reduction up to the 30% is of great importance especially for oncological patients,
which undergo multiple follow up CT exams every year.
We want to emphasize the importance to optimize protocols following a well defined path,
avoiding fast/easy...
Personal/Organisational information
M.
Poli,
C.
Bracco and M.
Stasi Unit of Medical Physics,
Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO,
IRCCS Candiolo (IT) WEB: http://www.ircc.it/irccit/?q=node/55
D.
Campanella and D.
Regge Unit of Radiology,
Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO,
IRCCS Candiolo/IT WEB: http://www.ircc.it/irccit/?q=Imaging
References
[1] Thorsten M.
Buzug,
Computed Tomography: From Photon Statistics to Modern Cone-Beam CT. Springer,
2010
[2] Chang KJ,
Yee J.
Dose reduction methods for CT colonography.
Abdom Imaging.
2013 Apr;38(2):224-32.
[3] Brenner DJ et al.
Computed tomography - An increasing source of radiation exposure.
N Engl J Med.
2007 Nov 29;357(22):2277-84.
[4] Sanchez R,
Khong PL,
Ringertz H.
Radiologic protection in pediatric radiology: ICRP recommendations.
Pediatr Radiol.
2013 May 2
[5] Khong PL,
Ringertz H,
Donoghue V,
Frush D,
Rehani M,
Appelgate K,
Sanchez R....