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Rizzo S, Bellesi L, D'Ermo A, Bonomo L, D'Ecclesiis O, Magoga F, Presilla S, Spanò A, Minzolini V, Lo Piccolo F, Heinkel J, Rezzonico E, Del Grande M, Merli M, Del Grande F. Body CT examinations in oncologic patients: the impact of subspecialty radiology on radiation exposure in the clinical practice. A quality care study. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:429-438. [PMID: 38341817 PMCID: PMC10943144 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSES The primary objective of this retrospective study was to assess whether the CT dose delivered to oncologic patients was different in a subspecialty radiology department, compared to a general radiology department. The secondary explorative objective was to assess whether the objective image quality of CT examinations was different in the two settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chest and abdomen CT scans performed for oncologic indications were selected from a general radiology department and a subspecialty radiology department. By using a radiation dose management platform, we extracted and compared CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) both for each phase and for the entire CT exams. For objective image quality evaluation, we calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the level of the liver and of the aorta. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 7098 CT examinations were included. CTDIvol was evaluated in 12,804 phases; DLP in 10,713 phases and in 6714 examinations. The CTDIvol and DLP overall were significantly lower in the subspecialty radiology department compared to the general radiology department CTDI median (IQR) 5.19 (3.91-7.00) and 5.51 (4.17-7.72), DLP median and IQR of 490.0 (342.4-710.6) and 503.4 (359.9-728.8), p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively. The objective image quality showed no significant difference in the general and subspecialty radiology departments, with median and IQR of 4.03 (2.82-5.51) and 3.84 (3.09-4.94) for SNRLiv (p = 0.58); 4.81 (2.70-7.62) and 4.34 (3.05-6.25) for SNRAo (p = 0.30); 0.83 (0.20-1.89) and 1.00 (0.35-1.57) for CNRLiv (p = 0.99); 2.23 (0.09-3.83) and 1.01 (0.15-2.84) for CNRAo (p = 0.24) with SNRLiv (p = 0.58), SNRAo (p = 0.30), CNRLiv (p = 0.99) and CNRAo (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION In a subspecialty radiology department, CT protocols are optimized compared to a general radiology department leading to lower doses to oncologic patients without significant objective image quality degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Rizzo
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università Della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Via G. Buffi 13, 6904, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Luca Bellesi
- Service of Medical Physics, Maging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea D'Ermo
- Service of Process Organization and Information, EOC, Support Area, Via Lugano 4D, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Bonomo
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Oriana D'Ecclesiis
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Magoga
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Presilla
- Service of Medical Physics, Maging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Arturo Spanò
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Veronica Minzolini
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Lo Piccolo
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jurgen Heinkel
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ermidio Rezzonico
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Del Grande
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Merli
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Del Grande
- Clinic of Radiology, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università Della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Via G. Buffi 13, 6904, Lugano, Switzerland
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Prabsattroo T, Wachirasirikul K, Tansangworn P, Punikhom P, Sudchai W. The Dose Optimization and Evaluation of Image Quality in the Adult Brain Protocols of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography: A Phantom Study. J Imaging 2023; 9:264. [PMID: 38132682 PMCID: PMC10743697 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9120264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography examinations have caused high radiation doses for patients, especially for CT scans of the brain. This study aimed to optimize the radiation dose and image quality in adult brain CT protocols. Images were acquired using a Catphan 700 phantom. Radiation doses were recorded as CTDIvol and dose length product (DLP). CT brain protocols were optimized by varying parameters such as kVp, mAs, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) level, and Clearview iterative reconstruction (IR). The image quality was also evaluated using AutoQA Plus v.1.8.7.0 software. CT number accuracy and linearity had a robust positive correlation with the linear attenuation coefficient (µ) and showed more inaccurate CT numbers when using 80 kVp. The modulation transfer function (MTF) showed a higher value in 100 and 120 kVp protocols (p < 0.001), while high-contrast spatial resolution showed a higher value in 80 and 100 kVp protocols (p < 0.001). Low-contrast detectability and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) tended to increase when using high mAs, SNR, and the Clearview IR protocol. Noise decreased when using a high radiation dose and a high percentage of Clearview IR. CTDIvol and DLP were increased with increasing kVp, mAs, and SNR levels, while the increasing percentage of Clearview did not affect the radiation dose. Optimized protocols, including radiation dose and image quality, should be evaluated to preserve diagnostic capability. The recommended parameter settings include kVp set between 100 and 120 kVp, mAs ranging from 200 to 300 mAs, SNR level within the range of 0.7-1.0, and an iterative reconstruction value of 30% Clearview to 60% or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thawatchai Prabsattroo
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Kanokpat Wachirasirikul
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Prasit Tansangworn
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Puengjai Punikhom
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.W.); (P.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Waraporn Sudchai
- Nuclear Technology Service Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand;
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Sulieman A, Almogren KS, Tamam N. Radiation exposure estimation in pediatric patients during computed tomography imaging procedures. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Li X, Steigerwalt D, Rehani MM. T-shirt size as a classification for body habitus in computed tomography (CT) and development of size-based dose reference levels for different indications. Eur J Radiol 2022; 151:110289. [PMID: 35397408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the impact of patient size on dose indices and develop size-based reference levels (50th and 75th percentiles) for 20 body CT exams for routine and organ-specific clinical indications. METHODS Based on effective diameter estimated from adult body CT, each acquisition was classified into T-shirt size as XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Radiation dose indices for each size and each exam type were correlated. RESULTS About 0.93 million CT exams from 256 CT facilities in the United States were analysed. Taking T-shirt size M as a reference, the CTDIvol for other sizes were: XXS (∼60%), XS (∼65%), S (∼75%), L (∼130%), XL (∼165%), XXL (∼210%), or grossly small patients received about 60% of the dose as compared to M sized patients and XXL required doubling the dose. Taking ratio of the dose indices of the largest to smallest size, it was evident that SSDE variation was much less (about 50%) than that in CTDIvol, but there was still nearly 40 to 220% variation in SSDE across the range of t-shirt sizes. The 50th and 75th percentile values are presented for CTDIvol, SSDE and DLP for each of the 20 CT exams and for each of the seven T-shirt sizes. CONCLUSIONS A novel approach expressing body habitus in terms of T-shirt size is not only simple and intuitive, but it also provides a tool to have a perception of differences in dose metrices among patients of different body build.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Li
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Str, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Madan M Rehani
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Str, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Abdulkadir MK, Piersson AD, Musa GM, Audu SA, Abubakar A, Muftaudeen B, Umana JE. Assessment of diagnostic reference levels awareness and knowledge amongst CT radiographers. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43055-021-00444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Reports indicated that numerous factors, including inadequate personnel knowledge, contributes to insufficient patient data for setting up diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of DRLs as an optimisation tool amongst computed tomography (CT) radiographers in northern Nigeria. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was devised and distributed on site to sixty-two CT radiographers in northern Nigeria. A total of fifteen questions were included in the questionnaire focusing on DRLs, dose optimisation and dose descriptors generating quantitative data concerning overall CT radiographers’ perceived knowledge and awareness about DRLs.
Results
A response rate of 77.4% (48/62) was achieved. About 83.3% of the participants declare DRLs awareness, and 37.5% carried out a local dose survey. The percentage correctly perceived knowledge of concepts; DRLs was 45.8%, dose optimisation (42%) and CT dose descriptor (39%). Radiographers with work experience ranging from 4-10 years had the highest score.
Conclusion
In this survey, deficiencies were noted in radiographers’ knowledge about DRLs with precise knowledge gap in the implementation of local dose survey for DRLs and optimisation. There is a need for continuous radiographers’ training with greater emphasis on dose optimisation and institutional based dose evaluation.
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The Importance of Radiation Protection Education and Training for Medical Professionals of All Specialties. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2021; 44:829-834. [PMID: 33988729 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-020-02744-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The article is part of the series of articles on radiation protection. You can find further articles in the special section of the CVIR issue. Lately, more advanced techniques have been introduced in medical imaging expanding the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ionizing radiation. Among the various strategies that have been proposed for the management of radiation exposure, education and training seem to have a strong impact on radiation protection and dose reduction. However, according to several studies, medical professionals appear to lack knowledge on basic radiation protection aspects. Therefore, the establishment of an accreditation and certification system in radiation protection for all medical professionals employing ionizing radiation is considered as high priority. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the importance of education and training in radiation protection, provide recommendations for an effective educational program and propose an educational program structure for the different medical specialties.
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Hayashi S, Takenaka M, Kogure H, Yakushijin T, Maruyama H, Hori Y, Yoshio T, Ikezawa K, Takagi T, Asai S, Matsunaga K, Matsumoto K, Tsumura H, Yamaguchi S, Sumiyoshi T, Nagaike K, Tamaru Y, Hara K, Fujisawa T, Oda I, Ohnita K, Kato M, Nebiki H, Mikami T, Nishihara A, Egawa S, Minami R, Hosono M, Nishida T. A questionnaire survey on radiation protection among 282 medical staff from 26 endoscopy-fluoroscopy departments in Japan. DEN OPEN 2021; 1:e5. [PMID: 35310150 PMCID: PMC8828237 DOI: 10.1002/deo2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS It is essential for endoscopists, technologists, and nurses to understand radiation protection. However, protective equipment usage is still low, and there is little awareness of radiation protection in practice. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire survey on radiation protection from January to February 2020. The participants were medical staff, including medical doctors, nurses, and radiological and endoscopy technician in endoscopy-fluoroscopy departments. The questionnaire included 14 multiple-choice questions divided among three parts: background, equipment, and knowledge. RESULTS We surveyed a total of 282 subjects from 26 institutions. There were 168 medical doctors (60%), 90 nurses (32%), and 24 technologists (9%). Although almost all staff members (99%) always wore a lead apron, only a few wore a thyroid collar (32%) and lead glasses (21%). The rate of wearing a radiation dosimeter was insufficient (69%), especially among doctors (52%). A few subjects knew the radiation exposure dose of each procedure (15%), and slightly over half had attended lectures on radiation protection (64%) and knew about the three principles of radiation protection (59%). Protection adherence did not differ by years of experience, knowledge of fluoroscopy, awareness of radiation exposure doses, or attendance at basic lectures on radiation protection. However, medical doctors who were aware of the radiation exposure dose of each procedure were significantly more likely to wear dosimeters than those who were not (p = 0.0008). CONCLUSION Medical staff in endoscopy departments in Japan do not have enough radiation protection equipment or education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal MedicineHayashi ClinicOsakaJapan
- Department of GastroenterologyToyonaka Municipal HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Mamoru Takenaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Hirofumi Kogure
- Department of GastroenterologyThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Takayuki Yakushijin
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka General Medical CenterOsakaJapan
| | - Hirotsugu Maruyama
- Department of GastroenterologyOsaka City University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yasuki Hori
- Department of Gastroenterology and MetabolismNagoya City University HospitalAichiJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Yoshio
- Department of GastroenterologyCancer Institute HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Kenji Ikezawa
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic OncologyOsaka International Cancer InstituteOsakaJapan
| | - Tadayuki Takagi
- Department of GastroenterologyFukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushimaJapan
| | - Satoshi Asai
- Department of GastroenterologyTane General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Matsunaga
- Department of GastroenterologyIshikawa Prefectural Central HospitalIshikawaJapan
| | - Kengo Matsumoto
- Department of GastroenterologyToyonaka Municipal HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Hidetaka Tsumura
- Department of Grastroenterological OncologyHyogo Cancer CenterHyogoJapan
| | - Shinjiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyKansai Rosai HospitalHyogoJapan
| | | | - Koji Nagaike
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySuita Municipal HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Yuzuru Tamaru
- Department of GastroenterologyKure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer CenterHiroshimaJapan
| | - Kazuo Hara
- Department of GastroenterologyAichi Cancer CenterAichiJapan
| | | | - Ichiro Oda
- Endoscopy DivisionNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Ken Ohnita
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyShunkaikai Inoue HospitalNagasakiJapan
| | - Motohiko Kato
- Department of GastroenterologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroko Nebiki
- Department of GastroenterologyOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Tatsuya Mikami
- Division of EndoscopyHirosaki University HospitalAomoriJapan
| | | | - Satoshi Egawa
- Department of GastroenterologyOsaka Police HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Ryuki Minami
- Department of GastroenterologyTenri HospitalNaraJapan
| | - Makoto Hosono
- Department of RadiologyKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Tsutomu Nishida
- Department of GastroenterologyToyonaka Municipal HospitalOsakaJapan
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Frush DP, Sorantin E. Radiation use in diagnostic imaging in children: approaching the value of the pediatric radiology community. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:532-543. [PMID: 33743037 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04924-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Medical imaging is foundational in the care of children, and much of the medical imaging province depends on ionizing radiation: radiography, fluoroscopy, CT and nuclear imaging. Many considerations for this imaging in children are distinct in the domains of appropriate radiation use, other factors that determine examination quality, the opportunities to engage and educate through networking, and the translation of research efforts. Given these needs, it is worth approaching the contributions and their impact by the pediatric radiology community, especially to the enhancement of this value in the care of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P Frush
- Pediatric Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Room #2568, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Red Zone, Duke South Box 3808, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Erich Sorantin
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Kasi A, Steffens T, Starkey D, Braithwaite V. The proportion of computed tomography kidneys, ureters and bladder (CTKUB) scans that comply with scan extent protocol in an emergency department: a clinical audit and dose ramification study. J Med Radiat Sci 2021; 68:13-20. [PMID: 33350603 PMCID: PMC7890918 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To assess computed tomography kidneys, ureters and bladder (CTKUB) scan extent protocol compliance and associated doses in the Emergency Department (ED) of an Australian tertiary hospital. METHODS A retrospective clinical audit of 150 consecutive ED CTKUB cases was completed. For each patient, scan extent compliance at the superior (kidneys) and inferior (pubic symphysis) borders, in reference to the protocol was recorded. Compliance and non-compliance (over-/under-scanning) was identified, described (superior/inferior), quantified (via IMPAX measurements) and recorded via a purpose-built audit tool. In addition, a PBU40 phantom was scanned to assess the percentage of dose (DLP) increase per centimetre of over-scanning to contextualise results. RESULTS A notable non-compliance with department protocol was noted. Eight cases (5.3%) demonstrated overall CT scan extent compliance. The remaining 142 cases (94.7%) demonstrated some form of non-compliance; superiorly, inferiorly or both. Analysing the 150 superior and 150 inferior data points independently, the most common non-compliance was over-scanning at the kidneys by 4 cm to5 cm (19 cases, ~10% extra DLP) beyond tolerance and over-scanning inferiorly at the pubic symphysis by 1 cm to 2 cm (29 cases, ~6.4% extra DLP). Estimated dose increases of up to 35% to 45% were found when clinical audit results were simulated using a PBU40. CONCLUSIONS Over-scanning is a predominant occurrence in CTKUB scans in this department. Reasons for over-scanning weren't investigated. It's anticipated this audit will lead to greater awareness of scan extent compliance and dose ramifications of non-compliance. The usage of more easily identified anatomical landmarks and a follow-up audit is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Kasi
- Department of Medical ImagingPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Tom Steffens
- Department of Medical ImagingPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Deborah Starkey
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Vicki Braithwaite
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Time Trend of the Radiation Exposure Dose in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Over an 8-Year Period: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Am J Gastroenterol 2021; 116:100-105. [PMID: 32947320 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global needs for a reduction in radiation exposure (RE) are increasing. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a significant fluoroscopic procedure in the gastrointestinal field. However, the actual RE in ERCP and its annual trend are still unclear. Therefore, we examined the yearly trend of RE in ERCP. METHODS This retrospective, single-center cohort study included consecutive cases of ERCP from September 2012 to June 2019. We measured the air kerma (AK, mGy), dose area product (DAP, Gycm2), and fluoroscopy time (FT, min). We also evaluated the annual trend of the RE before and after the fluoroscopy device update. RESULTS In total, 2,174 patients receiving ERCP were enrolled. Among these, the mean age was 74.3 years, and 913 patients were women (42.0%). The median/third quartile values of AK (mGy), DAP (Gycm2), and FT (min) were 109/234 mGy, 13.3/25.8 Gycm2, and 18.2/27.7 minutes. The annual AK, DAP, and FT from 2012 to 2019 were 138, 207, 173, 177, 106, 71.0, 45.0, and 33.3 mGy; 23, 21.4, 19, 18.3, 11.9, 9.0, 6.8, and 6.4 Gycm2; and 12.5, 12.1, 9.7, 9.8, 8.2, 10.8, 9.4, and 10.3 minutes, respectively. The corresponding values before and after the update in July 2016 were 177 and 52 mGy (P < 0.0001), 19.2 and 7.6 Gycm2 (P < 0.0001), and 10.2, and 9.9 minutes (P = 0.05), respectively. DISCUSSION The RE from ERCP tended to decrease every year, especially after fluoroscopy device updates.
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Ebrahiminia A, Asadinezhad M, Mohammadi F, Khoshgard K. EYE LENS DOSE OPTIMIZATION THROUGH GANTRY TILTING IN BRAIN CT SCAN: THE POTENTIAL EFFECT OF THE RADIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS' TRAINING. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 189:527-533. [PMID: 32472135 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the radiological technologists' training on optimising the eye lens dose in brain computed tomography (CT) examinations. The lens dose of 50 adult patients was measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters before and after technologists' training. Dose values of lenses, dose length product (DLP), volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) as well as image quality in terms of quantitative (contrast to noise ratio and signal to noise ratio) and subjective (artefact) parameters were compared before and after training. Lens dose values were 31.57 ± 9.84 mGy and 5.36 ± 1.53 mGy before and after training, respectively, which was reduced by ~83% (p < 0.05). The values of DLP, CTDIvol and image quality parameters were not significantly different (p > 0.05) and all images were diagnostically acceptable. Excluding the orbits from the scanning range is an efficient approach to optimize the lens dose; the training of the technologists has also a pivotal role in dose reducing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ebrahiminia
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asadinezhad
- Department of Radiology Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Mohammadi
- Department of Radiology Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Karim Khoshgard
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Radiographer knowledge and practice of paediatric radiation dose protocols in digital radiography in Gauteng. Radiography (Lond) 2020; 26:117-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Ekpo EU, Adejoh T, Erim AE. DOSE BENCHMARKS FOR PAEDIATRIC HEAD COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EXAMINATION IN NIGERIA. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 185:464-471. [PMID: 30916763 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) provide benchmarks for dose optimisation. We aimed to propose DRLs for paediatric head computed tomography (CT) in Nigeria and assess if facilities adapt protocols to age-specific standardisations. Volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length-product (DLP) of at least 20 paediatric patients per age group were extracted from 11 facilities and used to propose DRLs. Kruskal-Wallis and Median tests were used to assess the contribution of age to paediatric dose variations. CTDIvol (mGy)/DLP (mGy.cm) ranged 16-31/100-1603 (newborn), 10-92/75-4072 (1-y-old), 10-81/169-2603 (5-y-olds) and 14-86/119-3945 (≥10-y-olds). The 75th percentile CTDIvol/DLP values were 27/1040, 37/988, 48/1493 and 54/1824 for newborn, 1-y, 5-y, ≥10-y-olds, respectively. Age accounted for 18.4 and 5.3% variations in median CTDIvol and DLP, respectively. Paediatric head CT doses in Nigeria are higher than reported internationally, suggesting a need for dose optimisation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Usang Ekpo
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus, 75 East Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141, Australia
| | - Thomas Adejoh
- Department of Radiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, PMB 5025 Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Akwa Egom Erim
- Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, PMB 1115 Calabar, Nigeria
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Padole AM, Sagar P, Westra SJ, Lim R, Nimkin K, Kalra MK, Gee MS, Rehani MM. Development and validation of image quality scoring criteria (IQSC) for pediatric CT: a preliminary study. Insights Imaging 2019; 10:95. [PMID: 31549234 PMCID: PMC6757090 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-019-0769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and assess the value and limitations of an image quality scoring criteria (IQSC) for pediatric CT exams. METHODS IQSC was developed for subjective assessment of image quality using the scoring scale from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating desired anatomy or features not seen, 3 for adequate image quality, and 4 depicting higher than needed image quality. Pediatric CT examinations from 30 separate patients were selected, five each for routine chest, routine abdomen, kidney stone, appendicitis, craniosynostosis, and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Five board-certified pediatric radiologists independently performed image quality evaluation using the proposed IQSC. The kappa statistics were used to assess the interobserver variability. RESULTS All five radiologists gave a score of 3 to two-third (67%) of all CT exams, followed by a score of 4 for 29% of CT exams, and 2 for 4% exams. The median image quality scores for all exams were 3 and the interobserver agreement among five readers (acceptable image quality [scores 3 or 4] vs sub-optimal image quality ([scores 1 and 2]) was moderate to very good (kappa 0.4-1). For all five radiologists, the lesion detection was adequate for all CT exams. CONCLUSIONS The image quality scoring criteria covering routine and some clinical indication-based imaging scenarios for pediatric CT examinations has potential to offer a simple and practical tool for assessing image quality with a reasonable degree of interobserver agreement. A more extensive and multi-centric study is recommended to establish wider usefulness of these criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul M Padole
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Pallavi Sagar
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sjirk J Westra
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ruth Lim
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Katherine Nimkin
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Mannudeep K Kalra
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Michael S Gee
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Madan M Rehani
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Cambridge Street, Suite 244, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Rawashdeh M, Abdelrahman M, Zaitoun M, Saade C, Alewaidat H, McEntee MF. Diagnostic reference levels for paediatric CT in Jordan. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2019; 39:1060-1073. [PMID: 31469115 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ab3ee2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the current status of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) in paediatric CT across Jordan. The dose data for four main CT examinations (brain, chest, abdominopelvic, and chest, abdomen and pelvis (CAP)) in hospitals and imaging centres (n = 4) were measured. The volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and Dose Length Product (DLP) values were compared within the different hospitals and age groups (<1 year, 1-4 years, 5-10 years and 11-18 years). DRLs in Jordan were compared to international DRLs. The paediatric population consisted of 1818 children; 61.4% of them were male. There were significant variations between the DRLs for each CT scanner with an up to four-fold difference in dose between hospitals. There were apparent significant differences between Jordan and other countries with the DLPs in Jordan being relatively high. However, for CTDIvol, the values in Jordan were close to those of other countries. This study confirmed variations in the CTDIvol and DLP values of paediatric CT scans in Jordan. These variations were attributed to the different protocols and equipment used. There is a need to optimise paediatric CT examinations doses in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rawashdeh
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 222110, Jordan
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Hojreh A, Homolka P, Gamper J, Unterhumer S, Kienzl-Palma D, Balassy C, Wrba T, Prosch H. Automated tube voltage selection in pediatric non-contrast chest CT. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204794. [PMID: 30281614 PMCID: PMC6169939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern CT scanners provide automatic dose adjustment systems, which are promising options for reducing radiation dose in pediatric CT scans. Their impact on patient dose, however, has not been investigated sufficiently thus far. OBJECTIVE To evaluate automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) in combination with automated tube current modulation (ATCM) in non-contrast pediatric chest CT, with regard to the diagnostic image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS There were 160 non-contrast pediatric chest CT scans (8.7±5.4 years) analyzed retrospectively without and with ATVS. Correlations of volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) and effective diameter, with and without ATVS, were compared using Fisher's z-transformation. Image quality was assessed by mean signal-difference-to-noise ratios (SDNR) in the aorta and in the left main bronchus using the independent samples t-test. Two pediatric radiologists and a general radiologist rated overall subjective Image quality. Readers' agreement was assessed using weighted kappa coefficients. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS CTDIvol correlation with the effective diameter was r = 0.62 without and r = 0.80 with ATVS (CI: -0.04 to -0.60; p = 0.025). Mean SDNR was 10.88 without and 10.03 with ATVS (p = 0.0089). Readers' agreement improved with ATVS (weighted kappa between pediatric radiologists from 0.1 (0.03-0.16) to 0.27 (0.09-0.45) with ATVS; between general and each pediatric radiologist from 0.1 (0.06-0.14) to 0.12 (0.05-0.20), and from 0.22 (0.11-0.34) to 0.36 (0.24-0.49)). CONCLUSION ATVS, combined with ATCM, results in a radiation dose reduction for pediatric non-contrast chest CT without a loss of diagnostic image quality and prevents errors in manual tube voltage setting, and thus protecting larger children against an unnecessarily high radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Hojreh
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter Homolka
- Centre for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jutta Gamper
- Centre for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvia Unterhumer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Kienzl-Palma
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Csilla Balassy
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wrba
- IT-Systems & Communications, IT4Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Prosch
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Geijer M, Rundgren G, Weber L, Flivik G. Effective dose in low-dose CT compared with radiography for templating of total hip arthroplasty. Acta Radiol 2017; 58:1276-1282. [PMID: 28347158 DOI: 10.1177/0284185117693462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, total hip arthroplasty (THA) has come to focus on restoration of individual anatomy including femoral neck anteversion and global offset (femoral and acetabular offset). Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) data could provide a better basis for preoperative templating. The use of CT has been hampered by high radiation dose. Purpose To evaluate the effective dose used in pelvis and hip CT for THA templating. Material and Methods CT data from two clinical trials of THA were evaluated for CT scan length and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). The effective doses from hip-knee-ankle CT and pelvis and hip radiography were compared. Conversion factors for effective dose for radiography were calculated using the PCXMC software. Results A reduced dose CT protocol for pelvis imaging gave a substantial dose reduction compared with standard CT, while maintaining sufficient image quality. Between the two clinical trials there was a significant reduction in effective CT dose corresponding to changes in the CT protocol ( P < 0.01). The CT dose for the latter group was similar to, but nevertheless significantly higher than for, radiography ( P < 0.01). However, in the latter group the theoretical minimum dose for CT, using the minimum scan length required by the templating software, was equal to the dose from radiography. Conclusion Although the CT dose remained higher than for radiography, potential reductions in scan length could reduce the dose further so that CT would have a comparable level of risk to radiography with the added benefit of 3D templating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Geijer
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gustav Rundgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Weber
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Flivik
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Orthopedics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Armao D, Hartman T, Shea CM, Sams C, Ivanovic M, Fordham LA, Smith JK. A Toolkit for Pediatric CT Dose Reduction in Community Hospitals. J Am Coll Radiol 2016; 13:1337-1342.e11. [PMID: 27289341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric CT radiation dose optimization is a challenging process for pediatric-focused facilities and community hospitals alike. Ongoing experience and trial-and-error approaches to dose reduction in the large academic hospital setting may position these centers to help community hospitals that strive for CT quality improvement. We describe our hands-on approach in a pilot project to create a partnership between an academic medical center and a community hospital to develop a toolkit for implementing CT dose reduction. Our aims were to (1) assess the acceptability of an interactive educational program and electronic toolkit booklet, (2) conduct a limited test of the efficacy of the toolkit in promoting knowledge and readiness to change, and (3) assess the acceptability and practicality of a collaborative approach to implementing dose reduction protocols in community hospitals. In partnering with the community hospital, we found that they had size-specific radiation doses two to three times higher than those at our center. Survey results after a site visit with interactive educational presentations revealed an increase in knowledge, stronger opinions about the health risks of radiation from CT scans, and willingness and perceived ability to reduce pediatric CT doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Armao
- Department of Radiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Elon University, Elon, North Carolina.
| | - Terry Hartman
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher M Shea
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Cassandra Sams
- Department of Radiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Marija Ivanovic
- Department of Radiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lynn Ansley Fordham
- Department of Radiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - J Keith Smith
- Department of Radiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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