Dosimetric evaluation of 123I (Iodide) and 99mTc (Pertechnetate) in the thyroid of neonates using Cristy-Eckerman and Segars anatomical representations

Using the MIRD formalism, and the Cristy-Eckeman and Segars anthropomorphic representations, the absorbed dose in the thyroid of newborns, was calculated when ¹²³I (iodide) and ^99mTc (pertechnetate) are used during the diagnostic procedures. The dose results will allow exploring the dosimetric impact generated by the use of these radiopharmaceutical compounds and the use of two representations. Regardless the radiopharmaceutical compound and the anthropomorphic representation is the thyroid self-dose is the greatest, due to electrons emitted during the ¹²³I and ^99mTc radioisotopes. The relative difference in total dose to the newborn thyroid gland using the Cristy-Eckerman and Segars anthropomorphic representations for the compounds ¹²³I(iodide) and ^99mTc(pertechnetate) is 1.82%, and 1.33%, respectively. Regardless of the radiopharmaceutical compound, the replacement of Cristy-Eckerman by Segars phantom does not reflect significant changes in the estimated absorbed dose to the newborn thyroid. Regardless of the anthropomorphic representation, the lowest absorbed dose in newborn's thyroid is obtained when using ^99mTc (pertechnetate) is used due to the residence times.

Spectra, fluence and absorbed doses in sensitive organs due to scattered X-rays during a chest CT

The use of ionizing radiation for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases is becoming more frequent. The technologies associated with diagnostic imaging are constantly evolving, allowing faster and cheaper diagnoses to benefit the patient. However, this has caused an increase in the exposure to ionizing radiation of patients and health professionals. One of the diagnostic techniques for obtaining high-resolution anatomical images of patients is computed tomography (CT). Due to the detail and quality of the images obtained with CT, its use is becoming more frequent. The information provided by these images allows the specialist to make better diagnoses; however, exposure to X-rays deposits a dose in the patient. CT represents approximately 20% of all X-ray examinations but it is responsible for 70% of the medical dose accumulated by the patient. During the acquisition of the images, the highest dose is deposited in the area of the body whose image is to be obtained. During the incidence of X-rays, there is dispersion of these that reach sensitive organs whose dose is not evaluated. The objective of this work was to estimate, using Monte Carlo methods, the fluence and X-ray spectra and to obtain a factor that allows knowing the absorbed dose in sensitive organs due to scattered radiation during a chest CT. With the MCNP5 code, the CT equipment and a hybrid anthropomorphic phantom, type BOMAB it was found that the absorbed dose in these organs depends on the size of the organ and the distance between the organ and the surface of the slice on the thorax where the X-rays are incident.

Doses and spectra, of leaking-out and scattered photons from X-ray tubes used in dentistry

Diagnosis by X-ray image are procedures widely used to improve the diagnosis or to follow the evolution of a medical procedure, also are used to support the cancer treatment with linear accelerators. The procedure involves the X-ray unit and the detection system, while the X-ray beam is projected onto the patient; along this procedure X-rays are scattered out from the patient body and X-rays leak-out from the X-ray unit. Both, the scattered and the leaking out radiation, are important during the evaluation or the design of the shielding barriers. X-ray tube features like voltage, electric current, target and filter are related to the dose due to the scattered and leakage radiation. Also, the dose due to the scattered radiation depends upon the scattering angle; while the dose due to the leaking out radiation, depend upon the X-ray tube housing. The objective of this work was to estimate, using Monte Carlo methods, the X-ray spectra and doses (air Kerma and Ambient dose equivalent) produced by scattered and leaking out radiation of 70, 80 and 90 kV X-ray units.

Dosimetric evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals in kidneys and uterine wall of a woman with early pregnancy using Stabin/Segars representations

MIRD method with the Stabin/Segars anthropomorphic representations were used to calculate the absorbed doses in kidneys and uterine wall of an early-stage pregnant woman when ^99mTc (DTPA), ^99mTc (DMSA) and ^99mTc (MAG3) are used for renal studies. Stabin and Segars anatomical representations are phantoms that are used in Monte Carlo calculations to determine the SAF, that with the pharmaceutical residence time are used to calculate the absorbed dose, from source organs, on target organs. Concerns about the impact on the absorbed dose due to the use of the three ^99mTc-based compounds as well as the use of different phantoms were here treated for the case of a female at early pregnant state. The lowest absorbed dose in the kidneys was obtained with ^99mTc (MAG3), and the relative difference of using Stabin and Segars anthropomorphic representations was 2.5%. For bladder and rest of organs the relative difference 14.63%. The lowest absorbed dose by uterine wall was obtained with ^99mTc(DMSA), however the relative difference of using Stabin and Segars anthropomorphic representations was 12%.