ESTIMATION OF RADIATION DOSE TO THYROID GLAND FROM HEAD COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Computed Tomography (CT) scans are invaluable tools in medical diagnostics, offering detailed imaging of various anatomical regions. However, concerns regarding radiation exposure, particularly to radiosensitive organs like the thyroid, have prompted to estimate and evaluate the radiation dose to thyroid gland from head CT scans. The amount of radiation exposure varies depending on several factors including the specic type of CT scan, the settings used during the scan, and the individual's size and age. The results were compared with studies reporting thyroid doses from head CT scans, including dose measurements, dose estimation methods, and dose-reduction techniques. The estimated average thyroid dose from the OSLD measurements in the present study was 0.939+- 0.072 mGy. Though ndings of the study is similar to the reported thyroid doses from head CTscans, it is observed that there is a wide variability inuenced by scanner technology, scanning protocols, patient characteristics, and anatomical considerations. Understanding thyroid doses from head CT scans is essential for optimizing imaging protocols and minimizing radiation risks without compromising diagnostic efcacy. Establishing local/ regional and national diagnostic reference levels (DRL) is a recommended way forward. Efforts to further minimize radiation exposures especially in pediatric, women and sensitive populations are highly needed. Further large scale multi-centric studies in the region are highly recommended so that the cumulative population radiation dose may be reduced by rening dose estimation techniques, implementing dose-reduction strategies, and assessing long-term health outcomes to ensure safe and effective CT imaging practices.