Optimizing Radiation Risk Assessment in CT Imaging: Establishing Institutional Diagnostic Reference Levels and Personalized Dose Strategies for Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis Scans.

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Tomography Pub Date : 2025-06-03 DOI:10.3390/tomography11060065

Zuhal Y Hamd, Huda I Almohammed, Elbagir Mansour, Abdoelrahman Hassan A B, Awadia Gareeballah

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Abstract

Background: As a diagnostic radiology procedure, computed tomography (CT) contributes to patient radiation exposure; hence, it deserves special consideration. The use of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is an efficient way to optimize patient radiation dosage. The computed tomography dose index volume (CTDIv) and the dose-length product (DLP) help to measure DRLs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 106 patients (43.9% male, 56.1% female; mean age of 48.18 years) who underwent computed tomography chest, abdomen, and pelvis (CT CAP) scans using a Toshiba Aquilion Prime 160-slice CT scanner. Data included patient demographics, CT parameters (mA, tube rotation time, pitch, slice thickness, and slice count), and dose indices: dose length product (DLP), computed tomography dose index volume (CTDIvol), and effective dose. Cancer risks were calculated based on effective dose, patient demographics, and scan parameters. Results: This study demonstrated that the mean values for DLP, CTDIvol, and effective dose were 1719.64 ± 488.45 mGy·cm, 25.97 ± 6.96 mGy, and 27.5 ± 7.82 mSv, respectively. Cancer risk estimates ranged from 0.048% to 1.58%, with higher risks observed for females, younger patients. Significant correlations were found between dose indices and technical parameters, including pitch, kVp, tube rotation time, and slice thickness (p < 0.005). Conclusions: The mean values for DLP, CTDIvol, and effective dose for abdominopelvic scans were higher than those found in previous studies, with significant correlation of weight on these values. Optimizing CT protocols and establishing DRLs tailored to clinical indications are critical for minimizing radiation exposure and enhancing patient safety.

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优化CT成像中的辐射风险评估：建立胸、腹、骨盆扫描的机构诊断参考水平和个性化剂量策略。

背景：作为一种诊断放射学程序，计算机断层扫描（CT）有助于患者的辐射暴露；因此，它值得特别考虑。使用诊断参考水平（DRLs）是优化患者放射剂量的有效方法。计算机断层扫描剂量指数体积（CTDIv）和剂量长度积（DLP）有助于测量drl。方法：对106例患者进行回顾性分析，其中男性43.9%，女性56.1%；平均年龄48.18岁)，使用东芝Aquilion Prime 160层CT扫描仪进行胸部、腹部和骨盆计算机断层扫描（CT CAP）。数据包括患者人口统计学、CT参数（mA、管旋转时间、节距、层厚和层数）和剂量指数：剂量长度积（DLP）、计算机断层扫描剂量指数体积（CTDIvol）和有效剂量。根据有效剂量、患者人口统计学和扫描参数计算癌症风险。结果：DLP均值为1719.64±488.45 mGy·cm， CTDIvol均值为25.97±6.96 mGy，有效剂量均值为27.5±7.82 mSv。癌症风险估计范围为0.048%至1.58%，女性和年轻患者的风险更高。剂量指标与螺距、kVp、管旋转时间、切片厚度等技术参数呈显著相关（p < 0.005）。结论：腹部骨盆扫描DLP、CTDIvol和有效剂量的平均值高于以往的研究，体重与这些值有显著的相关性。优化CT方案和建立适合临床适应症的drl对于最大限度地减少辐射暴露和提高患者安全至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Tomography Medicine-Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

10.50%

发文量

222

期刊介绍： TomographyTM publishes basic (technical and pre-clinical) and clinical scientific articles which involve the advancement of imaging technologies. Tomography encompasses studies that use single or multiple imaging modalities including for example CT, US, PET, SPECT, MR and hyperpolarization technologies, as well as optical modalities (i.e. bioluminescence, photoacoustic, endomicroscopy, fiber optic imaging and optical computed tomography) in basic sciences, engineering, preclinical and clinical medicine. Tomography also welcomes studies involving exploration and refinement of contrast mechanisms and image-derived metrics within and across modalities toward the development of novel imaging probes for image-based feedback and intervention. The use of imaging in biology and medicine provides unparalleled opportunities to noninvasively interrogate tissues to obtain real-time dynamic and quantitative information required for diagnosis and response to interventions and to follow evolving pathological conditions. As multi-modal studies and the complexities of imaging technologies themselves are ever increasing to provide advanced information to scientists and clinicians. Tomography provides a unique publication venue allowing investigators the opportunity to more precisely communicate integrated findings related to the diverse and heterogeneous features associated with underlying anatomical, physiological, functional, metabolic and molecular genetic activities of normal and diseased tissue. Thus Tomography publishes peer-reviewed articles which involve the broad use of imaging of any tissue and disease type including both preclinical and clinical investigations. In addition, hardware/software along with chemical and molecular probe advances are welcome as they are deemed to significantly contribute towards the long-term goal of improving the overall impact of imaging on scientific and clinical discovery.