Measuring the impact of using 3D helical scout scans on overscan and radiation exposure

IF 3.3 3区医学 Q1 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

European Journal of Radiology Pub Date : 2025-09-17 DOI:10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112424

Alice Gutowski , Dana Jackson , Daniel Carrion , Mohamed Khaldoun Badawy

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

Scout scans in CT imaging guide scan range selection but are limited by restricted exposure angles and poor anatomical visibility, potentially increasing patient dose or missing vital anatomy. Low-dose 3D helical scout scans offer improved anatomical detail for range determination, yet their impact on overscan and radiation dose remains underexplored. This study investigates differences in overscan and effective dose between 2D and 3D helical scout scans to determine statistical significance.

Methods

This retrospective audit was conducted at a centre with two CT scanners from the same manufacturer—one supporting 3D helical scout scans, the other limited to 2D scouts. Overscan was measured for CT Abdomen Pelvis and CT Calcium Score examinations. Dose metrics (DLP and CTDI_vol) were extracted from Radiation Structured Dose Reports, and differences in effective dose were calculated using k-factors.

Results

No statistically significant difference in overscan was found for CT Calcium Score examinations (n = 214), suggesting 2D scouts are sufficient for planning these scans. In contrast, CT Abdomen Pelvis examinations (n = 118) showed a significant 9.2 mm reduction in total overscan when using the 3D helical scout, corresponding to a dose reduction of 0.2 mSv.

Conclusions

3D helical scout scans do not significantly reduce overscan for CT Calcium Score examinations but do significantly reduce overscan and overall exam time for CT Abdomen Pelvis examinations. Their use in other examinations and impact on workflow—beyond the limited measurement of irradiation time—should be explored further, including effects on planning, positioning, and reporting times.

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测量使用三维螺旋侦察扫描对扫描和辐射暴露的影响。

目的：侦察扫描在CT成像中指导扫描范围的选择，但受限于有限的暴露角度和较差的解剖可见性，可能增加患者剂量或遗漏重要解剖。低剂量三维螺旋侦察扫描为范围确定提供了更好的解剖细节，但它们对扫描和辐射剂量的影响仍未得到充分研究。本研究探讨了二维和三维螺旋侦察扫描的扫描范围和有效剂量的差异，以确定统计学意义。方法：回顾性审核在同一制造商的两台CT扫描仪中心进行，一台支持3D螺旋扫描，另一台仅限于2D扫描。行CT腹部骨盆扫描及CT钙评分检查。剂量指标（DLP和CTDIvol）从辐射结构剂量报告中提取，并使用k因子计算有效剂量的差异。结果：CT钙评分检查的扫描结果无统计学差异（n = 214），提示二维球探足以规划这些扫描。相比之下，CT腹部骨盆检查（n = 118）显示，使用3D螺旋扫描时，总扫描范围明显缩小9.2 mm，相当于减少0.2 mSv的剂量。结论：三维螺旋扫描不能显著减少CT钙评分检查的扫描时间，但能显著减少CT腹部骨盆检查的扫描时间和总检查时间。它们在其他检查中的应用及其对工作流程的影响——超出辐照时间的有限测量——应进一步探讨，包括对计划、定位和报告时间的影响。

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

European Journal of Radiology 医学-核医学

CiteScore

6.70

自引率

3.00%

发文量

398

审稿时长

42 days

期刊介绍： European Journal of Radiology is an international journal which aims to communicate to its readers, state-of-the-art information on imaging developments in the form of high quality original research articles and timely reviews on current developments in the field. Its audience includes clinicians at all levels of training including radiology trainees, newly qualified imaging specialists and the experienced radiologist. Its aim is to inform efficient, appropriate and evidence-based imaging practice to the benefit of patients worldwide.