Dose optimization in computed tomography of brain using CARE kV and CARE Dose 4D

Background: Computed Tomography (CT) scan of brain is the most widely used CT examination. Latest CT scanners have the potential to deliver very low radiation dose by utilizing tube potential and tube current modulation techniques. We aim to determine the application of CARE kV (tube potential modulation) and CARE Dose4D (tube current modulation) in CT scan of brain. Both CARE kV and CARE Dose4D are well-established innovative technology of Siemens Medical Solutions. Methodology: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted during four months at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The data were collected on a Siemens Somatom Definition Edge 128 slices CT scanner. Non-random purposive sampling technique was employed. Ethical approval and consent to participate were taken for every participant. Non-contrast (NC) CT images were acquired without using CARE kV and CARE Dose4D, whereas during contrast-enhanced (CE) investigation, both were turned on keeping other scanning parameters constant for each individual. Results: A total of 72 patients, 42 males and 28 females - mean age 41y (range 16-87y) participated in this study. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22.0, range 20.1-25.0. The mean value of Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), Dose Length Product (DLP) and Effective Dose (ED) before and after switching on both CARE kV and CARE Dose4D were 58.19±0.35 and 39.67±3.59 milli-Gray (mGy), 946.67 and 652.58 mGy-cm, and 1.98 and 1.36 milli-Sievert (mSv) respectively. Conclusion: CARE kV and CARE Dose4D can reduce radiation dose in CT scan of brain without loss of image quality.

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New organ-based tube current modulation method to reduce the radiation dose during computed tomography of the head: evaluation of image quality and radiation dose to the eyes in the phantom study

La radiologia medica ◽

10.1007/s11547-017-0755-5 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 122 (8) ◽

pp. 601-608 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jung-Su Kim ◽

Soon-Mu Kwon ◽

Jung-Min Kim ◽

Sang-Wook Yoon

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Image Quality ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Phantom Study ◽

Modulation Method ◽

Tube Current Modulation ◽

Current Modulation ◽

Tube Current

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Optimization of computed tomography urography protocol, 1997 to 2008: Effects on radiation dose

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1080/02841850902821757 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 446-454 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

P. Dahlman ◽

L. Jangland ◽

M. Segelsjö ◽

A. Magnusson

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Effective Dose ◽

Excretory Urography ◽

Ct Urography ◽

Tube Current Modulation ◽

Current Modulation ◽

Tube Current ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Background: Since computed tomography (CT) urography began to replace excretory urography as the primary imaging technique in uroradiology, the collective radiation dose to the patients has increased. Purpose: To examine the changes in the CT urography protocol for investigating suspected urinary tract malignancy between the years 1997 and 2008, and how these changes have influenced the mean effective dose. Material and Methods: The study was based on 102 patients (mean age 66.1±14.8 years, range 31–89 years; 30 female, 72 male) divided into five groups (groups A–E) corresponding to the time points at which changes were made to the CT urography protocol. The mean effective doses were estimated using the ImPACT CT Patient Dosimetry Calculator. Results: The number of scan phases at CT urography was reduced from four to three in 1999, resulting in a reduction of the mean effective dose from 29.9/22.5 (female [F]/male [M]) mSv (group A) to 26.1/18.9 (F/M) mSv (group B). In 2001, mAs settings were adapted to patient size, and the mean effective dose was reduced to 16.8/12.0 (F/M) mSv (group C). In 2005, scans were performed with a multidetector-row CT equipped with automatic tube current modulation in the x- and y-axis (CARE Dose). The effective mAs was also lowered in the unenhanced and excretory phase, yet the mean effective dose increased to 18.2/13.1 (F/M) mSv (group D), since the effective mAs had to be increased in the corticomedullary phase to maintain image quality. In 2008, as tube current modulation in the x-, y-, and z-axis was introduced (CARE Dose4D), the mean effective dose was reduced to 11.7/8.8 (F/M) mSv (group E). Conclusion: This study shows that the individual mean effective dose to patients undergoing CT urography has decreased by 60%, from 29.9/22.5 (F/M) mSv in 1997 to 11.7/8.8 (F/M) mSv in 2008.

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