Radiation Dose Optimization Based on Saudi National Diagnostic Reference Levels and Effective Dose Calculation for Computed Tomography Imaging: A Unicentral Cohort Study

Abstract

Few studies have reviewed the reduction of doses in Computed tomography (CT), while various diagnostic procedures use ionizing radiation to explore the optimal dose estimate using multiple exposure quantities, including milliampere-seconds, kilovoltage peak, and pitch factors while controlling the CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP). Therefore, we considered optimizing CT protocols to reduce radiation and organ doses during head, chest, abdominal, and pelvic CT examinations. For establishing institutional diagnostic reference levels as a benchmark to correlate with national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) in KSA conforming to international guidelines for radiation exposure, 3000 adult-patients underwent imaging of organs. Dose parameters were obtained using Monte Carlo software and adjusted using the Siemens Teamplay™ software. CTDIvol, DLP, and effective dose were 40.67 ± 3.8, 757 ± 63.2, and 1.74 ± 0.19, for head; 14.9 ± 1.38, 547 ± 42.9, and 7.27 ± 0.95 for chest; and 16.84 ± 1.45, 658 ± 53.4, and 10.2 ± 0.66 for abdomen/pelvis, respectively. The NDRL post-optimization comparison showed adequate CT exposure. Head CT parameters required additional optimization to match the NDRL. Therefore, calculations were repeated to assess radiation doses. In conclusion, doses could be substantially minimized by selecting parameters per clinical indication of the study, patient size, and examined body region. Additional dose reduction to superficial organs requires a shielding material.

Radiation Dose Optimization in Radiology: A Comprehensive Review of Safeguarding Patients and Preserving Image Fidelity

“…AEC encompasses techniques such as automatic current modulation and automatic current selection, which optimize radiation dose by adjusting exposure parameters based on patient anatomy and diagnostic requirements [ 62 ]. This adaptive approach ensures that the appropriate amount of radiation is administered, tailored to each patient's specific needs, thereby enhancing safety and efficacy.…”

“…Pediatric imaging techniques encompass various strategies to reduce radiation exposure in children while maintaining high-quality images significantly. Utilizing pre-loaded pediatric protocol selection tools, removable grids, and child-friendly equipment, these techniques optimize dose in pediatric imaging, prioritizing patient safety and diagnostic accuracy [ 62 ].…”

Advanced Computational Methods for Radiation Dose Optimization in CT

“…In medicine, computed tomography (CT) scans have emerged as a crucial and beneficial tool. Day by day, the frequency of CT examinations increases [1][2][3]. Other than for diagnostic purposes, oncology patients use CT imaging to achieve personalized treatment planning.…”

Monitoring Pediatric Head CT Scan Dose Levels: A Retrospective Study of Diagnostic Reference Levels in a Single Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE

“…CT scanning is a popular diagnostic tool used to identify various medical conditions such as cancer, trauma, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases [7][8][9]. It plays a key role in diagnosing and staging cancer and evaluating trauma patients.…”