Strategy of Computed Tomography Image Optimisation in Cervical Vertebrae and Neck Soft Tissue in Emergency Patients

Abstract

Introduction With regards to the use of ionisation radiation in the computed tomography (CT), optimal parameters should be used to reduce the risk of incidence of secondary cancers in patients who are constantly exposed to X-rays. The aim of this study was to optimise the parameters used in CT scan of cervical vertebrae and neck soft tissue with minimal loss of image quality in emergency patients. Materials and methods In this study, the patients were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of patients scanned with default parameters and the second group scanned with optimised parameters. All the study has been implemented in emergency settings. The cases included cervical vertebrae and soft tissue protocols. Common CT dose descriptors including weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIw), volumetric CTDI (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), effective dose (ED) and image noise were measured for each group. The ImpactDose program was used to estimate the organs doses. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS software. Results There was no significant quality reduction in the optimised images. Decreasing in radiation dose parameters for the soft tissue was: kVp=16.7%, mAs=64.3% and pitch=24.1%, and for the cervical vertebrae was: kVp=16.7%, mAs=54.2% and pitch=48.3%. Consequently, decreasing these parameters reduced CTDIw=81.0%, CTDIvol=90.0% and DLP = 90.2% in the cervical vertebral protocol, as well as CTDIw=75.5%, CTDIvol=81.3% and DLP = 81.4% in the soft tissue protocol. Conclusion Regarding the results, the optimised parameters in the mentioned organ scan reduce the radiation dose in the target area and the organs surrounding. Therefore, these protocols can be used for reducing the risk of cancer.

A review on chest CT scanning parameters implemented in COVID-19 patients: bringing low-dose CT protocols into play

“…New coronavirus (commonly known as COVID- 19) pneumonia, which was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019, followed rapid spread across China and worldwide [1]. This virus is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person by either an infected person or an asymptomatic carrier.…”

“…The number and dose of CT studies are one of the largest sources of imaging exposure. A typical chest CT scanning delivers a dose of 4-7 mSv to the patient [18], and it raises the risk of cancer incidence and mortality [19,20]. Thus, although CT scan has played an important role in the management of COVID-19-infected patients, it can promote malignancy.…”

The Effects Of High Dose and Low Dose Protocols In Thorax’s CT Scan Image Quality

“…Keduanya memiliki perbedaan dalam hal nilai arus tabung (mA) dan tegangan tabung (kVp) yang digunakan, sehingga tentunya akan menghasilkan perbedaan kualitas citra [11] . Pengurangan parameter dosis, seperti tegangan tabung, arus tabung dan pitch, telah terbukti tidak mengubah kualitas citra secara signifikan pada pemeriksaan head and neck [12] . Pengurangan arus tabung dari 500 ke 100 mAs dapat meningkatkan noise sebanyak 40% [13] .…”

Trade-off between the radiation parameters and image quality using iterative reconstruction techniques in head computed tomography: a phantom study

“…Computed tomography (CT) imaging is one of the most frequently performed radiological examinations providing valuable diagnostic information (1)(2)(3). Examinations performed using CT methods are associated with a risk of oncogenesis depending on the radiation dose levels received (4)(5)(6).…”