Absorbed dose and image quality according to the scan mode and shield position in pediatric brain computed tomography scans

Abstract

In this study, computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), organ dose and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured in pediatric brain helical and volumetric CT scans using a pediatric phantom (equivalent to a 10-year-old) and optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters (OSLD) as the scan protocol used in Hospital A. Volumetric scans showed lower CTDIvol, DLP and organ dose than helical scans, and the SNR showed similar results. The organ doses were lower in the phantoms protected with front, rear or front and rear shielding than in those without shielding. However, no statistically significant differences were found among the different shield locations. In pediatric brain CT scans, to reduce exposure dose and patient discomfort while maintaining image quality, a volumetric scan rather than a helical scan was preferred, and a good shielding effect was observed with front or rear shielding.