Automated dose tracking in CT of the chest

Abstract

Purpose To present a detailed optimization process of automated radiation dose tracking data in standard CT chest examination for multi detector computed tomography (MDCT). Tasks resulting from such a goal are related with correct processing of collected data, deep analysis and interpretation of the data, identification of incorrect clinical practice and to compare the results with another radiology department practice. Materials and methods A single retrospective study was conducted involving regular enrolled patients for routine CT chest examination in Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital. All MDCT exams were performed on a 64-detector row computed tomography (LightSpeed VCT, GEHC) without any iterative reconstructions. The tube voltage (kV), slice thickness (mm), rotation time (s/rot) and table speed (mm/s) were periodically altered parameters according to radiation dose reduction without compromising the quality of the image. In the course of the study a web-based dose management software was used (DoseWatch, GEHC) which allows all MDCT chest examinations to be properly tracked and radiation doses to be collected. Results After the step by step optimization the CTDIvol and DLP were decreased to 9,20\u202fmGy and 373,77\u202fmGy.cm respectively while maintaining good diagnostic image quality. In comparison with Acibadem City Clinic Cancer Centre (Optima CT660, SS40 ASIR, GEHC) these values are slightly higher which is explained by the fact that in Optima CT660 an iterative reconstruction algorithm was systematically used (CTDIvol6,43\u202fmGy and DLP 265,2\u202fmGy·cm). Conclusions The CT chest radiation dose was reduced with 56% (CTDIvol) and 63% (DLP) with preserving the diagnostic image quality. A significant CT chest dose reduction was achieved even without using any iterative reconstruction algorithm.