| Texto completo | |
| Autor(es): |
Monteiro, V. C.
;
Schelin, H. R.
;
Legnani, A.
;
Filipov, D.
;
Freitas, M. B.
;
Malthez, A. L. M. C.
Número total de Autores: 6
|
| Tipo de documento: | Artigo Científico |
| Fonte: | Radiation Physics and Chemistry; v. 235, p. 10-pg., 2025-10-01. |
| Resumo | |
Dose indexes in diagnostic medical imaging, particularly in computed tomography (CT) exams, are essential for ensuring patient radiological protection and optimizing radiation delivery. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has established the diagnostic reference levels (DRL) as a framework for medical imaging that utilizes ionizing radiation. In CT, these DRL quantities are based on Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), Dose Length Product (DLP), and Size - Specific Dose Estimates (SSDE). Pediatric patients are notably more radiosensitive than adults, with CT exams accounting for up to 60 % of the total collective effective dose in this population. This study investigates the CTDI, DLP and SSDE derived from dose reports of 2525 exams of pediatric patients aged 0 up to 18 years. The exams included head (59 %), chest (28 %) and abdominal (13 %) CT scans conducted at the largest children's hospital in Brazil. Effective diameters (Deff) were calculated using measured dimensions of patients in CT images, and SSDE was computed using patient size-dependent factors evaluated according to AAPM Reports 204 and 293. The body mass index (BMI) was measured for a subset of 464 exams. The dose indexes were analyzed in function of BMI, Deff and patient age. These indexes are strongly dependent on patient weight, but in the clinical routine of the large health services and emergencies, collecting weight can pose challenges. Notably, Deff is a representative parameter of the patient, and can be assessed directly from CT images. We found that SSDE is a better DRL dose index than CTDI and DLP, as it directly accounts for patient anatomy. Finally, this study establishes local DRL for the different pediatric CT exams. (AU) | |
| Processo FAPESP: | 21/10117-9 - Tomografia computadorizada em pacientes pediátricos: novas estratégias para otimização de dose de radiação e qualidade de imagem |
| Beneficiário: | Marcelo Baptista de Freitas |
| Modalidade de apoio: | Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular |