Reduction of Fetal Dose in Computed Tomography Using Anterior Shields. Issue 2 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, William; Bonvento, Michael J.; Lee, Dwight; Dunkin, Jared; Bhattacharji, Priya
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted tomography. Volume 39:Issue 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000190
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8715

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>The objective of this study was to assess the potential of anterior in beam bismuth shields placed on the abdomen and the pelvis of a RANDO phantom to decrease radiation dose to a simulated fetus.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>Thermal luminescent dosimeters irradiated in a RANDO phantom were used to measure radiation dose at 0 weeks and 18 weeks after conception. An 18-week gestation was simulated by adding the corresponding equivalent of super-stuff to account for additional subcutaneous tissue. To assess image quality, a 461A body phantom with low contrast resolution phantom insert was used. The minimum size of low contrast resolution target visualize was recorded with no shielding and 25-cm-wide shielding.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>With shields, there was a radiation dose reduction of 19% to 23% at 0-week gestation and 16% to 24% at 18-week gestation. No qualitative difference was found in low contrast detectability with the shields.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>These shields reduce fetal radiation exposure early in pregnancy with acceptable image quality.</p> </sec> </abstract>