Dose of CT protocols acquired in clinical routine using a dual-layer detector CT scanner: A preliminary report. Issue 112 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Ommen, F.; de Jong, H.W.A.M.; Dankbaar, J.W.; Bennink, E.; Leiner, T.; Schilham, A.M.R.
• Is Part Of: European journal of radiology. Issue 112(2019)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: DECT dual-energy CT -- DLCT dual-layer detector CT -- SLCT single-layer detector CT -- Q1 first quartile -- Q3 third quartile -- IQR interquartile range (Q3–Q1) -- AEC automatic exposure control -- CTA CT angiography; Dual-energy CT -- Radiation dose -- Dual-layer detector CT -- Single-layer detector CT -- Clinical routine; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiologie médicale -- Périodiques; Medical radiology; Periodicals; 616.075705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2019.01.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0720-048X

Abstract

Highlights: Dual-layer spectral CT can be used in daily clinical practice. Dual-layer spectral CT can be used on a broad range of clinical protocols. Radiation dose is not increased compared to conventional single-layer CT. Abstract: Purpose: To assess the radiation dose associated with always-on dual-energy acquisitions in clinical practice over a broad range of clinical protocols using a dual-layer detector CT (DLCT; IQon spectral CT, Philips Healthcare) as compared to an otherwise technically equivalent single-layer detector CT (SLCT; Brilliance iCT, Philips healthcare). Materials and Methods: Dose-length-product data for consecutive examinations over a six-month period acquired with DLCT were retrospectively collected and compared to consecutive examinations from an SLCT. Imaging protocols were optimized for diagnostic image quality for each system prior to data collection. Dose reports of CT protocols that were used at least 50 times on both systems were collected. After exclusion of statistical outliers, protocols were evaluated with regard to reported dose levels. Results: In total, 4536 dose reports for DLCT and 5783 reports for SLCT were collected. All DLCT examinations were acquired at 120 kVp, enabling dual-energy analysis. With SLCT, 79% of examinations were acquired at 120 kVp, and 21% at 100/80 kVp. Protocols for 15 indications were used more than 50 times on both scanners. For seven protocols there was no significant difference between the two scanners (p > 0.05), whereas seven protocols were acquired with higher dose levels on SLCT compared to the DLCT (p < 0.03). For one protocol, the DLCT dose was significantly higher (p < 0.005) compared to the SLCT. Conclusion: Dual-layer detector CT enables acquisition of dual-energy information over a broad range of clinical indications without increasing radiation dose when compared to a conventional single-layer detector CT.