Evaluation of radiation dose in lumbar spine computed tomography in a single Moroccan center. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El Mansouri, M'hamed; Choukri, Abdelmajid; Nhila, Oussama; Talbi, Mohammed
• Is Part Of: Radiation physics and chemistry. Volume 195(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: DRL -- CTDI -- DLP -- Lumbar spine -- Computed tomography; Radiation chemistry -- Periodicals; Radiometry -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Periodicals; Chimie sous rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-806X

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the radiation dose received by patients during a CT scan of the lumbar spine and to define the local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). Data from 95 adult patients were collected during 1 month from one Moroccan hospital. Dose length product (DLP) and volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol ) were evaluated by determining the 75th percentile as diagnostic reference levels for the lumbar spine computed tomography examination. The DRLs for this exam were compared with other studies. Moroccan local DRLs for adult lumbar spine CT have been determined in terms of DLP and CTDIvol, and they were 844.20 and 32.50, respectively. These DRLs for CTDIvol and DLP were higher than those for Australia and Cameroon and lower than those for Algeria. These comparisons have identified high doses to this examination. Therefore, it is necessary to apply dose optimization while keeping a good image quality for a reliable diagnosis. Highlights: In Morocco, there are limited studies that have established DRLs. It is recommended to use diagnostic reference levels to manage the dose in Morocco. To reach the dose levels recommended, it is necessary to apply dose optimization.