article information

Iranian Journal of Radiology: Vol.14, issue Special Issue; e48020
published online: April 12, 2017
article type: Abstract
received: December 20, 2016
accepted: February 7, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/iranjradiol.48020
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How Low Can We Go Dose Saving Through Low-Dose Examination for Urolithiasis Via Modern Computer Tomography with Tinfilter

authors:

avatar Youssef Erfanian 1 , * , avatar Nika Guberina 1 , avatar Saravanabavaan Suntharalingam 1 , avatar Jens Theysohn 1

University Hospital Essen/ Germany

how to cite: Erfanian Y, Guberina N, Suntharalingam S, Theysohn J. How Low Can We Go Dose Saving Through Low-Dose Examination for Urolithiasis Via Modern Computer Tomography with Tinfilter. I J Radiol. 2017;14(Special Issue):e48020. https://doi.org/10.5812/iranjradiol.48020.

Abstract

Objectives:

To compare radiation dose and image quality of three different CT devices using low dose abdominal protocols in patients with suspected urolithiasis. Differences in radiation dose due to usage of additional hardware (tin filter) and software (newer generation iterative reconstruction) were evaluated.

Methods:

Low - dose examinations from two standard CT (siemens AS +, siemens flash) devices with a tin - filter CT (siemens force) were compared regarding dose-length product (DLP) and computed tomography dose index volume (CTDIvol). Image quality of each CT scan was assessed using a five point Likert scale (0 = major blurring, 4 = excellent depiction). Kruskal - Wallis analysis was performed to test for significant subgroup differences in DLP, CTDIvol and image quality. An interrater agreement concerning image quality was evaluated.

Results:

CT examinations of a total of 143 patients were assessed. DLP of Force was 56% and 55% lower in comparison to AS+ and flash, (74.3, 166.1 and 164.6 mGycm respectively; P < 0.001). CTDIvol of Force showed 60% and 58% significantly lower values as compared to AS + and Flash, respectively (1.4 vs. 3.5vs. 3.3 mGy; P < 0.001). Image quality in force proved to be slightly higher as compared to flash and AS + (3.67, 3.50 and 3.59 respectively; P > 0.05). Interrater agreement regarding image quality was substantial for all CT - devices (? = 0.75, n = 143).

Conclusions:

Modern CTs with the innovative technology of a built-in tin filter allow for significant reduction of radiation exposure in patients with suspected urolithiasis by optimizing the X - Ray spectrum with image quality as high as in standard CT devices

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