CT-guided intervention with low radiation dose: feasibility and experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Minimizing radiation dose in computed tomography (CT)-guided procedures is crucial for patient safety.
• Standard radiation doses may pose risks, necessitating the exploration of low-dose alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a very low radiation dose technique for CT-guided interventional procedures.
• To compare the success rates of low-dose CT-guided procedures with those performed at standard radiation doses.

Main Methods:

• 291 CT-guided procedures (201 biopsies, 90 drainage) were performed using a reduced milliamperesecond (mAs) technique after initial standard dose imaging.
• CT fluoroscopy was not utilized; subsequent scans were at a reduced mAs.
• Technical success rates were compared to historical data from standard radiation doses, with patient weight and lesion size recorded.

Main Results:

• A 96.7% success rate was achieved for aspiration or drainage procedures at 30 mAs.
• The technical success rate for percutaneous biopsy at 30 mAs was 93.5%.
• Low-dose technique success rates were comparable to standard doses, with similar complication rates.

Conclusions:

• A low-dose radiation technique (30 mAs) is effective for CT-guided percutaneous biopsies and drainage.
• This technique offers comparable technical success to standard radiation doses while reducing patient exposure.
• Feasibility is demonstrated for routine use in interventional radiology settings.