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Computing effective doses to pediatric patients undergoing body CT examinations

Walter Huda1, Kent M Ogden

  • 1Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

Pediatric Radiology
|January 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Calculating pediatric effective doses from CT scans is simplified. Adult effective dose data can be scaled for children, aiding radiologists and technologists in clinical settings.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Physics
  • Radiological Dosimetry
  • Pediatric Imaging

Background:

  • Pediatric effective dose computation is crucial due to high CT radiation doses and increased CT utilization in children.
  • Current methods for pediatric effective dose calculation are complex, necessitating simpler clinical approaches for radiologists and technologists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine pediatric effective doses for body CT scans.
  • Utilize adult effective dose (E) per unit dose length product (DLP) coefficients.
  • Incorporate energy imparted to children relative to adults.

Main Methods:

  • Adult E/DLP coefficients were calculated using the ImPACT CT dosimetry spreadsheet at 120 kV.
  • Monte Carlo modeling simulated energy imparted to water cylinders representing patients.
  • Pediatric effective doses were derived using scaling factors for scan length, mAs, patient weight, and relative energy imparted (R(en)).

Main Results:

  • Adult E/DLP values were approximately 16 microSv/mGy cm (males) and 19 microSv/mGy cm (females).
  • Newborn R(en) values at 120 kV were 0.35 (chest) and 0.49 (abdomen).
  • Pediatric chest CT doses were ~50% higher, and abdominal doses ~100% higher than adult doses at constant mAs.

Conclusions:

  • Adult effective doses, derived from DLP data, can be effectively scaled.
  • This scaling method provides corresponding pediatric effective doses for body CT examinations.
  • The approach offers a simplified method for clinical use by radiologists and technologists.
Abstract

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