[Radiation loading problems in petrous bone tomography. Experimental research using film dosimetry on the Alderson...

Using film dosimetry and an Alderson skull phantom, the iso-dose distribution during tomography of the petrous bone was investigated. We were particularly concerned with the radiation dose to the lens of the eye, the critical organ in the skull, and to the inner ear, using different types of examination and various positions of the skull. The choice of suitable film material and standardisation against TLD measurements is crucial for the accuracy of film dosimetry, allowing for correction of film blackening in relation to varying energies. Tomography of the petrous bone in the prone position produced a reduction in radiation dose to the eye to only 1 to 4% of the dose incident on the occiput. In this way, and using high definition screen and grinds, it is possible to obtain optimal tomographic images despite drastic reduction of the scattered radiation to the eye. Radiation dose to the inner ear is greatly below any significant somatic does, irrespective of projection or technique. Special measures to reduce radiation to the inner ear are neither effective nor sensible.