ESTIMATION OF RADIATION DOSES FROM ABDOMINAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANS

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiology
• Radiation Protection

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans deliver radiation doses to patients.
• Accurate assessment of organ and effective doses is crucial for radiation protection.
• Abdominal CT scans involve critical organs such as the liver, stomach, and colon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify organ and effective radiation doses from abdominal CT scans.
• To analyze the relationship between patient demographics (BMI, weight) and radiation doses.
• To compare estimated doses with established literature values.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 120 adult patients from the West Bank and Gaza Strip underwent abdominal CT scans.
• Radiation doses were calculated using Monte Carlo-based software (VirtualDose™ CT).
• Patient demographic data, scanning parameters, and dose indicators were recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The average effective dose was 5.5 mSv, with a range of 2-10 mSv.
• Highest organ doses observed were 25 mGy (liver), 20 mGy (stomach), and 30 mGy (colon) for a male patient with a BMI of 30 kg/m².
• Average organ doses were 13.1 mGy (liver), 7.6 mGy (stomach), and 13.2 mGy (colon).
• Radiation doses showed a positive correlation with patient body mass index (BMI) and body weight.

Conclusions:

• Estimated radiation doses from abdominal CT in this population are generally low.
• Dose levels are comparable to those reported in international literature.
• Patient BMI and weight are significant factors influencing radiation dose in abdominal CT examinations.