LOW BMI PATIENT DOSE IN DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

Area of Science:

• Radiological Sciences
• Medical Physics
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Radiation dose assessment is crucial in diagnostic radiography.
• Understanding dose variations in patient populations, such as those with low body mass index (BMI), is essential for radiation protection.
• Digital radiography systems allow for precise dose monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiation dose (Kerma Area Product - KAP and Entrance Surface Air Kerma - ESAK) in low BMI adult patients undergoing various X-ray examinations.
• To compare these doses with those of normal patients and established national and UK diagnostic reference levels (DRLs).
• To investigate the correlation between radiation dose and patient size metrics (mass, height, BMI).

Main Methods:

• Dose values (KAP and ESAK) were recorded for 364 low BMI patients undergoing chest, abdomen, lumbar spine, KUB, and pelvis X-rays.
• Dose values were compared to historical data for normal patients and to DRLs.
• Statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney test) was used to compare dose values between groups and assess correlations with patient metrics.

Main Results:

• Low BMI patients received significantly lower KAP and ESAK values compared to normal patients across all examinations studied.
• Dose reductions in low BMI patients ranged from 26-52% for ESAK and 40-68% for KAP compared to normal patients.
• Dose values for low BMI patients were substantially lower (74-90% for ESAK, 58-82% for KAP) than national and UK DRLs.
• Significant correlations were found between dose values and BMI/mass for several examinations, but not height.
• No significant dose difference was observed between male and female patients.

Conclusions:

• Low BMI patients exhibit significantly reduced radiation doses in common X-ray examinations compared to normal-weight individuals.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering patient-specific factors in radiation dose management.
• Further research on low BMI patient groups can aid in refining radiation protection strategies and fostering a stronger radiation protection culture.