Dosimetry of pediatric chest X-Ray examinations in Togo

To assess the entrance surface dose (ESD) of pediatric chest X-ray examinations in order to establish a diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in Togo.

The study was carried out in 13 radiology departments within the 6 health regions of the country. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study relating to the dosimetric assessment of the skin of children aged from 0 to 15 years during chest X-ray examinations. The assessment was made by the empirical formula calculation of the entrance surface dose (ESD = 0.15 × (U/100)² × Q × (1/FSD)²) and with the Internet Dose Calculation Module (MICADO) software online. Statistical assessment was performed using IBM SPSS 21 software.

Our sample numbered 390 with a sex ratio of 1.3 and predominantly male. Examinations performed with the analog radiography units were more irradiating (0.14 mGy) than ones performed with digital detectors (0.12 mGy). The mean dose calculated with MICADO was low (Avg. = 0.12 mGy) compared to that calculated with the theoretical method (Avg. = 0.16 mGy). No significant relationship was found between the professional experience of operators and the entrance surface dose (r  > -1 with p = 0.146 not significant). MICADO doses increased with age. The values of the diagnostic reference levels used for the antero-posterior or postero-anterior chest X-ray examinations for children aged 0-1 year; 1-5 years; 5-10 years and 10-15 years were respectively, 0.15 mGy; 0.14 mGy; 0.15 mGy and 0.17 mGy.

The entrance surface dose varied greatly from one health facility to another for this same examination. In most of the different age groups of children, the diagnostic reference level was higher than that found in literature. Thus, effective measures must be put in place to optimize the doses delivered to children during chest X-ray examinations.