Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2025

X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging
08:30

X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging

Published on: September 11, 2011

14.5K

Assessing Radiation Dosage in Pediatric Head and Neck Computed Tomography Examinations During COVID-19 in a Tertiary

Mawya Khafaji1, Abdulrahman Y AlNajjar2, Sultan Matbouli2

  • 1Radiology, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU.

Cureus
|February 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric head CT scans showed reduced exposure times but slightly increased radiation doses. These changes in radiation dose practices may stem from efforts to minimize patient-technician contact.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Pediatric Imaging

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated changes in healthcare practices, including medical imaging.
  • Assessing radiation dose optimization in pediatric computed tomography (CT) during this period is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate imaging practices and radiation dose optimization for pediatric head and neck CT examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Compare radiation dose parameters before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric head CT scans (0-14 years) from King Abdulaziz University Hospital.
  • Data collected from March-September 2019 (pre-pandemic) and March-September 2020 (during pandemic).
  • Analysis of 1005 scans (531 pre-pandemic, 474 during pandemic), focusing on exposure time, CTDIvol, and dose-length product (DLP).

Main Results:

  • Exposure time was significantly lower during the COVID-19 period (5432 ms vs. 5811 ms, p < 0.001).
  • Mean total CTDIvol (23.34 mGy vs. 22.04 mGy) and DLP (577.36 mGy*cm vs. 518.93 mGy*cm) were slightly higher during the pandemic, though not statistically significant (p=0.565 and p=0.193, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric head CT protocols adapted during COVID-19, showing reduced exposure times.
  • Slight increases in radiation dose metrics may be linked to modified procedures aimed at limiting patient-technician contact.

Keywords:
computed tomographyexposurepediatricradiationradiation dose

More Related Videos

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies08:34

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies

Published on: February 6, 2019

20.4K
Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy10:10

Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy

Published on: October 18, 2011

12.8K

Related Concept Videos

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and...
328
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
181
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
139
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
34
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
384
Absorption of Radiation01:05

Absorption of Radiation

The rate of heat transfer by emitted radiation is described by the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation:
785