Age-Dependent Changes in Effective Dose in Pediatric Brain CT: Comparisons of Estimation Methods
Yusuke Inoue1, Masahiro Mori1, Hiroyasu Itoh2
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan.
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
|January 22, 2024
Summary
The effective dose (ED) in pediatric brain computed tomography (CT) decreases with age, despite increasing dose-length product (DLP). Accurately determining the conversion factor using a curve method is crucial for age-specific ED estimation in children.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Effective dose (ED) in computed tomography (CT) is calculated using dose-length product (DLP) and a conversion factor.
- In pediatric patients, automatic exposure control increases DLP with age, while the conversion factor decreases, impacting ED estimation.
- Accurate age-specific ED estimation is vital for pediatric CT protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare methods for estimating effective dose (ED) in pediatric brain CT based on patient age.
- To evaluate the influence of age-dependent conversion factors on ED calculations in pediatric brain CT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 980 pediatric brain CT scans.
- Determination of age-specific conversion factors using curve and linear interpolation methods based on ICRP data.
- Comparison of ED estimations from curve, linear, simple (closest age ICRP factor), and radiation dose management system methods.
Main Results:
- Median DLP increased with age in pediatric brain CT.
- The curve method showed a decreasing ED with age, plateauing at 9 years, contrasting with DLP trends.
- Linear, simple, and radiation dose management system methods produced less consistent age-related ED changes.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric brain CT effective dose (ED) decreases with age, contrary to DLP increases.
- Utilizing a curve-based method for age-specific conversion factor determination is recommended for accurate pediatric CT ED estimation.
- This approach aids in refining age-appropriate radiation dose management in pediatric imaging.
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