Enhancing X-ray quality and dose reduction: Evaluation with additional filters, Contrast-Detail Phantom and Monte...

Area of Science:

• Radiological Physics
• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Dosimetry

Background:

• Minimizing radiation dose in radiology is critical for patient safety.
• Optimizing technical parameters is essential for balancing dose and image quality.
• Posteroanterior (PA) chest X-ray is a common radiological examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate combinations of additional filters (0.1-0.3 mm Cu) and equipment voltage (96-133 kVp) for PA chest X-rays.
• To determine the optimal trade-off between radiation dose and image quality.
• To define the best radiographic technique for PA chest X-rays using Figures of Merit (FOM).

Main Methods:

• Experimental and computational approaches were used.
• Image quality was assessed using the Contrast-Detail Phantom (CDRAD Phantom) to obtain IQFinv.
• Radiation dose was measured as air kerma-area product (PKA) and estimated patient dose via Monte Carlo simulations.

Main Results:

• Optimal trade-offs were found with 96 kVp/0.3 mm Cu and 102 kVp/0.2 mm Cu.
• These techniques reduced PKA by ~13% and ~12% respectively, improving IQFinv by ~8% and ~9% compared to routine protocols.
• Computational simulations validated experimental findings, confirming optimal dose-image quality relationships.

Conclusions:

• CDRAD Phantom and Monte Carlo simulations enable patient dosimetry and selection of optimal radiographic techniques.
• Appropriate selection of kVp and filtration significantly reduces patient dose.
• Optimized techniques enhance diagnostic image quality while minimizing radiation exposure.