[Fundamental Study on Fluoroscopy Dose Rate Reduction in Pediatric Angiography Using an X-ray Cut Filter]

We evaluated the ability of an MJP X-ray cut filter (hereafter referred to as "cut filter") to reduce fluoroscopic dose rate and assessed its impact on image quality in pediatric angiography.

Fundamental assessments included fluoroscopic dose rate measurements, spectral analysis, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and visual evaluation were conducted. Body thickness was also measured in 412 pediatric patients aged 10 years or younger. Image visibility was visually assessed using a paired-comparison method.

The use of a cut filter reduced the fluoroscopic dose rate by 15%-25%. Spectral analysis confirmed that the low-energy component was effectively reduced via use of a cut filter. Changes in SNR ranged from -1.7% to +3.0%. CNR decreased by 27% when polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) thickness was 20 cm. Visual assessment showed an average degree of preference of 0.119 at a PMMA thickness of 20 cm. Respective average body thicknesses at 0 and 10 years of age were 10.5±0.63 and 17.0±2.04 cm, respectively.

An MJP X-ray cut filter can reduce fluoroscopic dose rate while maintaining sufficient image visibility in pediatric angiography, particularly for patients with a body thickness of 15 cm or less.