Accuracy of CT dose monitor values: a multicentric study.

Four hundred and ninety-five adult patients in 16 medical centres participated in this study aiming to investigate the congruence between the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) monitor values and measured ones during common CT procedures, performed by 20 systems. Tube output CTDIair measurements were carried out on single and multislice scanners for any kV, slice thickness, mA and FOV combination used. The maximum/minimum ratio of measured CTDIvol values found to be 3.

The effect of a combined tube current modulation system on dose delivered to patients undergoing thoracic and abdominal CT with a 128-slice scanner.

Combined tube current modulation techniques (such as Care Dose4D used in this study) during computed tomography (CT) procedures bring together the benefits of the angular and z-axis modulation techniques, measuring X-ray attenuation profile in the z-axis together with the data from the perpendicular x-y direction with a sophisticated algorithm. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiation dose, in terms of computed tomography dose index (CTDI(vol)), delivered to patients during thoracic and abdominal CT using this technique and compare it with the corresponding CTDI(vol) of the fixed tube current CT technique. The results revealed a 5-32% dose reduction for chest CT and a dose reduction of 7.

Patient dose in cardiac radiology.

Introduction: In diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures performed with the use of X-ray diagnostic imaging systems, the long fluoroscopy time and the large number of cine projections, as well as the repetition of the procedure due to the recurrence of the lesion--a common event--result in a high locally delivered skin dose, which may even lead to patient skin necrosis. The purpose of this study was to collect information in order to estimate the patient dose during coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty procedures, using the dose-area product measuring system of the X-ray angiographic machine.

Methods: Dose-area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time, number of sequences and frames per sequence were collected for each of 108 coronary angiography and 101 coronary angioplasty procedures, using the dedicated X-ray machine of the hospital's haemodynamic department, where more than 3000 procedures are performed per year.

Commissioning and constancy protocols for digital angiographic units.

During the European Concerted Action SENTINEL 'Safety and Efficacy for New Techniques and Imaging using New Equipment to Support European Legislation', protocols for commissioning and constancy tests for dynamic digital flat detectors angiography units have been developed in order to harmonise practice among the European counties. The commissioning protocol includes measurements on X-ray tube and generator, patient and detector radiation dose and image quality. The constancy protocol is based on the dose and image quality measurements.

Iodine 131 treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in patients with end stage renal failure: dosimetric, radiation safety, and practical considerations.

Background: Iodine 131 ablation following total thyroidectomy is considered an indispensable element of successful treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (Dtc). because of the essential role of the kidneys in iodine clearance, (131)I therapy of Dtc in patients with end stage renal disease, particularly those maintained on haemodialysis, present a number of special features: the (131)I activity needs to be modified, the haemodialysis sessions need to be adjusted at the time of (131)I therapy, and there are radiation safety considerations during dialysis. there is considerable controversy over these crucial questions in the reports published so far in the literature, which concern a total of fourteen patients.