Vahe Michael Zohrabian MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jaydev Dave, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Laurence Parker PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric Laurence Gingold PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Agfa-Gevaert Group

SSDE is greater than CTDIvol in all age groups. The change in estimated dose is largest in pediatric studies. Patient lateral measurements from the scout radiograph differ from those obtained by CT secondary to technique, and result in statistically significant differences in SSDE. To monitor dose as accurately as possible, one must be aware of the variability in SSDE when applying AAPM Report 204 conversion factors to different measurement methods in the same patient.

AAPM Report 204 recently provided a protocol for more accurately estimating radiation dose in body CT examinations. The Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE) is obtained by applying one of several conversion factors according to patient size to volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol). Here, we detail a tertiary health care center’s initial experience with SSDE.

SSDE is greater than CTDIvol in all age groups. The change in estimated dose is largest in pediatric studies. Patient lateral measurements from the scout radiograph differ from those obtained by CT secondary to technique, and result in statistically significant differences in SSDE. To monitor dose as accurately as possible, one must be aware of the variability in SSDE when applying AAPM Report 204 conversion factors to different measurement methods in the same patient.

Zohrabian, V, Dave, J, Parker, L, Gingold, E, A Tertiary Health Care Center’s Initial Experience with Size-specific Dose Estimates in Pediatric and Adult Body CT Examinations.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12029104.html