Patient- and Task-specific Radiation Dose Optimization for Pediatric Abdominopelvic CT Applications

Radiation dose reduction has been a primary driver of technology development in multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). The optimization of radiation dose for patient and task specific computed tomography (CT) applications continues to be an ongoing challenge, especially in pediatric patients where the desire to reduce radiation dose to lowest possible levels leads to both positive and negative effects. A novel research tool on the Siemens dual source (Flash® and Force ®) CT scanners allows one to assess multiple tube current levels from a single CT acquisition without incurring additional dose to the patient. Tube current is a primary contributor to radiation dose and image noise, which are inversely related. This is achieved by independently adjusting the current of each tube, while maintaining same kV in each x-ray tube. Moreover, Duke's medical physics team has developed a method based on mathematical expressions that allows the creation of incremental dose levels from the acquired image data sets. This innovative and powerful tool can be used to compare diagnostic accuracy, detectability, and many more relevant clinical features amongst multiple tube current levels with the attainment of a single CT acquisition.