Assessment of CT Dose Indices (CTDI and DLP) in Head CT Examinations Across Patient Age Groups on a Siemens 16-Slice CT Scanner

Abstract

Background: The crucial medical imaging equipment known as computed tomography (CT) produces fine-grained cross-sectional images of the body. Due to the increased dosages connected with CT scans, however, radiation exposure worries have surfaced. Dose measures are employed to address this, such the Dose-Length Product (DLP) and the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI). For high-resolution head imaging, the Siemens 16-slice CT scanner is available from Siemens, a top manufacturer of CT scanners. The best possible diagnostic results are achieved while minimizing needless radiation exposure and placing a high priority on patient safety when radiation doses are customized based on the patient's age.

Objective: Comparison of dose received in patient of different age groups undergoing CT Head.

Method: This prospective study was conducted in the radiology department, where 102 patients were included. Patients were segregated according to age group and gender. Further on behalf of age groups evaluation of the CTDI and DLP Values was done.

Result: Patients in group A had the greatest average CTDI (62.34 mGy) and DLP (1062.73 mGycm) in the study, followed by group B (61.49 mGy, 1016.6 mGycm), group D (63.35 mGy, 964 mGycm), and group C (62.48 mGy, 959.52 mGycm). Patients between the ages of 0 and 20 years received larger doses because their smaller bodies needed more radiation for a sufficient picture quality, which led to higher CTDI and DLP values.

Conclusion: Younger patients had higher radiation doses because of the necessity to adjust the CT scanner's parameters for smaller bodies.