Establishment of diagnostic reference levels in low-dose renal computed tomography

Abstract

Background Increased radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) examinations is well known with proven risks of inducing cancers for effective dose >100 mSv (according to some studies >50 mSvs). Purpose To establish the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for low-dose renal CT examinations in the evaluation of renal stones. Material and Methods Patient demographics, CT parameters, and dosimetric indices (CTDIvol and dose length product [DLP]) were collected from 12 tertiary hospitals that routinely perform renal CT in the detection and evaluation of renal stones over a period of 12 weeks. Data obtained from 1418 average-sized patients in each category were recorded. The median values of dosimetric indices for each site were calculated. The DRL values were defined as the 75th percentile of the distribution of the median values of CTDIvol and DLP. Results There were no significant differences between patient demographics. Mean kVp and mAs for protocols were 121.67 ± 11.56 and 226.91 ± 78.44, respectively. The CTDIvol values were in the range of 2–36.2 mGy, while the DLP values were in the range of 43–1942 mGy.cm. The DRL for the CTDIvol was 16.15 mGy and for the DLP 851.77 mGy.cm. The local median values of CDTIvol and DLP are higher than DRL in two hospitals. Conclusion Comparison of local median values of CDTIvol and DLP with DRL suggests the needs of an optimization strategy in some hospitals.

Diagnostic Reference Levels of Radiographic and CT Examinations in Jordan: A Systematic Review

“…The DRL values for CT examinations were reported in six studies: two reported the DRLs for children (Rawashdeh et al 2019; Rawashdeh et al 2023); one reported the DRL for cardiac CT examinations (Rawashdeh et al 2019); one reported the DRL for renal CT (Rawashdeh and Saade 2023) examinations; and the last two were reported DRLs for CT of chest, abdomen, pelvis, and brain CT (Radaideh et al 2023; Al Ewaidat et al 2018). All studies determined the DRL values of the CT scans using patient level data.…”

Diagnostic Validity Of Low Dose CT KUB In Demonstration Of Genitourinary Tract Calculi Compared To Normal Dose Ct Kub: A Provisional Study

“…[13] Increased levels of computed tomography (CT) scan-produced radiation doses are statistically proven to cause carcinomas for >100 mSv effective doses (and >50 mSvs as well as seen in some other research). [19] Recent advances in CT have been greatly helpful for the diagnosis of urolithiasis however due to the increasing frequency and rate of recurrence of renal tract stones, grey scale sonography is not the imaging modality of choice in comparison to CT scan KUB for demonstration and evaluation of urinary tract stones. [14] Repeated hospital visits may occur in many of the patients with renal area pain, requiring radiological investigations recurrently, it should be a matter of concern that collective dose due to radiation exposure must remain within permissible limits.…”