Purpose: To compare image quality and radiation exposure from pediatric thoracic spine radiographs from two systems, one using a granular structure scintillator and another using a needle structure scintillator with 40% reduction of exposure.
Patients and methods: Randomized prospective study of 296 patients divided into 2 groups of 5 weight categories from 4 to 60 kg. Standard technique parameters are used for granular structure scintillators with dose reduction of 40% applied for needle structure scintillators based on results from a phantom study. Image quality based on detectability of 8 anatomical structures for both types of scintillators was assessed by 6 blinded radiologists. Exposure was expressed by DLP. Results underwent statistical analysis.
Results: Overall, image quality was superior with corresponding dose reduction between 33-46% according to weight with needle structure scintillators. For the 4 lower weight categories, image quality was identical.
Conclusion: With image quality at least equal, new needle structure scintillator units allow a dose reduction of about 40%.