[Pediatric thoracic spine radiographs: Comparison of two scintillators]

J Radiol. 2009 Apr;90(4):485-91. doi: 10.1016/s0221-0363(09)74008-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

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%.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Observer Variation
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Radiography, Thoracic* / standards
  • Radiometry
  • Scintillation Counting*