Estimated fetal radiation dose from multislice CT studies

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1990 Jan;154(1):185-90. doi: 10.2214/ajr.154.1.2104708.

Abstract

It is often necessary to estimate the dose of radiation to a fetus from a series of CT scans. To assist in making this process easier and more accurate, we measured fetal doses in an adult anthropomorphic phantom for four CT scanners: Picker 1200, Siemens DRH, GE 9800, and GE 8800. Measurements were made at four kilovoltages (100, 120, 130, and 140 kVp), for 2-, 5-, 8-, and 10-mm thicknesses, for two scanning angles (360 degrees and 398 degrees) and for two patient orientations (prone and supine). The fetal-dose estimates are based on the CT dose index measured by using a pencil ionization chamber at the center position of a 16-cm-diameter cylindrical phantom. Comparison with data from other investigators shows reasonable agreement when phantom differences, X-ray tube output, and equipment calibration are considered.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fetus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Models, Structural*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*