Application of Different methods for Reducing Radiation Dose to Breast during MDCT

Keshtkar, M; Saba, V; Mosleh-Shirazi, M A

doi:10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.981

Application of Different methods for Reducing Radiation Dose to Breast during MDCT

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

M Keshtkar ¹

V Saba ²

M A Mosleh-Shirazi ²

¹ Radiology Department, Faculty of Paramedicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center and Department of Radio-Oncology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz

https://doi.org/10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.981

Abstract

The increased use of computed tomography (CT) and its high radiation dose have led to great concerns about its potential for radiation induced cancer risks. Breast is a radiosensitive tissue based on tissue weighting factors assigned by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Moreover, the dose is maximal on the surface of the patient. Therefore, strategies should be taken to reduce radiation dose to the breast. The aim of this review is to introduce methods used for reducing radiation dose to breast in thoracic CT and review related performed studies. The literature indicates that bismuth shielding increases image noise and CT numbers as well as introducing streak artifacts. Tube current modulation (TCM) technique and iterative reconstruction algorithms can provide some levels of dose reduction to radiosensitive organs and superior image quality without the disadvantages of bismuth shielding. However, they are not available on all CT scanners, especially in low-income countries. Such centers may have to continue using bismuth shields to reduce the dose until these superior techniques become available at lower costs in all CT scanners. Furthermore, design and manufacture of new shields with the lower impact on image quality are desirable.

Keywords

Breast

Dose Reduction

Computed Tomography

Bismuth Shielding

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