Evaluation of Volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) and Dose Length Product (DLP) in Routine CT scan Protocols among Children under ۱۵ Years of Age Admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, during ۲۰۱۹

Background The computed tomography (CT) scan is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of various diseases, but the absorbed dose causes concern, especially for children. The present study aimed to evaluate the absorbed dose of volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) in routine CT scan protocols in children under ۱۵ years of age admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and Methods The present descriptive-analytical epidemiological study was carried out on children under ۱۵ years of age admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz during the first ۶ months of ۲۰۱۹. CTDIvol and DLP values ​​were measured using a pencil ionization chamber. Universal dosimeter fire ware ۲, ۲۰, and single scan standard phantoms were done on children in a single scan for several routine CT scan protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version ۱۶.۰. Results Significantly different (P < ۰.۰۵) CTDIvol values were obtained for head, chest, and pelvis (۲.۱۴ ± ۰.۹۳, ۰.۹۳ ± ۰.۰۷, and ۱.۲۰ ± ۰.۵۳, respectively). The obtained DLP values for head, chest, and pelvis (۲۸.۴۶ ± ۰.۹۳, ۲۳.۹۱ ± ۲.۲۶, and ۳۸.۱۴ ±۲.۵۲, respectively) were significantly different (P <۰.۰۵). Mean CTDIvol and DLP values calculated for head, chest, and pelvic protocols were significantly different by month. Conclusion The mean CTDIvol and DLP values for the head, chest, and pelvic protocols, which are within the allowable range and will not be associated with the risks mentioned in this test on children, are less than the values ​​suggested by various guidelines and other studies.

Keywords:

CT Scan , Child , CTDIvol and DLP