PURPOSE: To determine the optimal tube current for spiral CT for lung cancer screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Low-dose spiral CT images from 20 subjects were obtained with 50 mA, 25 mA, 10 mA and 5 mA tube currents. The accuracy in detecting 21 nodules measuring 3 to 14 mm in diameter was tested using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to determine the diagnostic accuracy and statistical significance. RESULTS: Compared with 50 mA, 25 mA showed no statistical difference. A significant difference was seen between 50 mA and 5 mA images and between 25 mA and 10 mA images, in the detection of lung parenchymal nodular lesions. CONCLUSION: Approximately 25 mA is the optimal tube current for the detection of pulmonary nodules as it allows a reduction of the radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.
PURPOSE: To determine the optimal tube current for spiral CT for lung cancer screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Low-dose spiral CT images from 20 subjects were obtained with 50 mA, 25 mA, 10 mA and 5 mA tube currents. The accuracy in detecting 21 nodules measuring 3 to 14 mm in diameter was tested using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to determine the diagnostic accuracy and statistical significance. RESULTS: Compared with 50 mA, 25 mA showed no statistical difference. A significant difference was seen between 50 mA and 5 mA images and between 25 mA and 10 mA images, in the detection of lung parenchymal nodular lesions. CONCLUSION: Approximately 25 mA is the optimal tube current for the detection of pulmonary nodules as it allows a reduction of the radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.
Authors: Mannudeep K Kalra; Michael M Maher; Stefania Rizzo; David Kanarek; Jo-Anne O Shepard; Jo-Anne O Shephard Journal: J Korean Med Sci Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 2.153