Craig Steven Moore1, Tim Wood1,2, Stephen Balcam3, Liam Needler3, Tim Guest3, Wee Ping Ngu3, Lee Wun Chong3, John Saunderson1, Andrew Beavis1,2,4. 1. Medical Physics Department, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Castle Road, Hull, HU16 5JQ, UK. 2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK. 3. Radiology Department, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Castle Road, Hull, HU16 5JQ, UK. 4. Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate via computer simulation, an optimised tube voltage (kVp) range for caesium iodide (CsI)-based digital radiography (DR) of the abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine. METHODS: Software capable of simulating abdomen, pelvis and spine radiographs was used. Five evaluators graded clinical image criteria in images of 20 patients at tube voltages ranging from 60 to 120 kVp in 10 kVp increments. These criteria were scored blindly against the same patient reconstructed at a specific reference kVp. Linear mixed effects analysis was used to evaluate image scores for each criterion and test for statistical significance. RESULTS: Score was dependent on tube voltage and image criteria; both were statistically significant. All criteria for all anatomies scored very poorly at 60 kVp. Scores for abdomen, pelvis and spine imaging peaked at 70, 70 and 100 kVp, respectively, but other kVp values were not significantly poorer. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate optimum tube voltages of 70 kVp for abdomen and pelvis (with an optimum range 70-120 kVp), and 100 kVp (optimum range 80-120 kVp) for lumbar spine. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: There are no recommendations for optimised tube voltage parameters for DR abdomen, pelvis or lumbar spine imaging. This study has investigated and recommended an optimal tube voltage range.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate via computer simulation, an optimised tube voltage (kVp) range for caesium iodide (CsI)-based digital radiography (DR) of the abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine. METHODS: Software capable of simulating abdomen, pelvis and spine radiographs was used. Five evaluators graded clinical image criteria in images of 20 patients at tube voltages ranging from 60 to 120 kVp in 10 kVp increments. These criteria were scored blindly against the same patient reconstructed at a specific reference kVp. Linear mixed effects analysis was used to evaluate image scores for each criterion and test for statistical significance. RESULTS: Score was dependent on tube voltage and image criteria; both were statistically significant. All criteria for all anatomies scored very poorly at 60 kVp. Scores for abdomen, pelvis and spine imaging peaked at 70, 70 and 100 kVp, respectively, but other kVp values were not significantly poorer. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate optimum tube voltages of 70 kVp for abdomen and pelvis (with an optimum range 70-120 kVp), and 100 kVp (optimum range 80-120 kVp) for lumbar spine. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: There are no recommendations for optimised tube voltage parameters for DR abdomen, pelvis or lumbar spine imaging. This study has investigated and recommended an optimal tube voltage range.
Authors: Robert Heath; Andrew England; Anthony Ward; Paul Charnock; Matthew Ward; Paula Evans; Louise Harding Journal: Radiol Technol Date: 2011 Sep-Oct
Authors: Claire Keeble; Paul D Baxter; Amber J Gislason-Lee; Laura A Treadgold; Andrew G Davies Journal: Br J Radiol Date: 2016-04-12 Impact factor: 3.039