title: A Monte Carlo program for the calculation of contrast, noise and absorbed dose in diagnostic radiology.
abstract: A Monte Carlo computer program has been developed for the simulation of X-ray photon transport in diagnostic X-ray examinations. The simulation takes account of the incident photon energy spectrum and includes a phantom (representing the patient), an anti-scatter grid and an image receptor. The primary objective for developing the program was to study and optimise the design of anti-scatter grids. The program estimates image quality in terms of contrast and signal-to-noise ratio, and radiation risk in terms of mean absorbed dose in the patient. It therefore serves as a tool for the optimisation of the radiographic procedure. A description is given of the program and the variance-reduction techniques used. The computational method was validated by comparison with measurements and other Monte Carlo simulations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Physics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sandborg
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Dance
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Persliden
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Carlsson
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008961:Models, Structural; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012984:Software; D012985:Software Design; D012986:Software Validation; D013679:Technology, Radiologic