Radiation cost of helical high-resolution chest CT.
OBJECTIVE
In our department, most high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of the lungs are performed in conjunction with a standard helical examination to assess the entire chest. This requires scanning the patient twice. The goal of this study was to determine if the radiation dose could be decreased by performing a single combination helical scan of the chest from which both 5-mm standard and 1.25-mm HRCT images could be obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the total measured radiation dose is 32% greater from a single combination helical HRCT scan of the chest versus separate standard helical plus axial HRCT scans, helical HRCT is not a clinically advisable technique.
Leswick
David A
DA
Department of Radiology, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada. davidleswick@hotmail.com
Webster
Steve T
ST
Wilcox
Brad A
BA
Fladeland
Derek A
DA
D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*