[Pediatric thoracic spine radiographs: Comparison of two scintillators].
OBJECTIVE
To compare image quality and radiation exposure from pediatric thoracic spine radiographs from two systems, one using a granular structure scintillator and another using a needle structure scintillator with 40% reduction of exposure.


METHODS
Randomized prospective study of 296 patients divided into 2 groups of 5 weight categories from 4 to 60 kg. Standard technique parameters are used for granular structure scintillators with dose reduction of 40% applied for needle structure scintillators based on results from a phantom study. Image quality based on detectability of 8 anatomical structures for both types of scintillators was assessed by 6 blinded radiologists. Exposure was expressed by DLP. Results underwent statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Overall, image quality was superior with corresponding dose reduction between 33-46% according to weight with needle structure scintillators. For the 4 lower weight categories, image quality was identical.


CONCLUSIONS
With image quality at least equal, new needle structure scintillator units allow a dose reduction of about 40%.
Desvignes
C
C
Service de Radiopédiatrie, Hôpital de la Timone, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05.
Gorincour
G
G
Fau
P
P
Loundou
A D
AD
Aschero
A
A
Paris
M
M
Bourlière
B
B
Devred
P
P
Petit
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015588:Observer Variation; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000592:standards; D011874:Radiometry; D012588:Scintillation Counting