title: Optimised low-dose multidetector CT protocol for children with cranial deformity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present an optimised low-dose multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) protocol for the study of children with cranial deformity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-one consecutive MDCT studies were performed in 80 children. Studies were performed with either our standard head CT protocol (group 1, n = 20) or a low-dose cranial deformity protocol (groups 2 and 3). Group 2 (n = 38), initial, and group 3 (n = 33), final and more optimised. All studies were performed in the same 64-MDCT equipment. Cranial deformity protocol was gradationally optimised decreasing kVp, limiting mA range, using automatic exposure control (AEC) and increasing the noise index (NI). Image quality was assessed. Dose indicators such us CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP) and effective dose (E) were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The optimised low-dose protocol reached the following values: 80 kVp, mA range: 50-150 and NI = 23. We achieved a maximum dose reduction of 10-22 times in the 1- to 12-month-old cranium in regard to the 2004 European guidelines for MDCT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A low-dose MDCT protocol that may be used as the first diagnostic imaging option in clinically selected patients with skull abnormalities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • MDCT is a very useful tool in the study of skull lesions • Low-dose MDCT minimises child exposure to ionising radiation while maintaining image quality • Low-dose MDCT should be considered as the first imaging option in selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Pizarro 22, Vigo, 36204, Pontevedra, Spain. luis.vazquez.castelo@sergas.es
authors.forename: Jose Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Vazquez
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pombar
authors.forename: Jose Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pumar
authors.forename: Victor Miguel
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: del Campo
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012306:Risk; D012886:Skull / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors