title: Conversion factors for estimation of effective dose in paediatric chest tomosynthesis.
abstract: For chest tomosynthesis in adults, a conversion factor of 0.26 mSv/Gy cm² has been reported for calculating the effective dose from the registered dose-area-product. The aim of this study was to determine conversion factors for chest tomosynthesis in children. Using the Monte Carlo-based computer software PCXMC 2.0, simulations were performed on modified phantoms for males and females aged 8-19 y, in the posteroanterior and anteroposterior projection, with energies 80-140 kV and copper filtration 0.1-0.3 mm. Resulting conversion factors ranged between 0.23 and 1.09 mSv/Gy cm², decreased with patient age, were significantly higher in the anteroposterior projection and increased with increased energy or copper filtration. To avoid an underestimation of effective dose in children, it is recommended to use age-dependent conversion factors. As a simplified approach, three conversion factors might be used for posteroanterior chest tomosynthesis and radiography in children, namely 0.6 (8-10 y), 0.4 (11-14 y) and 0.3 mSv/Gy cm² (15-19 y).
authors.affiliation: Center for Medical Imaging and Physiology, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund S-221 85, Sweden.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vult von Steyern
authors.forename: Isabella M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Björkman-Burtscher
authors.forename: Mats
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Geijer
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D010372:Pediatrics; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult