Posterior kV-CBCT scanning of the head and neck region minimizes doses to critical organs with sustained image quality.
We evaluated the absorbed dose to critical organs, as well as the image quality, at different partial angles in kV-CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanning of the head and neck region. CBCT images of phantom from a 200° rotation were performed by using three different scanning paths, anterior, posterior, and right lateral with Catphan504 and RANDO phantoms. Critical organ dose was measured using TLD 100H in the RANDO phantom. The image quality of those phantoms was evaluated, using HU uniformity, HU linearity, contrast-to-noise ratio, low contrast visibility and spatial resolution with the Catphan504 dataset; and 5-point grading scales for the RANDO phantom dataset by five radiation oncologists. The image qualities from Catphan504 and RANDO phantom of every scanning path were comparable, with no statistically significant difference (p ≥ 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the critical organ dose in all paths (p < 0.05), depending on the critical organ location and the scanning direction. Scanning directions show no effects on the image quality. Differences in absorbed dose to critical organs should were evaluated. The posterior scanning path for the CBCT was deemed preferable due because of considerably lower doses to several critical organs of the head and neck region.
Radiation Oncology Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: chirasak.kh@gmail.com.
Chirasak
C
Khamfongkhruea
Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Kitsana
K
Utapom
Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Siwapon
S
Munsing
Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Sittipong
S
Suttiprapha
Radiation Oncology Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chirapha
C
Tannanonta
Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Sumalee
S
Yabsantia
D065638:Absorption, Radiation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D058958:Organs at Risk / Q000528:radiation effects*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011786:Quality Control; D011829:Radiation Dosage
Cone-beam computed tomography; Head and neck cancer; Image-guided radiation therapy; Imaging dose