Effects of kilovoltage on image quality and entrance surface dose in lumbar spine digital radiography

Ramli, Hanis Aisyah and Moey, Soo Foon (2018) Effects of kilovoltage on image quality and entrance surface dose in lumbar spine digital radiography. Iranian Journal of Medical Physics, xx (xx). pp. 1-5. (In Press)

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Abstract

Introduction: Digital radiography (DR) possesses a wide dynamic range and has a major advantage in producing an acceptable image of diagnostic value even though overexposure occurs. Lumbar spine (LS) radiography is one of the commonest examinations that give high radiation dose to patients and accounts for the highest collective population dose of any conventional radiographic examination. As such, this study was to ascertain the impact of image quality and entrance surface dose (ESD) with different exposure settings in the antero-posterior (AP) and lateral LS. Materials and Methods: The torso of the PBU-50 phantom was exposed to medium and high kilovoltage (kVp). A total of fourteen images, seven each for AP and lateral LS were obtained. Relative image quality was assessed using Leeds Test Objects TOR (CDR) whilst the entrance surface dose (ESD) was ascertained using the Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter (OSLD). Results: The Friedman Test indicated a significant difference in image quality when using medium and high kVp; X² (2, N=5) = 23.636, p <0.05. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test also reflected a significant difference in ESD between medium and high kVp usage; Z = -2.023, p < 0.05, with higher ESD obtained with medium kVp. Conclusion: Significant differences in image quality and ESD were obtained using medium and high kVp with medium kVp resulting in high contrast but low contrast sensitivity and vice versa. However, lower ESD was obtained with high kVp. The findings of the study indicated that the recommended kVp for AP for LS is from 75kVp to 81kVp whilst for lateral LS, the recommended kVp is from 85kVp to 90kVp for an average adult patient. The usage of the recommended kVp can result in an image of acceptable quality but low ESD consistent with the concept of “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) concept.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7455/68318
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Digital radiography, image quality, radiation dosage, lumbar spine
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr Soo Foon Moey
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2018 12:03
Last Modified:	17 Dec 2018 12:03
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/68318

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• Effects of kilovoltage on image quality and entrance surface dose in lumbar spine digital radiography. (deposited 17 Dec 2018 12:03) [Currently Displayed]
  • Effects of kilovoltage on image quality and entrance surface dose in lumbar spine digital radiography. (deposited 23 Sep 2019 10:22)

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