부산대학교 도서관

This study investigated optimization of dose-image quality relationship for pelvic x-ray examinations by varying tube voltage (kV). Patient dose optimization was implemented for three digital radiography systems used for general x-ray examinations (GE Definium, Shimatzu Sonialvision Safire and Siemens Luminos). An anthropomorphic pelvic phantom (CIRS, US) was used to simulate a patient undergoing clinical pelvic X-ray examination. Dose quantities ESD (entrance surface dose), DAP (dose area product) and exposure parameters (kV, mA, mAs) were measured and the impact on the image were evaluated, considering physical CNR (contrast to noise ratio) and observer-based evaluations as image quality metrics. In the case of Definium and Sonialvision Safire, both standard and dose-optimized images were rated as acceptable for clinical use; thus, an increase of 5-10 kV was an effective strategy to reduce patient dose while maintaining image quality. Our results show that the analysis of the images of an anthropomorphic phantom performed using physical and observer evaluations can be an efficient practice for optimizing diagnostic protocols of digital X-ray units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]