Optimizing cone-beam computed tomography exposure for an effective radiation dose and image quality balance
- Author:
Ananda Amaral SANTOS
1
;
Brunno Santos de Freitas SILVA
;
Fernanda Ferreira Nunes CORREIA
;
Eleazar MEZAIKO
;
Camila Ferro de Souza RORIZ
;
Maria Alves Garcia SILVA
;
Deborah Queiroz FREITAS
;
Fernanda Paula YAMAMOTO-SILVA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry 2024;54(2):159-169
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:EN
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols on reducing the effective radiation dose while maintaining image quality.
Materials and Methods:The effective dose emitted by a CBCT device was calculated using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed in a Rando Alderson phantom. Image quality was assessed by 3 experienced evaluators. The relation-ship between image quality and confidence was evaluated using the Fisher exact test, and the agreement among raters was assessed using the kappa test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the technical parameters could predict the effective dose. P-values<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results:The optimized protocol (3 mA, 99 kVp, and 450 projection images) demonstrated good image quality and a lower effective dose for radiation-sensitive organs. Image quality and confidence had consistent values for all structures (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis resulted in a statistically significant model. The milliamperage (b = 0.504; t = 3.406; P = 0.027), kilovoltage peak (b = 0.589; t = 3.979; P = 0.016) and number of projection images (b = 0.557; t = 3.762; P = 0.020) were predictors of the effective dose.
Conclusion:Optimized CBCT acquisition protocols can significantly reduce the effective radiation dose while maintaining acceptable image quality by adjusting the milliamperage and projection images.
