International Journal of Pediatrics

Evaluation of the Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and Radiation Dose to the Radiosensitive Organs in Pediatric Pelvic Radiography

Vahid Karami; Mansoursour Zabihzadeh; Mohammad Keshtkar

Volume 5, Issue 6 , June 2017, , Pages 5013-5022

https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2017.22364.1873

Abstract

Background Patients' dosimetry is crucial in order to enhance radiation protection optimization and to deliver low radiation dose to the patients in a radiological procedure. The aim ... Read More Background Patients' dosimetry is crucial in order to enhance radiation protection optimization and to deliver low radiation dose to the patients in a radiological procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the entrance surface dose (ESD) and radiation dose to the radiosensitive organs in pediatric pelvic radiography. Materials and Methods The studied population included 98 pediatric patients of both genders referred to anteroposterior (AP) projection of pelvic radiography. The radiation dose was directly measured using high radiosensitive cylindrical lithium fluoride thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLD-GR200). Two TLDs were placed at the center point of the radiation field to measure the ESD of pelvis. Moreover for each patient, 2 TLDs were placed upon each eyelid, 2 TLDs upon each breast, 2 TLDs upon the surface anatomical position of the thyroid gland and finally 2 TLDs at the surface anatomical position of the gonads to measure the received dose. Results The ESD ± standard deviation for AP pelvic radiography was obtained 591.7±76 µGy. Statistically significant difference was obtained between organs located outside and inside of the radiation field with respect to dose received (P<0.001), as well as between the average dose received by the breast and lens of the eyes (P<0.05). There was no difference between boys and girls with respect to average ESD, while the testes dose was statistically non-significantly lower than ovaries dose. Conclusion The ESD received by patients are relatively accordance to the international recommendations. However further reduction in patients' dose in achievable by adherence to the radiation protection optimization guidelines. The data presented in our study will serve as a baseline needed for deriving local reference doses for pediatric pelvic radiography in our hospital. The study is expected to increase the awareness of medical professionals about the radiation doses in pediatric pelvic radiography.

Radioprotection to the Gonads in Pediatric Pelvic Radiography: Effectiveness of Developed Bismuth Shield

Vahid Karami; Mansour Zabihzadeh; Nasim Shams; Mehrdad Golami

Volume 5, Issue 6 , June 2017, , Pages 5153-5166

https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2017.23116.1939

Abstract

Background: The use and effectiveness of traditional lead gonad shields in pediatric pelvic radiography has been challenged by several literatures over the past two decades. The aim ... Read More Background: The use and effectiveness of traditional lead gonad shields in pediatric pelvic radiography has been challenged by several literatures over the past two decades. The aim of this study was to develop a new radioprotective gonad shields to be use in pediatric pelvic radiography. Materials and Methods: The commercially available 0.06 mm lead equivalent bismuth garment has cropped squarely and used as ovarian shield to cover the entire region of pelvis. In order to prevent deterioration of image quality due to beam hardening artifacts, a 1-cm foam as spacer was located between the shield and patients pelvis. Moreover, we added a lead piece at the cranial position of the bismuth garment to absorb the scatter radiations to the radiosensitive organs. In girls, 49 radiographs with shield and 46 radiographs without shield was taken. The radiation dose was measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Image quality assessments were performed using the European guidelines. For boys, the lead testicular shields was developed using 2 cm bismuth garment, added to the sides. The prevalence and efficacy of testicular shields was assessed in clinical practice fromFebruary 2016 to June 2016. Results: Without increasing the dose to the breast, thyroid and the lens of the eyes, the use of bismuth shield has reduced the entrance skin dose(ESD) of the pelvis and radiation dose to the ovaries by 62.2% and 61.7%, respectively (P<0.001). Image quality remained diagnostically acceptable in all shielded and non-shielded images, without non-diagnostic or poor quality image. In boy patients, the prevalence of shielding in lead and developed testicular shields were obtained 63.25% and 19.74%, respectively; the accuracy positioning of the shield 90% and 34%, as well as. Conclusion: The ovarian shield designed in this study has significantly reduced the radiation dose to the ovaries without adversely affecting diagnostically image quality. The testicular shield has improved the accuracy positioning of the shield. These developed shields have potential to be use in clinical practice.

Optimization of Radiological Protection in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Common Conventional Radiological Procedures: Effectiveness of Increasing the Film to Focus Distance (FFD)

Vahid Karami; Mansour Zabihzadeh; Nasim Shams; Abdolreza Gilavand

Volume 5, Issue 4 , April 2017, , Pages 4771-4782

https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2017.22010.1841

Abstract

Background Increasing the x-ray film to focus distance (FFD), has been recommended as a practical dose optimization tool for patients undergoing conventional radiological procedures. ... Read More

Evaluation of the Prevalence and Utility of Gonad Shielding in Pediatrics Undergoing Pelvic X-Ray

Vahid Karami; Mansour Zabihzadeh; Nasim Shams; Saman Sarikhani

Volume 4, Issue 11 , November 2016, , Pages 3735-3740

https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2016.7589

Abstract

Background: Gonad shielding has been recommended during pelvic x-rays since the 1950s. The popular method of gonad shielding is placement a lead shield in the midline of the pelvis. ... Read More

Efficacy of Increasing Focus to Film Distance (FFD) for Patient’s Dose and Image Quality in Pediatric Chest Radiography

Vahid Karami; Mansour Zabihzadeh; Amir Danyaei; Nasim Shams

Volume 4, Issue 9 , September 2016, , Pages 3421-3429

https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2016.7319

Abstract

Background: Increasing the x-ray focus to film distance (FFD) has been advocated as an effective method to reduce the patients’ radiation dose. The aim of this study was to investigate ... Read More

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Keywords = Radiation Protection

Evaluation of the Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and Radiation Dose to the Radiosensitive Organs in Pediatric Pelvic Radiography

Abstract

Radioprotection to the Gonads in Pediatric Pelvic Radiography: Effectiveness of Developed Bismuth Shield

Abstract

Optimization of Radiological Protection in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Common Conventional Radiological Procedures: Effectiveness of Increasing the Film to Focus Distance (FFD)

Abstract

Evaluation of the Prevalence and Utility of Gonad Shielding in Pediatrics Undergoing Pelvic X-Ray

Abstract

Efficacy of Increasing Focus to Film Distance (FFD) for Patient’s Dose and Image Quality in Pediatric Chest Radiography

Abstract