ECR 2013: R&D Trends and Dose Reduction in Pediatric Imaging

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Sam Richard, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Carestream

I recently had the pleasure of presenting research that addressed two key topics in medical imaging at ECR 2013: pediatric imaging and dose reduction. More specifically, reducing dose when capturing pediatric images.

The research I took part in focused on optimizing image quality across a wide range of pediatric patient sizes. It looked at the thickness of the patient and sought to answer which kVp is best for each body size. The study concluded that in order to get the best image quality and lowest dose, pediatric patient size should be taken into account when selecting the kVp. Specifically, we found that the optimal kVp setting should be around 50 kVp for neonate, 60 kVp for young children and around 70 kVp for adolescents (assuming average patient size for each age group).

The second area of research that the team looked into focused on rib suppression in chest imaging. The key point here is that image quality can be improved by removing the ribs. Physics tell us that we get the best contrast if we go to lower kVp, but we use higher kVp to remove rib contrast. By reducing rib contrast, we can then reduce the kVp and improve lesion conspicuity while reducing the radiation dose to the patient.

It’s a fascinating time in the medical imaging space, and the research and technologies that are being released are proving this on a consistent basis. You can watch my complete interview from ECR 2013 below to hear more about the research, and what innovations we’re focusing on here at Carestream.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY7pqIYHYwE?rel=0]