What is the recommended kVp range using a digital system for an abdomen projection?

Highlights

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Additional filtration and high kVp are effective methods for dose reduction.
Inhaltsverzeichnis Show
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Use of 92 kVp and Cu filter can reduce effective dose with good image quality.
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Radiation exposure time is decreased by applying 92 kVp with 0.1 mm Cu filter.

Abstract

Purpose

Dose reduction using additional filters with high kilovoltage peak (kVp) for abdominal digital radiography has received much attention recently. We evaluated image quality with dose reduction in abdominal digital radiography by using high kVp and additional copper filters at a tertiary hospital.

Methods

Between June 2016 and July 2016, 82 patients underwent abdominal digital radiography using 80 kVp in X-ray room 1 and 82 were imaged using 92 kVp with 0.1-mm copper filtration in X-ray room 2. The effective dose was calculated using a PC-based Monte Carlo program. Image quality of the abdominal radiography acquired in the two rooms was evaluated using a five-point ordinal scale, as well as the signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios.

Results

The mean effective dose decreased by 25.8% and 25.7% for the supine and standing positions, respectively, when abdominal digital radiography using 92 kVp with 0.1-mm copper filtration was performed. In the 20 patients who performed abdominal digital radiography twice in each room, visual grading scores for visualisation of psoas outlines and kidney outlines are higher in room 1. However, there was no statistical significant difference of visual grading scores among the 124 patients who underwent only one abdominal radiography in the room 1 or 2 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Dose reduction for abdominal digital radiography can be achieved with comparable image quality by performing abdominal digital radiography using 92 kVp with 0.1-mm copper filtration, despite the higher AEC dose.

Keywords

Abdominal radiography
Effective dose
Dose reduction
Copper filter

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Article Info

Publication History

Accepted: May 6, 2018

Received in revised form: May 4, 2018

Received: July 25, 2017

Identification

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.05.007

Copyright

ScienceDirect

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What kVp is used for abdomen?

Conclusions: Results indicate optimum tube voltages of 70 kVp for abdomen and pelvis (with an optimum range 70–120 kVp), and 100 kVp (optimum range 80–120 kVp) for lumbar spine.

What is the KV range for lumbar imaging?

The lumbar spine is extremely thick and dense, requiring settings in the 90-100 kVp range.

What is the best technique for an abdominal radiograph?

Technique: The abdominal radiograph (AXR) is performed almost exclusively in the supine position and in the AP (anteroposterior) projection, i.e. the x-ray beam passes through the patient from front to back.

What is kVp in xray?

The kilovoltage peak (kVp) is the difference in potential applied to the X-ray tube.[11][14] kVp is directly proportional to the average energy of the X-ray spectrum produced, referred to as X-ray quality.[14] kVp plays a role in adjusting the amount of penetration and exposure in an acquisition.