3D diagnostics in the ENT and implementation of §§ 6 and 8 of the radiation protection act. Compatible?

Purpose Are the resolution and radiation dose of the applied digital volume tomograph (DVT) sufficient for 3D diagnostics in the ENT on basis of the requirements for radiation protection according to §§ 6 and 8 radiation protection act (StrlSchG) and how do they behave in comparison to conventional CT?

Methodology The abilities of a DVT of the latest generation in terms of resolution and radiation dose are compared with classical computed tomography (CT) on basis of §§ 6 and 8 StrlSchG (30 datasets).

Findings The applied DVT provides a multiplanar slice depiction with an isotropic voxel size of up to 0.075mm (1.0mm average for CT). This resulted in a significantly higher spatial resolution compared to CT. The eff. dose of the DVT was at least 50 % below the values of the dose-optimized CT. The DVT was applied by the otorhinolaryngologist with existing DVT (Rö9.2) certificate (examination duration 18 seconds). The CTs were made by radiologists within separate appointments.

Discussion § 6 StrlSchG calls for the highest benefit and the lowest risk for patients in imaging diagnostics. § 8 StrlSchG requires the maximum possible reduction of radiation exposure. The higher benefit for the patients and the otorhinolaryngologists compared to the CTs was given by the applied DVT. Aditionally the minimum risk for the patients was achieved with the DVT. The radiation exposure for the dose-optimized, conventional CT was at least by a factor of 2 higher than for the DVT. The DVT convinced as a diagnostic imaging in the ENT and is doubtless compatible with the §§ 6 and 8 StrlSchG. Dependent to the indication in this context des DVT is preferable to the CT.

Poster-PDF A-1872.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020