Z-axis modulation can significantly reduce the radiation dose associated with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the head, according to a study to be presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Z-axis modulation is a simple technique that radiologists can use to adjust the radiation dose and obtain optimal image quality during CT scans.
"As radiologists, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the radiation dose associated with advanced imaging exams such as CT. Our study looked at the effects of z-axis modulation for CT head protocols on patient dose and image quality," said Thomas Zacharia, MD, lead author of the study.
The study, performed at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, included 100 unenhanced CT head examinations without dose modulation, and 100 unenhanced studies with z-axis modulation. "For unenhanced CT head examinations, the radiation dose was reduced by approximately 35 percent by using z-axis dose modulation, while image quality and noise were unaffected," said Zacharia.
"Utilization of the z-axis modulation technique for CT head examinations offers significant radiation dose reduction while image quality is optimally obtained," he said.
This study will be presented on Thursday, May 6, at 8:50 a.m. Pacific Time. For a copy of the abstract or to schedule an interview with Dr. Zacharia, please contact Heather Curry via E-MAIL at hcurry@acr-arrs.org.
About ARRS
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) was founded in 1900 and is the oldest radiology society in the United States. Its monthly journal, the American Journal of Roentgenology, began publication in 1906. Radiologists from all over the world attend the ARRS annual meeting to participate in instructional courses, scientific paper presentations and scientific and commercial exhibits related to the field of radiology. The Society is named after the first Nobel Laureate in Physics, Wilhelm Röentgen, who discovered the x-ray in 1895.