Measuring Fetal Radiation Exposure in Pregnant Women's Chest CT Scans

What is it about?

This retrospective study aimed to estimate embryo/fetal doses from non-conformal collimation CT scans of pregnant women during thorax CT scans. The study involved 22 pregnant women who underwent CT scans unintentionally between 2015-2022. Embryo/fetal absorbed doses were calculated using software and compared with experimental measurements. Results showed that 73% of patients had scans involving both thorax and abdomen, leading to higher embryo/fetal doses. The average dose for thorax-only scans was 1.54±0.71 mGy, while for thorax and abdomen scans it was 5.31±1.67 mGy. The study concluded that non-conformal collimation in CT scans resulted in increased embryo/fetal doses, highlighting the importance of proper scan protocols for pregnant patients.

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Photo by Bagoes Ilhamy on Unsplash

Photo by Bagoes Ilhamy on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important for several reasons: It addresses the critical issue of radiation exposure to embryos/fetuses during CT scans of pregnant women, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the impact of non-conformal collimation in CT scans, which can lead to increased radiation exposure to the embryo/fetus. It provides valuable data on embryo/fetal absorbed doses from thorax CT scans, which can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about the risks and benefits of these procedures for pregnant patients. The research compares calculated doses with experimental measurements, offering a more comprehensive understanding of radiation exposure in real-world scenarios. The findings can contribute to the development of improved protocols and guidelines for CT scans in pregnant women, potentially reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to embryos/fetuses. Key Takeaways: • Non-conformal collimation in thorax CT scans can lead to increased embryo/fetal radiation doses, especially when the scan area extends beyond the thorax region. • The average embryo/fetal dose for thorax-only CT scans was 1.54±0.71 mGy, while for thorax and abdomen CT scans, it was 5.31±1.67 mGy. • While the embryo/fetal doses observed in this study are generally below the threshold for deterministic effects, the risk of stochastic effects increases with higher absorbed doses, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and optimization of CT protocols for pregnant patients.