Let's talk about radiation dose and radiation protection in children.

Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults. Even though the risk is very low, exposure from radiological examinations can possibly cause them long-term side effects. Recent large epidemiological studies involving children and young adults have added evidence suggesting that even small doses of radiation, such as those from computed tomography scans, might slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life. Therefore, even though radiologic studies are essential for an accurate diagnosis and management of various conditions, it is crucial to minimize radiation exposure. This article addresses radiation protection for children in the medical use of ionizing radiation and it is set in the context of the European legislative framework regarding radiation protection. It advocates for a holistic approach to paediatric radiological tests. This approach includes the key principles of radiation protection, such as the justification of imaging procedures supported by referral guidelines, as well as the optimization of techniques (according to the ALARA principle) and effective communication with parents about the benefits and the risks of radiologic procedures. Protecting children from unnecessary radiation is not only a technical challenge, but also a moral obligation and a legal requirement.

Trade-off between the radiation parameters and image quality using iterative reconstruction techniques in head computed tomography: a phantom study.

BACKGROUND: Iterative reconstruction techniques (IRTs) are commonly used in computed tomography (CT) and help to reduce image noise. PURPOSE: To determine the minimum radiation dose while preserving image quality in head CT using IRTs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anthropomorphic phantom was used to scan nine head CT image series with varied radiation parameters. CT dose parameters, including volume CT dose index (CTDIvol [in mGy]) and dose length product (DLP [in mGy/cm]), were recorded for each scan series. Different noise levels (iDoseL1-6) were used in IRT reconstructions for soft and bone tissues. In total, 15 measurements were taken from five regions of interest (ROI) with an area of 10 mm2. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise values obtained at different ROIs were compared among various reconstruction methods with repeated measures of statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the head CT scan, applying IRT iDoseL5 had the lowest noise and highest SNR for soft tissue (P < 0.05), and increased iDose can decrease CT dose by 54.6% without compromising image quality. While for bone tissue reconstruction, no clear association was found between the level of iDose and noise. However, when CTDIvol is >20 mGy, iDoseL4 is slightly superior to other reconstruction methods (P < 0.065). CONCLUSION: Using IRTs in head CTs reduces radiation dose while maintaining image quality. IDoseL5 provided optimal balance for soft tissue.

Comparison of different iterative CT reconstruction techniques and filtered back projection for assessment of the medial clavicular epiphysis in forensic age estimation.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection (FBP) on image quality in computed tomography (CT)-based forensic age estimation of the medial clavicular epiphysis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: CT of the clavicle was performed in 19 patients due to forensic reasons (70 mAs/140 kVp). Raw data were reconstructed with FBP and with an iterative algorithm at level 4 and 6. Clavicular ossification stage was determined by two radiologists in consensus, firstly on FBP reconstructed images and secondly after reviewing all reconstructions including iDose 4 and 6. In addition, the 3 reconstructions were compared regarding artefacts and delineation of the meta-/epiphyseal interface. Quantitative image noise was measured. RESULTS: Quantitative noise was lower in iDose 6 reconstructed images than in FBP (P < 0.042), but not significantly lower between iDose 4 and FBP (P = 0.127). Side by side comparison revealed lesser qualitative image noise on both iDose reconstructed images than for FBP. The meta-/epiphyseal interface delineation was rated better on both iDose levels than with FBP. In 3 of 19 patients, the clavicular ossification stage was reclassified after iterative reconstructions had been additionally reviewed. CONCLUSION: Using iterative CT reconstruction algorithms, a reduction of image noise and an enhancement of image quality regarding the meta-/epiphyseal clavicular interface can be achieved. The study highlights the importance of image standardization as variation of reconstruction technique has impact on forensic age estimation.

The Influence of Bowel Preparation on ADC Measurements: Comparison between Conventional DWI and DWIBS Sequences.

Background and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess whether there were differences between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) sequences in non-prepared and prepared bowels before and after preparation with an enteric hyperosmolar agent, to assess whether ADC measurements have the potential to avoid bowel preparation and whether ADC-DWIBS has advantages over ADC-DWI. Materials and Methods: 106 adult patients without evidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) underwent magnetic resonance (MR) enterography before and after bowel preparation. ADC-DWI and ADC-DWIBS values were measured in the intestinal and colonic walls demonstrating high signal intensity (SI) at DWI tracking images of b = 800 s/mm2 before and after preparation. Results: There were significant difference (p < 0.0001) in both ADC-DWI and ADC-DWIBS results between non-prepared and prepared jejunum for DWI being 1.09 × 10-3 mm2/s and 1.76 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively, and for DWIBS being 0.91 × 10-3 mm2/s and 1.75 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively. Both ADC-DWI and DWIBS also showed significant difference between non-prepared and prepared colon (p < 0.0001), with DWI values 1.41 × 10-3 mm2/s and 2.13 × 10-3 mm2/s, and DWIBS-1.01 × 10-3 mm2/s and 2.04 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively. No significant difference between ADC-DWI and ADC-DWIBS was found in prepared jejunum (p = 0.84) and prepared colon (p = 0.58), whereas a significant difference was found in non-prepared jejunum and non-prepared colon (p = 0.0001 in both samples). Conclusions: ADC between DWI and DWIBS does not differ in prepared bowel walls but demonstrates a difference in non-prepared bowel. ADC in non-prepared bowel is lower than in prepared bowel and possible overlap with the ADC range of IBD is possible in non-prepared bowel. ADC-DWIBS has no advantage over ADC-DWI in regard to IBD assessment.

A Unique Type or Variation of Bile Duct Cyst in a 9-Year-Old Girl:A Remarkable Case Study.

Patients with bile duct cysts require careful radiological assessment of the hepatobiliary system prior to surgical intervention. This clinical case is uncommon with an atypical clinical presentation and radiological findings. According to the most widely used classification of choledochal cysts, this case presents a combination of Type I and Type IV of choledochal cyst (CC) combining the form of extra, intrahepatic bile ducts and cystic duct dilations.

Bilateral ovarian fibromas in a 15-year-old primary amenorrhea patient: a case report.

A 15-year-old female with primary amenorrhea, obesity, and insulin resistance, was admitted for further examination due to large pelvic masses found during a transabdominal ultrasound, which was performed while assessing the amenorrhea. The magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral, multifocal fibrosing tumors, originating from both ovaries. A laparotomy was performed, during which the right ovary masses were enucleated and the left adnexectomy was performed. A histological examination of the tissue material revealed bilateral ovarian fibromas with calcification and ossification. The genetic examination confirmed the diagnosis of Gorlin syndrome. The patient recovered well, and on the first follow-up 1 month after surgery, already experienced her first spontaneous menstrual bleeding.

Comparison between Diffusion-Weighted Sequences with Selective and Non-Selective Fat Suppression in the Evaluation of Crohn's Disease Activity: Are They Equally Useful?

Background: We compared the efficiency of two MRI diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) techniques: DWI with SPIR (DWISPIR) and DWI with STIR (DWISTIR), to estimate their eligibility for quantitative assessment of Crohn's disease activity in children and adults. Methods: In inflamed terminal ileum segments (n = 32 in adults, n = 46 in children), Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) was calculated, ADC values of both DWI techniques were measured, and the corresponding Clermont scores calculated. ADC values of both DWI techniques were compared between both and within each patient group, assessing their mutual correlation. Correlations between MaRIA and the corresponding ADC values, and Clermont scores based on both DWI techniques were estimated. Results: No correlation between ADC of DWISPIR and DWISTIR was observed (rho = 0.27, p = 0.13 in adults, rho = 0.20, p = 0.17 in children). The correlation between MaRIA and Clermont scores was strong in both techniques-in SPIR, rho = 0.93; p < 0.0005 in adults, rho = 0.98, p < 0.0005 in children, and, in STIR, rho = 0.89; p < 0.0005 in adults, rho = 0.95, p < 0.0005 in children. The correlation between ADC and MaRIA was moderate negative for DWISTIR (rho = 0.93, p < 0.0005 in adults, rho = 0.95, p < 0.0005 in children), but, in DWISTIR, no correlation between ADC and MaRIA score was observed in adults (rho = -0.001, p = 0.99), whereas children presented low negative correlation (rho = -0.374, p = 0.01). Conclusions: DWISTIR is not suitable for quantitative assessment of Crohn's disease activity both in children and adult patients.