Organ Dose Evaluations Based on Monte Carlo Simulation for CT Examinations Using Tube Current Modulation.

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to estimate tube current values for each X-ray projection angle used in adult chest computed tomography (CT) and abdomen-pelvis CT examinations with tube current modulation (TCM) and to validate organ doses determined using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations through comparisons with the doses measured using in-phantom dosimetry. For dose simulations, dose distribution images were obtained by inputting the geometry of a CT scanner, scan parameters including estimated TCM curves and CT images of an adult anthropomorphic phantom into MC simulation software. Organ doses were then determined from the dose distribution images. For dose measurements, organ doses were evaluated using radio-photoluminescence glass dosemeters located at various organ positions within the phantom. Relative differences between the simulated and measured organ doses were -2.5 to 11.0% and -1.5 to 10.5% for organs in chest and abdomen-pelvis CT scan ranges, respectively. Thus, the simulated and measured doses agreed well.