A new study discusses methods for radiation dose optimization in head computed tomography (CT) imaging scans. Head CT is the second most commonly performed CT examination, with 28% of the total number of CT scans.

The study’s findings were published in the August 2011 issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the imaging modality of choice for a vast majority of brain and spinal indications. However, CT remains an integral part of modern neuroradiologic practice that can provide lifesaving information about patient management, specifically in patients with cerebrovascular diseases and head trauma.

Investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA, USA; www.mgh.harvard.edu), Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, USA) and Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA) examined various head CT examinations and outlined strategies for radiation dose reduction for the application of CT in the head, paranasal sinuses, and spine.

“In the head, specific scanning protocols must be assigned depending on the examination type or clinical indication, such as routine head CT, CT angiography, CT perfusion, and paranasal or facial CT. In addition, users must ensure that CT is being performed for a valid clinical indication, whereby CT is expected to add information that will affect patient management,” said Mahadevappa Mahesh, MS, PhD, the author of the article.

Investigators emphasized the use of specific techniques such as lower tube current, automatic exposure control and scanning at a lower tube voltage (particularly for perfusion CT scans) are key for allowing substantial dose reduction for head CT examinations in both children and adults.

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