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01.10.2015 | Original Article

Low-tube voltage 100 kVp MDCT in screening of cocaine body packing: image quality and radiation dose compared to 120 kVp MDCT

verfasst von: Joel Aissa, Christian Rubbert, Johannes Boos, Christoph Schleich, Christoph Thomas, Patric Kröpil, Gerald Antoch, Falk Miese

Erschienen in: Abdominal Radiology | Ausgabe 7/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a reduced tube potential (100 kVp) for non-enhanced abdominal low-dose CT on radiation dose and image quality (IQ) in the detection of body packing.

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the local research ethics committee of our clinic. From March 2012 to July 2014, 99 subjects were referred to our institute with suspected body packing. 50 CT scans were performed using a 120 kVp protocol (group A), and 49 CTs were performed using a low-dose protocol with a tube voltage of 100 kVp (group B). Subjective and objective IQ were assessed. DLP and CTDI_vol were analyzed.

Results

All examinations were of diagnostic IQ. Objective IQ was not significantly different between the 120 kVp and 100 kVp protocol. Mean density of solid and liquid body packets was 210 ± 60.2 HU at 120 kVp and 250.6 ± 29.7 HU at 100 kVp. Radiation dose was significantly lower in group B as compared to group A (p < 0.05). In group A, body packs were detected in 16 (32%) of the 50 patients. In group B, packets were observed in 15 (31%) of 49 patients. Laboratory analysis detected cocaine in all smuggled body packs.

Conclusions

Low-tube voltage 100 kVp MDCT with automated tube current modulation in screening of illegal drugs leads to a diagnostic IQ and significant dose reduction compared to 120 kVp low-tube voltage protocols. Despite lower radiation dose, liquid and solid cocaine containers retain high attenuation and are easily detected.

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Titel: Low-tube voltage 100 kVp MDCT in screening of cocaine body packing: image quality and radiation dose compared to 120 kVp MDCT
verfasst von: Joel Aissa
Christian Rubbert
Johannes Boos
Christoph Schleich
Christoph Thomas
Patric Kröpil
Gerald Antoch
Falk Miese
Publikationsdatum: 01.10.2015
Verlag: Springer US
Erschienen in: Abdominal Radiology / Ausgabe 7/2015
Print ISSN: 2366-004X
Elektronische ISSN: 2366-0058
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-015-0464-2

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Low-tube voltage 100 kVp MDCT in screening of cocaine body packing: image quality and radiation dose compared to 120 kVp MDCT