Abstract Technological developments in computed tomography (CT) from 16- to 128-slice scanners have improved diagnostic accuracy with increased spatial resolution and reduced acquisition time. Progress has, nonetheless, been accompanied by fears of greater exposure of patients to radiation. This study compares and examines the radiation dosage provided by 16- and 128-slice CT scanners used in abdominal and pelvic contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scans. This retrospective, multicenter study involved 452 adult patients who underwent CECT of the abdomen and pelvis on 16- or 128-slice CT scanners (n = 226 each). Descriptors of radiation dose, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), and dose length product (DLP) were gathered and compared for three phases: plain, arterial, and portovenous. Statistical comparisons were performed using unpaired t-tests or the Mann–Whitney U test, with significance set at p < 0.05. The 128-slice scanners had much higher CTDIvol values in all three phases (plain: 7.832 ± 2.548; arterial: 7.861 ± 2.130; portovenous: 8.290 ± 2.500) than the 16-slice group (plain: 5.861 ± 2.107; arterial: 6.300 ± 1.848; portovenous: 7.035 ± 2.496), with p < 0.001. Likewise, the DLP was significantly greater in the 128-slice scanners for all three phases. Although our study found an increased radiation dose in 128-slice scanners compared to 16-slice machines under standard protocols, these newer scanners hold greater potential for radiation safety if properly optimized. With individualized protocol optimization through refined tube current (mA) ranges, modified bolus tracking parameters, and size-specific dose estimates, a 128-slice scanner can achieve significant dose reduction while maintaining equally high image quality. Institutional diagnostic reference levels and providing complete dose-awareness training to radiology staff are necessary to achieve patient-centered imaging in high-end CT scanners.
MM et al. (Thu,) studied this question.