Estimation of Absorbed and Effective Doses in Organs through Computed Tomography Examinations Using Automatic Exposure Control and Fixed Tube Current Techniques: A Phantom Case Study

Abstract

<strong><em>Introduction:</em></strong> The study aimed to assess absorbed and effective doses in organs through computed tomography (CT) examinations using automatic exposure control (AEC) and fixed tube current (FTC) techniques. <strong><em>Material and Methods:</em></strong> Scanning parameters were obtained for routine adult CT examinations and used to estimate the organ absorbed and effective doses using CT-Expo software. The estimated effective doses were based on International Commission on Radiological Protection publication 103 recommendations. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Regarding the scans performed with AEC, doses to head, chest, abdomen and pelvic organs were within the range of 19.7-41.8, 6.4-17.4, 19.2-20.9, and 10.5-24.9 mGy respectively. Moreover, the effective doses for the mentioned organs were 1.6, 6.1, 6.4 and 5.4 mSv respectively. Considering FTC technique, doses to organs ranged 16.7-75.5, 4.1-52.2, 10.6-33.2 and 5.2-38.7 mGy respectively. Moreover, the mean effective doses of FTC were 2.1, 6.9, 9.4 and 6.1 mSv, respectively. Examinations performed with AEC technique induced a dose reduction of 9% and 34% for head organs, 52, 62 and 25% for chest organs, 16% and 14% for abdomen organs, and 11% and 10% for pelvic organs, compared to the FTC. A dose increase of 3% was observed for testes. The mean effective doses for scans with AEC were 13-46% lower than those obtained by FTC. <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong>According to the obtained results of the current study, the estimated doses for scans with AEC technique were in a lower level compared to FTC technique. Accordingly, it is recommended to utilize this technique for CT examinations to ensure optimal dose reduction to radiosensitive organs.