Citation

Aissa J, Boos J, Rubbert C, Caspers J, Schleich C, Thomas C, Kröpil P, Antoch G, Miese F. Forensic Sci. Med. Pathol. 2017; 13(2): 145-150.

Affiliation

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Moorenstr 5, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s12024-017-9848-7

PMID

28265799

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the objective and subjective image quality of a novel computed tomography (CT) protocol with reduced radiation dose for body packing with 80 kVp and automated tube current modulation (ATCM) compared to a standard body packing CT protocol. 80 individuals who were examined between March 2012 and July 2015 in suspicion of ingested drug packets were retrospectively included in this study. Thirty-one CT examinations were performed using ATCM and a fixed tube voltage of 80 kVp (group A). Forty-nine CT examinations were performed using a standard protocol with a tube voltage of 120 kVp and a fixed tube current time product of 40 mAs (group B). Subjective and objective image quality and visibility of drug packets were assessed. Radiation exposure of both protocols was compared. Contrast-to-noise ratio (group A: 0.56 ± 0.36; group B: 1.13 ± 0.91) and Signal-to-noise ratio (group A: 3.69 ± 0.98; group B: 7.08 ± 2.67) were significantly lower for group A compared to group B (p < 0.001). Subjectively, image quality was decreased for group A compared to group B (2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4; p < 0.001). Attenuation of body packets was higher with the new protocol (group A: 362.2 ± 70.3 Hounsfield Units (HU); group B: 210.6 ± 60.2 HU; p = 0.005). Volumetric Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIvol) and Dose Length Product (DLP) were significantly lower in group A (CTDIvol 2.2 ± 0.9 mGy, DLP 105.7 ± 52.3 mGycm) as compared to group B (CTDIvol 2.7 ± 0.1 mGy, DLP 126.0 ± 9.7 mGycm, p = 0.002 and p = 0.01). The novel 80 kVp CT protocol with ATCM leads to a significant dose reduction compared to a standard CT body packing protocol. The novel protocol led to a diagnostic image quality and cocaine body packets were reliably detected due to the high attenuation.

Language: en

Keywords

Acute abdominal; Body packing; Cocaine; Forensic radiology; Radiation dose reduction