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Abstract
This work aims to calculate size-specific dose estimates (SSDE) and establish the relationship between water equivalent diameter (Dw) values and SSDE in images of abdominal CT examinations undergone by 30 adult patients. These patients had a mean age of 51 years, a mean height of 164 cm, and a mean weight of 62.71 kg. The water equivalent diameters (Dw) measured 25.30 cm on average, with mean volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) doses of 7.95 mGy and a mean SSDE of 11.31 mGy. Images were retrospectively collected using a Hitachi Supria 16-slice CT scanner, and Dw and SSDE values were calculated based on lateral and anteroposterior (LAT + AP) measurements of cross-sectional images from each CT examination. Dw was calculated from ED, and their close correspondence allowed for interchangeable use, following AAPM guidelines. The calculated doses (SSDE) were significantly higher than the doses displayed by the scanner (CTDI). Furthermore, a strong correlation (R2 = 0.63) was observed between SSDE and Dw. Consequently, assessing patient dose based on size becomes essential to optimize radiation exposure in CT imaging.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Ethical approval
Ethical approval was not required.
Informed consent
This article does not contain any studies involving human subjects.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
M'hamed El Mansouri
Dr M'hamed El Mansouri born in 1983, he currently holds the position of Head of the Biomedical Maintenance Department at the Temara Prefectural Hospital Center and serves as the Manager of the Provincial Office of Engineering and Hospital Maintenance at the Health Ministry Delegation of Skhirat-Temara. He obtained his first bachelor's degree in Biomedical Maintenance from the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Casablanca. Subsequently, he earned his second bachelor's degree in Biomedical Instrumentation from the Higher Institute of Health Sciences of Settat. He completed his master's degree in Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques and received his Ph.D. in Physics and Applications, specializing in Biomedical Engineering, in 2022. His research primarily concentrates on radiological instrumentation, with a focus on the analysis and management of failures to assess radiation protection.
Zakaria Tahiri
Pr Zakaria Tahiri born in 1989, he is actually a Professor and Researcher at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Tangier, possesses over 12 years of experience seamlessly blending Leadership, Management and Education in Radiation Safety, Regulation, Licensing, and Compliance, as well as a comprehensive background in Medical Physics & Imaging, Radiation Sciences, and Radiological Protection across diverse sectors including Healthcare Facilities, Universities, and Regulatory Authorities. Actively engaged with international organizations & entities such as the IAEA & EU, in the field of radiation sciences and applications.
Mohammed Talbi
Dr Mohammed Talbi born in 1985, currently holds the position of Medical Physicist and Radiation Safety Officer, overseeing the Biomedical Engineering and Physics Office at the Temara Prefectural Hospital Center. He earned his Bachelor's degree in the Radiophysics, Radiobiology, and Radioprotection program, followed by a specialized Master's degree in Medical Physics at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University of Settat. He further advanced his academic pursuits by completing a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, specializing in Medical Physics, at Moulay Ismail University of Meknes in 2022. Dr. Talbi is recognized as a Medical Physics expert by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with a primary focus on Radiological Physics research. His extensive publications include assessments of baseline radiation doses in the Moroccan context, collaborating with legislative institutions such as AMSSNuR, the Moroccan agency for nuclear and radiation safety and security. Actively engaged, he participates with the IAEA in evaluating radiation protection in radiology programs across Africa.
Oussama Nhila
Mr Oussama Nhila born in 1992, currently serves as a radiotherapy medical physicist at the Prefectural Hospital Center of Oncology in Beni Mellal. Additionally, he is a Ph.D. student in Applied Physics, specializing in Medical Physics, at Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra. Mr. Nhila earned his first Bachelor's degree in Fundamental Physics and Energetic Mechanics, followed by a second Bachelor's degree in Medical Radiation Dosimetry at the Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat. Subsequently, he completed a specialized Master's degree in Medical Physics at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University of Settat. His primary research focus involves developing the framework of CT scanners concerning radiotherapy treatments. He is also dedicated to assessing diagnostic reference levels of CT examinations during the treatment simulation step in an oncological setting.
Hamza Sekkat
Mr Hamza Sekkat born in 2000, is currently an undergraduate medical physicist and early career researcher at the Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Biophysics and Biomedical Physics, at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University. He has a background in teaching and education, having served as a trainee professor for physics and chemistry in public secondary education at the Ministry of National Education. He earned his first Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education (BSEd) with a major in Physics and Chemistry from the Faculty of Sciences at Mohammed V University of Rabat. Subsequently, he achieved his second Bachelor's degree with Honors in Medical Radiation Dosimetry from the same faculty in 2022. Currently, he is in his second year of the Medical Physics Specialized Master's degree program at Hassan First University of Settat, Morocco. His research primarily focuses on Radiological Physics, and he is officially an investigator in a university-funded project titled “Fabrication and development of anthropomorphic and heterogeneous dosimetric phantoms – fabrication of high-fidelity simulation mannequins in healthcare.” In a groundbreaking achievement, his inaugural research paper, on which he served as a co-author and made significant contributions, was published on August 31, 2023. It stands as the pioneering work in the literature, being the first to utilize the Pareto tool for the analysis of CT scanner failures, as presented in the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention.
Abdelmajid Choukri
Pr Abdelmajid Choukri currently holds the position of University Professor and researcher in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2004 and has since contributed significantly to the field of Nuclear and Radiation Applications, with impactful publications that have left a notable mark in the Moroccan context. Professor Choukri plays a pivotal role as a mentor for numerous doctoral projects in Medical Physics, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the development of the field of radiation use and radiation protection. His active engagement extends to collaborations with both national and international institutions, further enhancing the growth and advancement of this important scientific domain.