Clinical Application of Low-dose Multi-slice Spiral CT Scanning for Neonate Brain

Objective:To assess the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CT(MSCT) low dose scanning for neonate brain.Methods:80 newborns going to take cerebral CT were randomly assigned into two groups,including low dose group(120kV、90mAs) and standard dose group(120kV、260mAs),with 40 cases for each group.The other scanning parameters including scanning time,0.75s;collimation,1.5mm;thickness,6mm;interval,6mm;table speed 11.7mm/r were the same.The weighted CT dose index(CTDIw),dose length product(DLP) and total mAs produced by two scanning protocols were measured and compared respectively,t test was performed.CT images were evaluated by three doctors using blind method.The image quality was evaluated according to 3 grades:normal image,image with mild artifact,and image with serious artifact and the results were analyzed statistically.Results:The CTDIw was 17.28mGy for 90mAs group,49.85mGy for 260mAs group.DPL was 245mGy·cm for 90mAs group,711 mGy·cm for 260mAs group.The CTDIw and DLP of low dose group were lower than that of standard dose group(P0.01).98.6% of the image quality of low dose group could meet the standard of diagnosis,which showed no significant statistical difference with that of standard dose group(99.9%,P0.05).Conclusion:The radiation dose produced by low dose MSCT was 35% of that produced by standard dose in neonate cerebral CT examination.The image quality of low dose CT could meet the needs of diagnosis,so it is applicable in CT examination of neonate brain.