Radiation Exposure of Abdominal Cone Beam Computed Tomography

To evaluate patients radiation exposure of abdominal C-arm cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board; written, informed consent was waived. Radiation exposure of abdominal CBCT was evaluated in 40 patients who underwent CBCT during endovascular interventions. Dose area product (DAP) of CBCT was documented and effective dose (ED) was estimated based on organ doses using dedicated Monte Carlo simulation software with consideration of X-ray field location and patients' individual body weight and height. Weight-dependent ED per DAP conversion factors were calculated. CBCT radiation dose was compared to radiation dose of procedural fluoroscopy. CBCT dose-related risk for cancer was assessed. Mean ED of abdominal CBCT was 4.3 mSv (95 % confidence interval [CI] 3.9; 4.8 mSv, range 1.1-7.4 mSv). ED was significantly higher in the upper than in the lower abdomen (p = 0.003) and increased with patients' weight (r = 0.55, slope = 0.045 mSv/kg, p <0.001). Radiation exposure of CBCT corresponded to the radiation exposure of on average 7.2 fluoroscopy minutes (95 % CI 5.5; 8.8 min) in the same region of interest. Lifetime risk of exposure related cancer death was 0.033 % or less depending on age and weight. Mean ED of abdominal CBCT was 4.3 mSv depending on X-ray field location and body weight.