Defining Dosimetric Reference Levels in Computed Tomography Spectral Scanning

Summary

Spectral computed tomography or dual-energy CT imaging can overcome the limitations of conventional CT in differentiating between two materials with equivalent total attenuation. It can generate several types of images, such as virtual monochromatic images, which improve the contrast-to-noise ratio for low energy levels and reduce artifacts for high energy levels. It also allows for quantitative image analysis and thus better characterization of lesions and tissues through material mapping (e.g., iodinated contrast agent mapping). This technique is increasingly used in routine clinical practice thanks to improvements in image flow management and technological advances. It also involves exposing patients to ionizing radiation, as with conventional CT but, unlike conventional CT scans, for which dosimetric reference levels (RLs) are defined for the most common examinations in France (RL decree dated 2019), there are currently no dosimetric reference levels for examinations performed using this technique. Yet RLs are an important and effective tools for optimizing patient exposure to ionizing radiation. Several articles were published between 2012 and 2017 when the first dual-energy scanners arrived in clinics. However, the results presented in these studies are now far removed from recent practices, as they do not take into account the latest technological developments used in dual-energy scanners, which reduce X-ray doses.

The main objective of the study is to define dosimetric reference levels for the most commonly performed spectral computed tomography examinations in France.

Conditions

• Medical Imaging

Interventions

RADIATION

Spectral ComputedTomography

Commonly performed spectral computed tomography examinations in France

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades

  collaborator OTHER

• Lille University Hospital

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• CHU Hôpital Lariboisière APHP

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

  collaborator OTHER

• Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France

  collaborator OTHER

• Bichat Hospital, Paris, France

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Hôpital Louis Mourier, 92700 Colombes

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes

  collaborator NETWORK

• Hopital Louis Pradel

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Hospital, Bordeaux

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud

  collaborator OTHER

• Institut Curie

  collaborator OTHER

• Amiens University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Poitiers University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Saint Antoine University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Nord Ardennes Intercommunal Hospital

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Hôpital Edouard Herriot (GH Centre), Lyon

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Joël GREFFIER · Nîmes University Hospital

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-01

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• France

Study Locations