Dosimetric Comparison of Three Different Cardiac Ct Angiography Techniques in a Dual-Source Scanner Using Size-Specific Dose Estimation (Ssde) Publisher



Robatjazi M^{1, 5} ; Alizadeh NS² ; Molazadeh M³ ; Shokoohy F⁴ ; Javadinia SA⁵ ; Dareyni A⁶ ; Mosavi M⁷
Source: Radiation Physics and Chemistry Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive imaging technique for detecting coronary artery disease. This study aimed to evaluate radiation doses in three CCTA techniques using a dual-source CT scanner, focusing on Size-Specific Dose Estimation (SSDE) and other dose indexes. Methods: Ninety-three patients were categorized into three groups: FLASH technique (44 patients), retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) triggering technique (13 patients), and prospective ECG triggering technique (36 patients). Dose-length product (DLP), Volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol), SSDE, and effective dose were calculated and compared among the groups. Results: There was a significant difference in CTDIvol and DLP values (P < 0.001) among CCTA techniques. The retrospective technique had higher geometrical SSDE (gSSDE) and water-equivalent SSDE (wSSDE) values (P < 0.001), while the FLASH technique had lower values. No significant effective dose difference existed between prospective and FLASH techniques (P = 0.17), but significant differences were observed between FLASH vs. retrospective and prospective vs. retrospective (both P < 0.001). Gender did not significantly affect dose values. Correlation analysis showed poor correlations between gSSDE, wSSDE, related effective diameters, and factors like age, kV, and mAs. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of radiation dose consideration in selecting appropriate CCTA technique based on patient factors. The results showed that FLASH has the lowest doses, and incorporating SSDE improves dose accuracy. Our findings support the adoption of SSDE to optimize imaging protocols and enhance patient safety in cardiovascular imaging. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd