Estimation of Entrance Surface Radiation Dose to Thyroid and Gonads during Computed Tomography Thorax Examination

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: The organ’s sensitivity to radiation exposure varies depending on the cells in that organ. The thyroid and gonads have an increased radiation risk since the cells in those organs divide faster. This study aimed to estimate the radiation dose and to compare gender-related variations in entrance dose to the thyroid and gonads during computed tomography (CT) thorax examination. Materials and Methods: We used data from 43 patients prescribed thorax CT examinations. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) discs detect the scattered radiation dose to the thyroid and gonads. Four discs were used for each patient, two at the thyroid level and two at the gonad region. The exposed and a control TLD disc with the appropriate identifications are sent to Avanttec Laboratories, India, for readings. Results: The median thyroid dose for males and females was 7.55 mSv and 9.42 mSv, respectively. The median gonad dose was 0.11 mSv and 0.25 mSv for males and females, respectively. Gonad dose has a statistically significant difference between males and females (P < 0.001). Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to check the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dose length product (DLP), and it showed a correlation coefficient value of 0.611 in males and 0.715 in females, a strong positive correlation between BMI and DLP, irrespective of gender. Conclusion: The scattered entrance radiation dose to the thyroids and gonads was minimal during CT thorax when compared with the literature. However, we recommend providing better care using an optimized protocol with only the required area coverage to protect the thyroid and gonad.