Radiation dose reduction from low-kilovoltage liver computed tomography using multidetector row computed tomography

The primary goal of this study was to ascertain the reduction in radiation dose when conducting low-kilovoltage liver computed tomography (CT) examinations using multidetector row CT (MDCT). Fifty patients under follow-up who were diagnosed with liver cancer were examined using a 16-slice MDCT scanner and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) measured according to the methods of examination, which were based on a three-phase CT scan conducted in the previous year and a four-phase CT scan was done a year later. Scanning parameters were 120 kV(p)140 mA s, 120 kV(p)120 mA s and 80 kV(p)280 mA s. The CTDIvol was decreased to 47 at 80 kV(p) 280 mA s. The results indicate that low-kilovoltage liver CT is a useful means of reducing radiation doses.