Dosimetry estimation of SPECT/CT for iodine 123-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine in children

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the additional radiation exposure in terms of effective dose incurred by patients in the CT (computed tomography) portion of ¹²³I-MIBG (123II-metaiodobenzylguanidine) study with SPECT/CT (Single photon emission computed tomography associated to computed tomography) in some pediatric patients of our department.

Methods: Data from 123II-MIBG scans comprising 50 children were presented in this study. The contribution of total effective dose imparted by the nuclear tracer and patient's age was calculated. Effective dose from the CT portion of the examination is also estimated.SPECT acquisitions were performed with a dual-headed SPECT unit with an integrated 2-slice CT scanner (Symbia T E-Cam, Siemens Medical Systems, Erlangen, Germany). The CT acquisition were performed using a tube current modulation system (Care Dose 4D). Parameters used were: tube current of 30 - 60 mAs, slice thickness of 3-5 mm, and tube voltage of 110 kV.

Results: Our results show that SPECT dosimetry depends on administered activity and patient’s age and weight. For CT scan, effective dose is affected by tube current (mA), tube potential (kVp), rotation speed, pitch, slice thickness, patient mass, and the exact volume of the patient that is being imaged.

Conclusion: For children, 123II-MIBG study with SPECT/CT should be performed using the lowest available voltage and current. A sensible choice of these two parameters used can significantly reduce radiation dose, without any compromise in the quality of the diagnostic information.