This study compares the image quality and the patient doses on seven
different computed tomography (CT) scanners for newborn chest imaging.
The dose was measured by using an anthropomorphic newborn phantom and
thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs). The effective dose was estimated
separately based on a dose-length-product display, TLD measurements and
the ImPACT CT dose calculation software. The image quality was assessed
using a signal-to-noise ratio and a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). In
order to compare the different scanners, a figure of merit (FOM) based
on the rate of CNR² and computed tomography dose index (CTDI_vol)
was calculated. The organ doses within the scan area ranged between 0.3
and 2.9 mGy and they depended on the organ and used scanner. The
highest effective dose (1.1 mSv) was observed on Aquilion 32 and the
lowest effective dose was observed on the Aquilion One (0.22 mSv). The
lowest organ doses and highest FOM were observed on the Optima 660. With
the Aquilion One and the Definition Dual Flash the examination was
71-90% faster when compared with other scanners. Newer devices equipped
with novel dose-saving methods provide a lower dose, as well as take
better advantage of the radiation in the image formation.