Abstract
Abstract
To quantify and compare breast radiation dose across CT protocols using shielding and automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) in single- and dual-energy scanning modes. Surface breast dose was measured using a calibrated pencil ionization chamber placed in a female anthropomorphic phantom. Scans were performed on a 128-slice CT system across multiple anatomical regions using manual mA, ATCM, lead shielding, and single- and dual-energy modes. In single-energy abdominal CT, shielding reduced measured surface breast dose by 12.2%, and ATCM provided an additional 38.2% reduction. Dual-energy CT resulted in higher measured surface breast doses than single-energy, but shielding reduced dose by approximately 62%. The greatest reductions were observed in head and neck (63.7%) and facial bone scans (89.5%). Lead shielding and ATCM effectively reduced surface breast radiation dose, particularly in regions dominated by scatter. Dual-energy imaging increased dose, while combining shielding with ATCM provided the greatest reduction.