Reducing Overscanning in CT Scans for Kidney Stones
Author Information
Author(s): Bin Owien Ali, Alenazi Khaled, Abanomy Ahmad, Almanaa Mansour, Alarifi Mohammad, Alahmad Haitham
Primary Institution: King Saud University
Hypothesis
This study aims to assess the extent of CT KUB overscanning in renal colic procedures and identify the appropriate vertebral level for starting CT KUB scans.
Conclusion
The study found that a significant number of scans exhibited unnecessary overscanning, and using the T10 vertebral body as a reference point can help minimize this issue.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 31% of the scans met the target of less than 10% of overscanning.
- Starting CT KUB scans from the T10 vertebral body to the pubic symphysis minimizes unnecessary overscanning.
- Excess overscanning occurred for a high number of patients, resulting in increased radiation exposure.
Takeaway
Doctors can take fewer pictures when checking for kidney stones by starting the scan at the right spot, which helps keep patients safe from too much radiation.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of CT KUB examinations was performed, measuring overscanning by counting excess slices above the highest kidney and below the pubic symphysis.
Potential Biases
Potential operator bias in determining scan limits may have contributed to overscanning.
Limitations
The study only included adult patients from a single institution, and individual patient characteristics like weight and height were not available.
Participant Demographics
299 adult patients (144 females and 155 males) aged between 18 and 93 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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