Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) is one of the biggest contributors to the radiation exposure of the patients. The most frequently performed CT examination is the head CT examination during which the breasts, that are one of the most radiosensitive organs, are exposed to scatter radiation regardless of not being included in the primary field. Lead apron is an efficient dose reduction tool that prevents stochastic effects caused by ionising radiation. Purpose: The aim was to investigate how does the use of lead shielding influence the absorbed dose received by the breasts during head CT and whether there are any differences between the spiral and sequential imaging technique. Methods: The measurements were performed using an electronic dosimeter EDD 30. Measurements were performed on an anthropomorphic phantom in two different institutions, UKC MB and SB CE, without the use of lead shielding and with the lead shielding of 0,5 mm equivalent lead density, wrapped around the phantom or patient to discover any differences in the absorbed dose to the breasts. Measurements were also performed on 120 patients in clinical environment. Results: During the phantom measurements, the lead shielding reduced the absorbed dose to the breasts in UKC MB by 86 % (p<0,001) and 82 % (p<0,001) during the sequential and spiral technique, respectively, and by 91 % (p<0,001) and 86 % (p<0,001) in SB CE during the sequential and spiral technique, respectively. During the measurements on female patients, the absorbed dose to the breasts has been reduced by 74 % (p<0,001) in UKC MB and by 81 % (p<0,001) in SB CE, with the use of shielding. Discussion and conclusion: Considering the high and significant average of 78 % absorbed dose reduction during the head CT examination, carcinogenic effect of radiation, high radiosensitivity of the breasts, high frequency of the head CT scans and relatively easy use of lead shielding which has no effect on image quality, the use of shielding during head CT is highly recommendable.
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