Radiation Dose and Image Quality in CT Imaging

Dear Colleagues,

Computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized medicine. It is widely available and rapid, providing details that are three-dimensional and, in most situations, explicit. Its vast application accounts for the majority of medical radiation exposure in Western populations, concerning both patients and medical staff. Paracelsus, in the early modern period, already knew what was proven by scientific research centuries later: “only the dose makes that a thing is no poison”, equating to the currently accepted linear-no-threshold model for biological radiation dose–response. The minimum diagnostically required “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) radiation dose is often demanded by medical physics experts. Manifold techniques that promise decisive advantages over other vendors are repeatedly presented by the industry. It appears mandatory to know potential risks, on one side, and the tools that are available for radiation dose optimization, on the other side. However, the actual art of CT is to adapt this knowledge to every individual situation. A low dose in a young patient could potentially result in a higher extent of stochastic radiation damage than a repetitive high radiation dose in an elder oncologic patient. With this Special Issue, we aim to present a collection of papers that covers all aspects of radiation dose and its close link to image quality. Original research articles about radiation dose assessment and monitoring, radiation biology, radiation dose reduction or efficiency, the radiation dose to medical staff, and protocol design will be considered along with manuscripts about image quality improvements, enhanced image content, personalization, patient preparation, and automation. We wish to increase attention regarding this technical foundation of CT and work out a basic procedure for daily clinical practice.

Dr. Matthias S. May
Guest Editor

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