Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 23-year-old female with a BMI of 19 (114.64 Ibs and 5.41 feet height). I am concerned about the amount of mSv I received during my scan of a pulmonary angiogram CT with contrast iodine. I wondered about the total mSv that my body received and the amount that my breast and lungs absorbed. According to the image attached, does total DLP equate to the mSv I received? The image says total examination DLP as 8.72 mGy*cm and CDTI-vol as 17.43 mGy. During the examination, I accidentally moved and put my left arm into the machine, which I am guessing will also increase the mSv that I received. Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. I have gone through the image you have attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). If the exposure is above 10 mSv, then only it is harmful. In your case, the value is 8.72 mGy*cm. So I suggest you not worry about any radiation hazards. And the arm movement might have increased radiation exposure but not a major worrisome exposure. More important is frequent radiation exposure in a short time. Did you have any previous computed tomography (CT) scan or X-ray exposure? If yes, when?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
No, I have not had any previous CT scans. However, I think the 8.72 mSv is estimated (it has not been calculated for my case) and is a reference for average adult size. However, because my BMI is smaller, would the mSv also be much higher as smaller bodies absorb more? Would not it be something more like 11 or 12 mSv?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, you are right. Thinner patients are at more risk of radiation injury. Since you are around 116.84 Ibs, I think you can consider your exposure at about 9.5 mSv. But this cut-off of 10 mSv is for a 132.28 Ibs patient. But still, it is safe. Better assessment can be done if you answer the following questions:
1. Why are you so much worried about radiation risk?
2. Why did you undergo direct computed tomography pulmonary angiography without an earlier chest X-ray?
3. Do you have any symptoms?
I wish you good health.
Thanks.
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Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)
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