Abstract:
Anti-scatter grids represent an important way of improving image quality in x-ray based exams. However,
their use comes with increased radiation dosages. Removing anti-scatter grids represents a potential
way to limit radiation dosage. Voiding cystelourethrograms (VCUG) are commonly done fluoroscopic
procedures done in pediatric populations. To limit radiation dosage from VCUGs we undertook a study to
determine how image quality changes with the removal of anti-scatter grid during VCUGs. A water based
phantom with simulated ureters was constructed and imaged with the grid in place and removed. The
depth of the water in the phantom was increased over the course of the experiment to simulate
increasing pediatric patient thickness. Four readers, two radiologists and two imaging physicists,
assessed the visibility of the ureters and scored the images on a Likert scale. The results indicated that
there is no significant difference in image quality between images acquired with the anti-scatter grid in
place versus when it is removed. This means that anti-scatter grid removal is a viable strategy for dose
saving in pediatric populations undergoing voiding cystelourethrograms.
