Abstract
Patient exposure is an important consideration in pediatric radiography. Gadolinium filtration can be used to reduce exposure while maintaining contrast. Matched sets of pediatric radiographs were produced using aluminum and gadolinium filtration. In almost all cases, no difference or only a minimal difference in diagnostic quality was judged to be present. Patient exposure can be reduced up to a factor of 2 using a gadolinium filter, despite doubling the product of tube current and exposure time (mAs). Because images of comparable diagnostic quality can be produced using gadolinium filtration, with a reduction in radiation exposure to the patient, its use is recommended in pediatric radiography.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Atkins HA, Fairchild RG, Robertson JS, Greenberg D (1975) Effect of absorption edge filters in diagnostic x-ray spectra. Radiology 115: 431
Burgess AE (To be published) Contrast effects of a gadolinium filter. Med Physics
Oosterkamp IW (1961) Monochromatic x-rays for medical fluoroscopy and radiography. Medicamundi 7: 68
Villagran JE, Hobbs BB, Taylor KW (1978) Reduction of patient exposure by use of heavy elements as radiation filters in diagnostic radiology. Radiology 127: 249
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Johnson, M.A., Burgess, A.E. Clinical use of a gadolinium filter in pediatric radiography. Pediatr Radiol 10, 229–232 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01001588
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01001588