Article

Assessment of maternal and fetal radiation exposure during CT pelvimetry in two radiology departments in Morocco

¹ Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
² Department of Radiology, Public Hospital, Sidi Slimane, Morocco
³ Department of Radiologic Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
⁴ Al Azhar Oncology Center, Rabat, Morocco
⁵ Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Rabat / Department of Physics, laboratory of materials and subatomic physics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
⁶ Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: Wijdane.chaanoun@uit.ac.ma

Received: 22 June 2024
Accepted: 12 November 2024

Abstract

CT pelvimetry scans assess the feasibility of natural childbirth and predict emergency cesarean sections. As the fetus is more radiosensitive than the general population, evaluating and optimizing the associated radiation doses is crucial. Radiology departments require dose data to refine procedures; however, Morocco currently lacks national regulations for dose reference levels (DRLs) specific to CT pelvimetry. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify maternal and fetal radiation doses from CT pelvimetry and establish local DRLs to guide safer imaging practices. A total of 95 pregnant patients who underwent helical scans using 120 kVp voltage and with 30 mAs and 16 mAs across two Moroccan radiology departments, were included in the study. Local DRLs were calculated at the 75^th percentile of data, for CTDIvol and DLP, both for individual departments and combined. The average effective dose was calculated with dose conversion factors and estimated using the ImPACT CT Patient Dosimetry Calculator, which also estimated fetal doses in a 70 kg woman. Results revealed statistically significant differences in DRLs between departments (P-values <0.001), with CTDIvol and DLP values recorded at 0.88 mGy and 34.02 mGy · cm, respectively, and inter-departmental DRL discrepancies of approximately 47% for CTDIvol and 35% for DLP. The mean effective dose was 0.47 mSv, while the fetal dose was 1.23 mGy. These findings are pivotal for establishing a foundational framework for DRLs in Morocco aligning with international standards. The study supports radiology departments in benchmarking and optimizing protocols for CT pelvimetry, enhancing patient and fetal safety by minimizing radiation exposure and contributing valuable data for policy development in maternal-fetal radioprotection.