Evaluación de la calidad de los exámenes de tomografía computarizada de columna lumbar en la indicación de hernia discal

Abstract

Aim: To apply quality criteria of computerized tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine as defined in the European Guidelines, in four hospitals of the Community of Madrid, using spiral CT (SCT) in the clinical indication of disc hernia. Materials and Methods: There were selected 20 lumbar spine studies from each center. These were evaluated by five independent radiologists in order to determine the degree of adherence to criteria quality of the European Guidelines for such studies. Dosimetric measurements were performed in parallel in order to estimate values of CT dose index (CTDIw), dose length product (DLP) and effective dose for each patient. Results: The results showed a high degree of adherence to image quality criteria in four centers (97-100)%. Median CTDIw values per center were (34-60) mGy; those of DLP were (242-499) mGy·cm, and those of effective dose between 4 and 7 mSv. Conclusion: There has been a good adherence to the quality criteria. In some cases, however, it seems that doses could very well be reduced through a re-thinking of the protocols.