LIU Xi, JIANG Yang, MA Huixu, YANG Hua, ZHANG Qin, SHI Min, ZHANG Dechuan
Objective To explore and analyze the individual influencing factors of the size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) based on water equivalent diameter (WED) (that is SSDE WED) in adults undergoing non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) examinations, and to construct a regression prediction model for SSDE WED. Methods A total of 205 adult subjects who underwent chest CT were included. Cross-sectional images at the central level of chest CT were selected, and the region of interest (ROI) was delineated. The cross-sectional area of ROI (A_ROI) and mean CT value of ROI (CT_ROI) were recorded to calculate SSDE WED. Correlation analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between SSDE WED and individual influencing factors, and a prediction model was established. Results Correlation analysis showed that SSDE WED was significantly positively correlated with A_ROI, anterior-posterior diameter, body weight, fat volume, lateral diameter (D_LAT), muscle volume, mean CT value of fat, gender, height, body mass index, fat content, and CT_ROI (all P<0.05). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis identified independent influencing factors for predicting SSDE WED, including gender, body weight, D_LAT, A_ROI and CT_ROI (all P<0.05). A prediction model was further established, which showed good fitting (F=116.817, P<0.05, R=0.864, R²=0.746, adjusted R²=0.739) and could be used to predict SSDE WED. Conclusion The SSDE WED prediction model based on five independent influencing factors (gender, body weight, D_LAT, A_ROI, and CT_ROI) is helpful for personalized assessment of the actual radiation dose received by adult subjects undergoing chest CT examinations.