Monte Carlo Simulation of the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) Using GATE

This work relates to the study and characterization of the CTDI (Computed Tomography Dose Index) for the 16 slices CT scanner. The CTDI has been simulated with the Monte Carlo code GATE for PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) digital phantoms of various diameters (1–50 cm) at various kVp (80, 110, 130) and mAs (100, 200, 300, 400 mAs) levels. After using a High-Performance Computing (HPC) station, a good agreement was observed (less than 1.18% for head phantom and 1.85% for body phantom for all applied voltages) between simulations and experimental measurements with standard PMMA phantoms. Results of simulations demonstrated the following. Firstly, GATE is an adapted tool to estimate CTDI values and can be used to optimize CT parameters in clinical applications. Secondly, Monte Carlo simulation may be able to estimate the absorbed dose when the CTDI method has limitations (use of homogeneous standards cylindrical phantom, the dose measurement in air not in tissue).