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Efficiency of a lead-containing tie for radiation protection of the thyroid gland

Clinic of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology, 5100 Aachen, Germany

During fluoroscopy the examiner is usually protected by a radiation-reducing body shield, leaving the thyroid unprotected. The fact that the thyroid is located in a region of the neck usually covered by the shirt collar led to the idea of designing a tie with lead core, providing easy and "decorative" reduction of the radiation dose. Sonographic examinations were carried out in 20 volunteers (10 men, 10 women) to determine the size of the gland and its coverage by such a tie. The reduction of the surface and organ dose was assessed using film dosimetry with scattered radiation, the body of the examiner being simulated by an Alderson phantom. On average 88% of the thyroid gland surface area was covered. Surface dose was reduced to 1%, and organ dose to 10% of the value without the protection tie.

Key Words: Thyroid gland • Radiation dose • Lead shielding

Received for publication January 24, 1992. Revision received May 11, 1992. Accepted for publication June 25, 1992.