Evaluating the feasibility and radiation dose reduction of low-dose computed tomography in radiofrequency ablation for liver tumours

PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of using low-dose computed tomography (CT) guidance in the process of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of liver tumours. METHODS: In this study, 150 patients requiring CT-guided RFA for liver tumours were divided into conventional-dose (250 mA, n = 75) and low-dose (50 mA, n = 75) groups based on the guided CT dose. Image quality and radiation dose were compared between the two groups. RESULT: The CT images of both groups met the requirements for RFA treatment, and the treatment was successfully completed. The radiation dose parameters in the conventional-dose group were a volume CT dose index of 19.14 ± 7.16 mGy, a dose-length product of 4,987.19 ± 1,679.80 mGy·cm and an effective dose (ED) of 74.81 ± 28.20 mSv. The ED in the low-dose group was 74.8% lower than that in the conventional-dose group (p < 0.05). The CT images of both groups met the requirements for RFA treatment, with the low-dose group exhibiting lower image quality but clear visualisation of the radiofrequency electrode needle in the liver tumours. At the 1–3-month follow-up, the complete ablation rates were comparable between the low-dose (78.86%) and conventional-dose (79.12%) groups (p > 0.05), demonstrating short-term technical success. CONCLUSION: Low-dose CT protocols for guiding RFA may reduce the radiation dose without compromising oncologic outcomes. However, these findings should be interpreted in the context of the short-term (1–3 months) follow-up period, which assessed immediate ablation success but not long-term recurrence rates. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.