Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42234323›Full record

ArticleRadiological physics and technology2026

Low-kVp techniques for radiation dose optimization in abdominopelvic contrast-enhanced CT: a scoping review.

Nitika C Panakkal, Rajagopal Kadavigere, Suresh Sukumar, N Ravishankar, Shivanath Shanbhag, Visakh Thrivikraman Nair

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in Radiological physics and technology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Nitika C PanakkalDepartment of Medical Imaging Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Rajagopal KadavigereDepartment of Radio diagnosis & Medical Imaging, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. rajagopal.kv@manipal.edu.
Suresh SukumarDepartment of Medical Imaging Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
N RavishankarDepartment of Biostatistics, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
Shivanath ShanbhagDepartment of Medical Imaging Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Visakh Thrivikraman NairDepartment of Medical Imaging Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis is widely used for diagnostic imaging but contributes substantially to cumulative medical radiation exposure. Low tube voltage (kVp) imaging has gained attention as a practical strategy for radiation dose optimization while maintaining diagnostic image quality.The study aimed to map the current evidence on low-kVp techniques for radiation dose reduction in adult abdominopelvic CECT and evaluate their effects on radiation dose and image quality. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL identified studies published between 2000 and 2025 that reported low-kVp dose optimization strategies in adult patients. Data were extracted on scanner characteristics, tube voltage settings, reconstruction techniques, and reported dose reductions. Thirteen studies (sample size: 30-907) patients were included. Tube voltage settings ranged from 80 to 120 kVp, with 80 kVp consistently achieving substantial dose reductions (11-86%), particularly when combined with hybrid, model-based, or deep learning reconstruction algorithms that mitigated image noise and preserved diagnostic confidence. Automatic tube voltage selection and patient size-adapted protocols further supported individualized dose optimization. However, considerable heterogeneity in imaging protocols, reconstruction methods, and dose metrics limited comparability across studies. Low-kVp imaging is an effective approach for reducing radiation dose in contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT without compromising diagnostic adequacy. Standardized reporting and large prospective multicenter studies are needed to establish optimal protocols and support broader clinical implementation.

Indexed as

AbdomenContrast MediaPelvisRadiation DosageRadiography, AbdominalTomography, X-Ray ComputedHumansContrast Mediaabdominopelvic CTLow-kVp CTradiation dose optimization

Identifiers

PMID42234323
PMCPMC13546165

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.