Análise da dose de radiação em um procedimento de cistouretrografia miccional por simulação de Monte Carlo

Abstract

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a radiological examination used to evaluate the lower urinary system, especially in pediatric patients, through fluoroscopy techniques with the aid of iodinated contrast. Additionally, as it is an invasive procedure, the presence of a companion in the examination room is necessary to assist in positioning the patient. Consequently, concerns arise not only from the continuous use of fluoroscopy but also from the exposure of these companions to radiation. Thus, this study analyzed, using Monte Carlo simulations, the radiation doses received by patients and their companions, considering scenarios with and without the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and varying virtual anthropomorphic objects of both female and male models. The parameters used in the simulations were based on data from the literature. The results indicated that the highest doses were recorded in the patient's bladder, as expected, since it is the region directly targeted by the primary beam. The use of PPE significantly reduced the effective doses received by companions, achieving reductions of up to 92.85% for males and 90.45% for females. These findings reinforce the importance of optimized protocols and the proper use of PPE, aligned with the ALARA ("As Low As Reasonably Achievable") principle, to ensure radiological safety without compromising diagnostic quality.