How can electron density information required for dose calculations be obtained?

CT images are the preferred method for obtaining electron density information required for dose calculations in medical dosimetry. This is primarily because CT imaging provides detailed axial slices of the body's anatomy, allowing for accurate differentiation between various tissue types based on their electron density.

In dosimetry, it's essential to know the electron density of tissues to accurately calculate the dose distribution of radiation therapy. The Hounsfield Units (HU) generated from CT scans can be converted into electron density values, which are essential for planning and optimizing radiation treatment.

Other imaging modalities, like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), do not provide a direct correlation to electron density. While X-ray imaging can show anatomical structures, it lacks the precision and segmentation capability to derive electron density information effectively, particularly for treatment planning in radiation oncology. Therefore, the ability of CT scans to provide both anatomical details and quantitative electron density makes it the ideal choice for dose calculations in radiation therapy.