Pointers for Optimizing Radiation Dose in Pediatric CT

Singh S, Kalra MK, Thrall JH, Mahesh M. Pointers for optimizing radiation dose in pediatric CT protocols. J Am Coll Radiol. 2012 January;9(1):77-79.

[Abstract] According to recent estimates, close to 7 million to 8 million CT examinations were performed for various pediatric clinical indications per year in the United States. Children are normally more susceptible to radiation-related risks because of greater organ radiosensitivity and a longer life span to potentially develop radiation-induced carcinogenesis. Although there are uncertainties regarding the lack of substantial data on the long-term radiation risks at dose levels associated with CT scans, it is still our responsibility to limit the amount of radiation used to only what is absolutely necessary. In this article, we review various strategies for reducing radiation dose associated with pediatric CT examinations.