[CT exposure from pediatric MDCT: results from the 2007-2008 SFIPP/ISRN survey]

To evaluate current exposure levels from pediatric MDCT examinations in order to issue recommendations for the routine clinical practice that may be used for establishing future diagnostic reference levels (DRL). Materials and methods. A survey was conducted at hospital sites affiliated with the SFIPP (Société Francophone d'Imagerie Pédiatrique et Prénatale). Tube potential and volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI) vol. values were obtained for three age groups (1, 5 and 10 years) for typical scanning indications of eight anatomical regions.

Twenty of 29 sites provided us with a copy of their protocols. All ages groups combined, 97% of protocols used a tension level < or =120 kVp. For age groups 1, 5 and 10 years respectively, the 75th percentiles of dose distributions were: 31, 39.5 and 49.5 mGy for the "head" protocol; 24, 22 and 24 mGy for "head and neck"; 11, 11, and 11 mGy for "paranasal sinuses"; 46, 71 and 87 mGy for "petrous bone"; 3, 3.5 and 5.5 mGy for "chest"; 2, 3 and 4 mGy for "low dose lung"; 4, 4.5 and 7 mGy for "abdomen-pelvis"; 7, 11 and 12 mGy for "bone". The inter-center discrepancy for doses were still high.

This study provided an evaluation of current practices in reference centers for pediatric imaging and allowed readjustment of MDCT dose recommendations. It could help in the development of DRLS for pediatric MDCT.