Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging
Published on: September 11, 2011
Assessment of Radiation doses to Paediatric Patients in Computed Tomography Procedures
1Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study measured radiation doses in pediatric CT scans. Effective doses for brain, abdomen, and chest CTs were estimated, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and training in radiation protection for children.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Pediatric computed tomography (CT) use is rapidly increasing globally.
- CT examinations in children are a growing concern due to radiation exposure.
- Accurate dose assessment is crucial for pediatric patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure radiation doses in pediatric CT scans.
- To estimate effective radiation doses for chest, abdomen, and brain CTs in children.
- To evaluate radiation exposure in pediatric patients undergoing CT examinations.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 182 pediatric patients undergoing CT scans.
- Utilized helical CT scanners (dual, 16, and 64 slice).
- Estimated organ and surface doses using NRPB software.
Main Results:
- Dose Length Product (DLP) varied by scan region: brain (320.58 mGy·cm), abdomen (79.93 mGy·cm), chest (66.63 mGy·cm).
- Estimated effective doses were: brain (2.05 mSv), abdomen (1.8 mSv), chest (1.08 mSv).
- Patient age ranged from 1.12 months to 10.0 years; weight from 5.0 to 29.0 kg.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CT radiation dose is influenced by operator experience and protocol, not just scanner type.
- Emphasized the need for clear referring criteria and staff training in radiation protection.
- Recommended further studies to establish radiation dose reference levels in Sudan.
Background:
The use of pediatric CT that had recently emerged as a valuable imaging tool has increased rapidly with an annual growth estimated at about 10% per year. Worldwide, there is a remarkable increase in the number of CT examinations performed. The purposes of this study are to: (i) to measure the radiation dose and estimate the effective doses to pediatric patients during CT for chest, abdomen and brain.
Material/Methods:
A total of 182 patients were investigated. CT scanners that participated in this study are helical CT scanners (64 slices, 16 slices and dual slices). Organ and surface dose to specific radiosensitive organs were estimated by using software from National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).
Results:
For all patients, the age was ranged between 1.12 month-10.0 years while the weight was ranged between 5.0 kg to 29.0 kg. The DLP was 320.58 mGy·cm, 79.93 mGy·cm, 66.63 mGy·cm for brain, abdomen and chest respectively. The effective dose was, 2.05, 1.8, 1.08 mSv for brain, abdomen and chest respectively.
Conclusions:
The patient dose is independent of CT modality and depends on operator experience and CT protocol. The study has shown a great need for referring criteria, continuous training of staff in radiation protection concepts. Further studies are required in order to establish a reference level in Sudan.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...