[Repeated computed tomography examinations: radiation dose and radiation risk in malignant lymphomas]

The aim of the study was to determine the number, types and time periods of computed tomography (CT) examinations in the patients with lymphomas, to estimate the obtained radiation doses and the attributable risk of cancer. 50 patients aged 18-83 years, 25 men and 25 women who received treatment in 2010-2011 were included in a retrospective study. There were 19 patients with Hodgkin Disease and 31 patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. During the monitoring period there 665 CT examinations were conducted including 169 (25%) prior to treatment, 244 (37%) during chemotherapy, 54 (8%) for radiation therapy planning and 198 (30%) after end of treatment. The average number of CT examinations per patient was 13.3 (range 3-29). 32 (64%) patients underwent 10 and more CTs, 10 (20%) patients--20 and more. The most commonly performed examination was CT of the chest. Number of CT controls after treatment per patient averaged 2.7 (range 1-6). The mean effective dose per patient was 86.7 mSv (range 21.7-209.2 mSv). 37 (74%) patients received more than 50 mSv during the entire period, 14 (28%) patients--more than 100 mSv, 6(12%) patients--more than 150 mSv and 1 (2%) patient--more than 200 mSv.6 (12%) patients received more than 100 mSv during one year. The collective radiation dose was 4.3 Sv. In 50 patients, we can expect 0.176 additional cases of cancer which is equivalent to the risk of 0.35% or 1 case per 256 patients.