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Variation in Pediatric Cervical Spine Computed Tomography Radiation Dose Index
Jennifer R Marin1, Debapriya Sengupta2, Mythreyi Bhargavan-Chatfield2
1Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.
Summary
Radiation doses for pediatric cervical spine CT scans vary significantly. Pediatric hospitals use lower radiation doses, suggesting a need for standardization to minimize exposure.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for pediatric cervical spine (c-spine) imaging.
- Assessing radiation dose indices is essential for patient safety, especially in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the variability in radiation dose indices for pediatric c-spine CT examinations.
- To identify factors contributing to dose variations in pediatric CT imaging.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12,218 pediatric c-spine CT examinations (age <19 years) from July 2011 to December 2014.
- Utilized the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry.
- Volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) was used to estimate radiation dose; summary statistics described patient and hospital characteristics.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in CTDIvol was observed, with a >2.5-fold difference between the 25th and 75th percentiles (median 15 mGy).
- Pediatric hospitals, including trauma and nontrauma centers, demonstrated the lowest CTDIvol and least dose variability across age groups.
- Community hospitals without trauma designations accounted for the largest proportion of examinations.
Conclusions:
- Substantial variation exists in pediatric c-spine CT radiation dose indices.
- Pediatric hospitals generally employ lower radiation dose estimates compared to other hospital types.
- Hospitals should review their CT protocols to standardize and optimize parameters, minimizing radiation exposure for pediatric patients.
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