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Pediatric CT radiation exposure: where we were, and where we are now

Thomas R Goodman1, Adel Mustafa2, Erin Rowe2

  • 1Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT, 06520-8042, USA. rob.goodman@yale.edu.

Pediatric Radiology
|March 30, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric radiologists have significantly reduced radiation exposure from CT scans in children. This review covers radiation risks, historical concerns, and current dose reduction strategies for pediatric imaging safety.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Radiation Safety

Background:

  • Concerns regarding ionizing radiation from CT scans in children have been a significant public and media focus.
  • The pediatric radiology community has proactively addressed these concerns to enhance patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential adverse effects of ionizing radiation in children.
  • To discuss the critical importance of limiting radiation exposure in pediatric CT imaging.
  • To outline the historical context and evolution of concerns surrounding pediatric CT radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of pediatric CT radiation exposure concerns.
  • Explanation of interventions implemented to mitigate radiation risks.
  • Discussion of current strategies and expert consensus on pediatric CT dose reduction.

Main Results:

  • The article details the known deleterious effects of ionizing radiation.
  • It emphasizes the heightened sensitivity of children to radiation and the necessity of dose limitation.
  • Key interventions and historical milestones in addressing pediatric CT radiation concerns are presented.

Conclusions:

  • The pediatric radiology field has made substantial progress in managing radiation exposure from CT scans.
  • Ongoing efforts focus on refining pediatric CT dose reduction techniques and maintaining high safety standards.
  • The review highlights the established importance of minimizing radiation dose in pediatric diagnostic imaging.

Keywords:
ChildrenComputed tomographyDose reductionRadiationSafety

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