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Radiation doses in diagnostic imaging for suspected physical abuse
Raylene Rao1, Diana Browne2, Brian Lunt2,3
1Te Puaruruhau (Child Protection Team), Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|April 19, 2019
Summary
Radiography for suspected child abuse involves varying radiation doses. Skeletal surveys deliver low doses, while CT head scans and bone imaging deliver higher doses comparable to a year of background radiation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- Imaging is crucial in diagnosing suspected physical abuse in children.
- Accurate radiation dose information is vital for healthcare professionals and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the radiation doses from common imaging techniques used in suspected child abuse cases.
- To provide accessible radiation dose data for informed decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (<3 years) undergoing skeletal surveys, CT head scans, or radionuclide bone imaging.
- Calculation of effective radiation dose using patient size-specific conversion coefficients and International Commission on Radiologic Protection factors.
Main Results:
- Skeletal surveys: mean effective dose of 0.20 mSv (initial) and 0.10 mSv (follow-up).
- CT head scans: mean effective dose of 2.49 mSv.
- Radionuclide bone imaging: mean effective dose of 2.27 mSv.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal surveys in pediatric settings involve low radiation doses, approximately one month of background radiation.
- CT head and radionuclide bone imaging deliver higher doses, equivalent to about one year of background radiation.
- Radiation dose information is essential for informed consent and patient education in suspected abuse cases.
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