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Optimization of pediatric CT scans in a developing country
Fotso Eddy Kamdem1, Samba Odette Ngano2,3, Clemence Alla Takam2
1Unité de Recherche de la Matière Condensée, d'Electronique et de Traitement du Signal, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon. eddyfotsokamdem@yahoo.fr.
Insights
Optimizing pediatric CT scans on adult machines in developing countries significantly reduced radiation doses. New protocols lowered radiation exposure for children, enhancing safety in medical imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Adult CT scanners are often used for pediatric patients in developing countries.
- This poses challenges in optimizing radiation dose for children aged 0-15 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess CT scan parameters for pediatric examinations on adult scanners.
- To propose strategies for optimizing these examinations in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study was conducted in 2015 and 2018 involving 312 pediatric patients.
- Strategies proposed in 2015 were implemented and evaluated in 2018.
- Dose and scan parameters were analyzed prospectively.
Main Results:
- Implementation of optimization strategies led to significant dose reduction.
- CTDIvol decreased by 17-32% and DLP by 20-36% across different pediatric age groups.
- Radiation doses for children were reduced despite using adult scanners.
Conclusions:
- Reducing radiation doses in pediatric CT examinations is achievable.
- Optimization protocols or dedicated pediatric scanners can improve patient safety.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to assess scan parameters and to propose strategies to optimize the examinations of children (from 0 to 15 years old) on adult scanners in developing countries.
Methods:
A study was done in 2015 and 2018 on 312 pediatric patients to verify improved practices. The study of 2015 ended with proposed strategies. Dose and scan parameters were available for prospective dose analysis. These strategies were implemented in a study of 2018.
Results:
Amount the CT examinations study in this paper, the common was head trauma (90 %). For every pediatric CT scan in 2015, a kV of 120 was used in the various hospitals. The mAs ranged from 57.75 to 283.33, slice thicknesses from 1.25 to 2.5 mm and pitch from 0.525 to 1.375 mm. In the study of 2018, implementing the strategy defined in the methodology and proposed in 2015: CTDIVol decreased by 21.27 % for children < 1 year, 31.97 % for children 1-4 years, 17 % for children 5-9 years. DLP also decreased by 25.14 %, 36.29 % and 19.85 % for children < 1 year, 1-4 years and 5-9 years respectively. Children were exposed to ionizing radiation on machines designed for adults, but now the doses received by children are reduced.
Conclusions:
The reduction of doses during the pediatric CT examination is possible with the introduction of new optimization protocols or the acquisition of a new machine with a pediatric protocol.
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