Pediatric computed tomography doses in Germany from 2016 to 2018 based on large-scale data collection

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiological Physics
• Pediatric Radiology

Background:

• Pediatric CT scans carry a small risk of leukemia or brain tumors.
• Optimizing radiation doses in pediatric CT is crucial.
• Dose reference levels (DRL) help reduce collective radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect dosimetric data for pediatric CT examinations.
• To support the adaptation of current DRLs based on evolving clinical practices.
• To assess if current DRLs need adjustment due to technological advancements and protocol optimization.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective collection of dosimetric data and technical parameters.
• Data gathered from Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), Dose Management Systems (DMS), and Radiological Information Systems (RIS).
• Inclusion of common pediatric CT examinations across 17 institutions from 2016-2018.

Main Results:

• Data from 7746 CT series in patients under 18 years were analyzed.
• Age-stratified parameter distributions were generally lower than pre-2010 data.
• Most third quartile dose values were below the German DRL at the time of the survey.

Conclusions:

• Large-scale data collection via PACS, DMS, and RIS is feasible but requires high data quality.
• Data validation through expert knowledge or questionnaires is recommended.
• Observed practices suggest a reasonable basis for lowering some DRLs in Germany for pediatric CT.