Techniques and Strategies to Minimize Radiation Exposure in Pediatric Computed Tomography (CT) Abdominal...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Pediatric Oncology

Background:

• Children's heightened sensitivity to radiation necessitates stringent protection in medical imaging.
• Longer life expectancies in children amplify the long-term risks of radiation-induced cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify effective radiation dose-minimizing strategies for pediatric abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations.
• To consolidate evidence-based techniques for reducing ionizing radiation exposure in pediatric imaging.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar).
• Initial search yielded 7,314 articles; rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in 77 publications for initial review.
• A final selection of 12 high-compliance articles provided the basis for in-depth analysis of dose reduction techniques.

Main Results:

• Key radiation dose reduction techniques identified include pre-filtering, advanced post-processing algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.
• Optimization of exposure parameters, specifically tube voltage (kVp) and current (mAs), is a critical factor in dose reduction.
• Establishing and adhering to Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) is essential for controlling radiation doses in pediatric CT.

Conclusions:

• Effective reduction of radiation exposure in pediatric CT requires a multifaceted approach integrating various technical and procedural strategies.
• Healthcare professionals must adopt a combination of DRL adherence, optimized exposure factors, pre-filtration, AI, and post-processing for safe and effective pediatric imaging.
• Balancing the need for high-quality diagnostic images with minimizing ionizing radiation is paramount in pediatric CT examinations.