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Head computed tomography examination as a factor of radiation exposure in children treated for hydrocephalus
Michał Biegała1, Krystian Skoczylas2, Katarzyna Matera2
1Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging Technology).
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) scans for pediatric hydrocephalus patients expose infants to higher radiation doses. Implementing specialized pediatric CT protocols significantly reduced radiation exposure in children over time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring pediatric hydrocephalus.
- Early-life CT scans contribute to cumulative radiation exposure in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess ionizing radiation exposure from CT scans in children with hydrocephalus.
- To calculate the associated risks of leukemia and cancer induction and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CT scans in pediatric hydrocephalus patients.
- Calculation of effective radiation dose and cancer risk probabilities.
Main Results:
- Highest radiation exposure observed in infants (<1 year) at 4.2±0.9 mSv/year, decreasing to 0.7±0.1 mSv/year by age ≥11.
- Cancer induction probability is highest in the first year of life, decreasing with age.
- Total effective dose can reach nearly 21 mSv by age 17 for infants diagnosed with hydrocephalus.
Conclusions:
- Introduction of pediatric CT protocols led to reduced CT examinations and radiation doses.
- Ongoing monitoring and protocol optimization are essential for minimizing radiation risks in pediatric patients.
Objectives:
Computed tomography (CT) in children with hydrocephalus is a procedure often performed from the first days of the child's life. It is important in diagnosing and monitoring treatment progress.
Material And Methods:
Based on a retrospective analysis of CT scans, the level of exposure to ionizing radiation in children with hydrocephalus subjected to this study was calculated. The probability of induction and death from leukemia or other cancers as a result of CT scans was also calculated.
Results:
The highest exposure is observed in children <1 year of age: M±SD 4.2±0.9 mSv/year. In the following years, this exposure decreases, reaching the level of 0.7±0.1 mSv/year at the age ≥11 years. This is correlated with the probability of induction of leukemia and other cancers, which is highest in the first year of life. In subsequent years, the probability decreases. The probability of dying from these cancers remains at a similar level all the time. By the age of 17 years, a patient with hydrocephalus diagnosed in infancy may receive a total effective dose of almost 21 mSv.
Conclusions:
After analyzing exposure over the years, a significant reduction in the num- ber of CT examinations performed and a reduction in the radiation dose received by children was found through the introduction of pediatric CT examination protocols. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(2):163-9.
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