Evaluation of pediatric radiation doses in computed tomography procedures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) frequency is approximately 11% of medical radiological procedures. Nevertheless, CT examinations contribute up to 70% collective doses. CT procedures carried out in pediatric patients represent 33% of CT procedures. This study aimed to assess pediatric doses during chest and abdomen procedures and estimated the projected radiogenic risk. In total, 83 pediatric were divided into four groups, according to their age (years). The patients were ≤six months, six months - ≤3 years, 4 - ≤ 6 years and, 7 - ≤ 15 years. The mean and range of DLP (mGy.cm) and CTDIvol (mGy) for pediatric CT chest were 42 (33–52) and 2 (1.9–2.2), respectively. The mean and range of DLP (mGy.cm) and CTDIvol (mGy) for pediatric CT abdomen pelvic region were 116 (105–129) and 3.8 (3.7–3.9), in that order. Even though pediatric' radiation doses are below the published diagnostic reference levels (DRL), additional dose reduction is required and achievable if the imaging protocol is adjusted according to the child size.