Investigation of radiation dose and diagnostic reference levels in CT scanning for children / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To understand the current situation of CT radiation dose in children all over our country, and to explore the diagnostic reference level (DRL) of CT in children.Methods:The radiation dose reports of pediatric CT examination were collected end to November 30, 2021 and divided into five age groups 0-1 month,>1 month-4 years,>4-10 years,>10-14 years and >14-18 years. There were 9 scanning item such as head, nasal sinus, temporal bone, neck, chest, abdomen, head enhanced CT, chest enhanced CT and abdomen enhanced CT. In each item, volume CT dose index (CTDI vol) and dose length product (DLP) were selected as radiation dose parameters, the 75% percentile were selected for DRL. The DRL results of head, chest and abdomen were compared with the DRL published by Chinese Society of Radiology and European Commission. Results:From March 2019 to November 2021, a total of 33 hospitals in 23 provinces were collected, including 20 children′s specialized hospitals, 11 women′s and children′s hospitals and 2 general hospitals, including 19 135 children′s CT scans. The DRL of 45 subgroups according to 5 age groups and 9 scanning items were obtained. The DRL results showed that the CTDI vol in five age groups was 26.9-42.8 mGy, and the DLP was 347-694 mGy·cm for head; 3.5-8.0 mGy, 54-293 mGy·cm for chest; and 6.3-13.2 mGy, 155-564 mGy·cm for abdomen. The DRL of the age group >4-10 years group in this investigation was agreed to the DRL of Chinese Society of Radiology. Compared with the European guidelines, there was little difference in the radiation dose of head scan, while the radiation dose of chest and abdomen in the young age group increased significantly. Conclusion:This survey reveals the radiation dose level distribution of children CT in our country. The radiation dose level of some items was inconsistent with the DRL of relevant international organizations. So our own DRL is needed to be set up according to the actual clinical reality of our country as a guideline.