CT exposure from pediatric MDCT: results from the 2007-2008 SFIPP/ISRN survey

Purpose. To evaluate current exposure levels from pediatric MDCT examinations in order to issue recommendations for the routine clinical practice that may be used for establishing future diagnostic reference levels (DRL). Materials and methods. A survey was conducted at hospital sites affiliated with the SFIPP (Societe Francophone d'Imagerie Pediatrique et Prenatale). Tube potential and volume computed tomography (lose index (CTDI) vol. values were obtained for three age groups (1, 5 and 10 years) for typical scanning indications of eight anatomical regions. Results. Twenty of 29 sites provided LIS with a copy of their protocols. All ages groups combined, 97% of protocols used a tension level <= 120 kVp. For age groups 1, 5 and 10 years respectively, the 75(th) percentiles of dose distributions were : 31, 39.5 and 49.5 mGy for the head protocol; 24,22 and 24 mGy for head and neck; 11, 11, and 11 mGy for paranasal sinuses; 46, 71 and 87 mGy for petrous bone; 3,3.5 and 5.5 mGy for chest, 2,3 and 4 mGy for low close lung 4, 4.5 and 7 mGy for abdomen-pelvis; 7, 11 and 12 mGy for bone. The inter-center discrepancy for doses were still high. Conclusion. This study provided in evaluation of current practices in reference centers for pediatric imaging and allowed readjustment of MDCT close recommendations. It could help in the development of DRLS for pediatric MDCT.