Estimation of Organ Doses in Pediatric Patients for Different Imaging Protocols and Examinations

Abstract

In this study, the Volume Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIvol) Dose Length Product (DLP), effective patient doses (ED), and organ doses were calculated for pediatric patients aged 0, 1, 5, and 10 years undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations using the VirtualDose program, a software designed for reporting such doses. The study utilized a Toshiba Aquilion 16 CT scanner. Head, chest, and pelvis CT scans were simulated with commonly used kVp, mAs, and pitch values. The results indicated a significant difference in organ doses between standard and low-dose protocols. When kVp and mAs values were increased, ED and organ doses increased by an average of 2.5 times. Conversely, when kVp and mAs values were held constant and pitch value was increased, ED and organ doses decreased by an average of 2 times. Physicians requesting pediatric CT scans should continuously evaluate the requested examinations based on their benefits and risks. To reduce organ doses, scanning protocols should be reviewed, and low-dose protocols should be preferred. Additionally, newer generation devices that provide lower dose scanning should be utilized.