Original Research

Diagnostic reference levels for paediatric computed tomography

Zakariya Vawda, Richard Pitcher, John Akudugu, Willem Groenewald
South African Journal of Radiology | Vol 19, No 2 | a846 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v19i2.846 | © 2015 Zakariya Vawda, Richard Pitcher, John Akudugu, Willem Groenewald | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 25 May 2015 | Published: 30 November 2015

About the author(s)

Zakariya Vawda, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Richard Pitcher, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
John Akudugu, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Willem Groenewald, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Abstract

Objectives: To establish local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for emergency paediatric head computed tomography (CT) scans performed at a South African (SA) tertiary-level hospital and to compare these with published data.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of volume-based CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) data from uncontrasted paediatric head CT scans performed in the Trauma and Emergency Unit of a tertiary-level SA hospital from January to June 2013. A random sample of 30 patients in each of 3 age groups (0–2, >2–5 and >5–10 years) was used. LDRL values were compared with several national DRLs from Europe and Australia.

Results: Mean CTDIvol and DLP values were: 30 mGy and 488 mGy.cm for the 0–2 years age group; 31 mGy and 508 mGy.cm for the >2–5 years group, and 32 mGy and 563 mGy.cm for the >5–10 years group, respectively. The mean DLP for 0–2 year-olds was the only parameter outside the range of corresponding published reference data. Stratification into narrower age groupings showed an increase in DLP values with age.

Conclusion: An institutional review of the head CT scanning technique for emergency studies performed on children less than 2 years of age is recommended. The current study highlights the role of LDRLs in establishing institutional dosimetry baselines, in refining local imaging practice, and in enhancing patient safety. Standard age stratification for DRL and LDRL reporting is recommended.


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Crossref Citations

1. Diagnostic reference levels for paediatric CT in Jordan
Mohammad Rawashdeh, Mostafa Abdelrahman, Maha Zaitoun, Charbel Saade, Haytham Alewaidat, Mark F McEntee
Journal of Radiological Protection  vol: 39  issue: 4  first page: 1060  year: 2019  
doi: 10.1088/1361-6498/ab3ee2