Estimation of the risk of cancer associated with pediatric cranial computed tomography

Abstract

Background: The role of computed tomography (CT) in the medical diagnosis of diseases has greatly expanded, desipte the potential risk of cancer following exposures to ionising radiation (x-ray) from this modality. This risk is partially of great concerns in children, who are more radiosensitive and have many years to manifest radiation effect than adults. Aims: To estimate risk of cancer induction from pediatric cranial CT. Materials and methods: A total of 203 patients, who were refered from various pediatric clinics and wards for cranial CT in a teaching hospital in the south western Nigeria between the year 2011 and 2013 were considered. All patients were grouped into four age (year) groups: less than 1, 1-5,5-10 and 10-15. A mathematical method was used to estimate the risk of cancer from the effective dose (ED) calculated from volume computed tomography dose index (CTDlvol), dose length product (DLP) and statndard conversion factor. Results: The range of CTDlvol (MGy) recieved by all patients was 10-250mGy while majority of the patients recieved 50-100. The range of DLP (mGy.cm) recieved by all patients and majority of the patient 500-5000 and 2001-2500 respectively. The risk estimated with respect to patients' age showed that patient was 1-25 and 5-10 respectively. The risk estimated with respect to patients' age showed that patient in the group 1-5years have the highest risk of cancer induction while risk based on gender showed on significant difference. Conclusion: Over 60% of pediatric patiens received more than the recommended values of CTDlvol, DLP and ED from cranial CT.Urgent steps must be taken to ensure compliant with international recommended precaution for does reduction in pediatric medical imaging.