Pediatric ophthalmic computed tomographic scanning and associated cancer risk.
OBJECTIVE
To review pediatric neuroimaging studies of the head and orbit and the radiation-induced cancer risk associated with computed tomography in light of recent attention to pediatric radioimaging by the US Food and Drug Administration, the National Cancer Institute, pediatricians, and radiologists.


METHODS
Perspective.


METHODS
Literature review.


METHODS
Institutional.


METHODS
Pediatric ophthalmic patients requiring neuroimaging studies. INTERVENTION/PROCEDURE: Review of the current literature.


METHODS
After review of the current literature and discussion of the related issues, recommendations are made for pediatric neuroimaging studies of the head and orbit.


RESULTS
Computed tomography (CT) of the head and orbit may be performed in children with the appropriate indications as long as the radiation exposure is minimized.


CONCLUSIONS
Information obtained from CT scans of the head and orbit may determine or affect management in the pediatric ophthalmic population. Because of the concern of cancer induced by radiation exposure in children, neuroimaging modalities without radiation exposure, such as magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound, may be considered. However, when CT is indicated, it is reasonable and acceptable to perform CT of the head and orbit while minimizing the radiation exposure, thereby adhering to the "ALARA" (as low as reasonably achievable) policy recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration. Further studies of the actual radiation dose delivered during pediatric CT of the head and orbit and the true incidence of radiation-induced cancers after scans are warranted.
Mills
David M
DM
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Lions Eye Institute, Albany, New York 12159, USA. davidmills4186@msn.com
Tsai
Salina
S
Meyer
Dale R
DR
Belden
Clifford
C
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009915:Orbit / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration