Pediatric dose reduction in computed tomography.
An appropriate balance between risk (radiation dose) and benefit (based on image quality) for computed tomography (CT) in children is essential. This balance comes through an understanding of CT dose, why we do pediatric CT, and how we do pediatric CT. The following material, then, will approach radiation dose in the context of a larger safety program, and address the challenges with determining radiation dose in contemporary CT technology. Unique considerations with respect to study quality, those factors which influence CT use, and strategies for dose reduction (that is, optimization) will also be reviewed.
Frush
Donald P
DP
Department of Radiology, 1905 McGovern-Davison Children's Health Center, Box 3808 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA. frush943@mc.duke.edu
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*
D003287:Contrast Media