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Child's Nervous System

Published in:

01-07-2013 | Original Paper

The open fontanelle: a window to less radiation

Authors: Tafadzwa Mandiwanza, Colm Saidlear, John Caird, Darach Crimmins

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 7/2013

Abstract

Introduction

Over the years, there has been increasing awareness of the radiation doses from medical investigation and treatment modalities and the long-term effect of this radiation. In no other patient population is this more of an issue than in the paediatric population who are more radiosensitive and have a longer life span in which to express any negative effects of radiation. In children under the age of one, the anterior fontanelle is an acoustic window to intracranial structures allowing for the use of cranial ultrasound (CRUSS) instead of CT.

Aim

To determine the pattern of CT and Cranial ultrasound used in patients aged one or younger with shunt treated hydrocephalus.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who had a shunt inserted before the age of one and their imaging. Effective radiation doses were calculated for those who had CT scans.

Results

One hundred thirty-five patients were included with 227 CTs and 124 CRUSS conducted. In the follow-up period after shunt insertion, 92 patients had CTs while 14 were followed with CRUSS and 51 patients required a shunt revision before the age of one. The average effective radiation dose per scan was 2.76 mSv.

Conclusion

Children with an open fontanelle and shunt can be followed reliably with CRUSS in order to reduce their exposure to radiation.

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Title: The open fontanelle: a window to less radiation
Authors: Tafadzwa Mandiwanza
Colm Saidlear
John Caird
Darach Crimmins
Publication date: 01-07-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 7/2013
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2073-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The open fontanelle: a window to less radiation

Abstract

Introduction

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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