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Published in:

01-03-2009 | Original Article

Effective dose estimation in whole-body multislice CT in paediatric trauma patients

Authors: Robin D. Munk, Peter C. Strohm, Ulrich Saueressig, Joern Zwingmann, Markus Uhl, Norbert P. Südkamp, Elmar Kotter, Mathias Langer, Thorsten A. Bley

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 3/2009

Abstract

Background

The number of multislice CT (MSCT) scans performed in polytraumatized children has increased rapidly. There is growing concern regarding the radiation dose in MSCT and its long-term consequences, especially in children.

Objective

To determine the effective dose to polytraumatized children who undergo whole-body MSCT.

Materials and methods

A total of 51 traumatized children aged 0–16 years underwent a polytrauma protocol CT scan between November 2004 and August 2006 at our institution. The effective dose was calculated retrospectively by a computer program (CT-Expo 1.5, Hannover, Germany).

Results

The mean effective dose was 20.8 mSv (range 8.6–48.9 mSv, SD ± 7.9 mSv). There was no statistically significant difference in the effective dose between male and female patients.

Conclusion

Whole-body MSCT is a superior diagnostic tool in polytraumatized children with 20.8 mSv per patient being a justified mean effective dose. In a potentially life-threatening situation whole-body MSCT provides the clinicians with relevant information to initiate life-saving therapy. Radiologists should use special paediatric protocols that include dose-saving mechanisms to keep the effective dose as low as possible. Further studies are needed to examine and advance dose-saving strategies in MSCT, especially in children.

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Title: Effective dose estimation in whole-body multislice CT in paediatric trauma patients
Authors: Robin D. Munk
Peter C. Strohm
Ulrich Saueressig
Joern Zwingmann
Markus Uhl
Norbert P. Südkamp
Elmar Kotter
Mathias Langer
Thorsten A. Bley
Publication date: 01-03-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 3/2009
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-1091-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effective dose estimation in whole-body multislice CT in paediatric trauma patients

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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