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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 3/2013

01-03-2013 | Computed Tomography

IAEA survey of paediatric computed tomography practice in 40 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa: procedures and protocols

Authors: Jenia Vassileva, Madan M. Rehani, Kimberly Applegate, Nada A. Ahmed, Humoud Al-Dhuhli, Huda M. Al-Naemi

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

Objective

To survey procedures and protocols in paediatric computed tomography (CT) in 40 less resourced countries.

Methods

Under a project of the International Atomic Energy Agency, 146 CT facilities in 40 countries of Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America responded to an electronic survey of CT technology, exposure parameters, CT protocols and doses.

Results

Modern MDCT systems are available in 77 % of the facilities surveyed with dedicated paediatric CT protocols available in 94 %. However, protocols for some age groups were unavailable in around 50 % of the facilities surveyed. Indication-based protocols were used in 57 % of facilities. Estimates of radiation dose using CTDI or DLP from standard CT protocols demonstrated wide variation up to a factor of 100. CTDIvol values for the head and chest were between two and five times those for an adult at some sites. Sedation and use of shielding were frequently reported; immobilisation was not. Records of exposure factors were kept at 49 % of sites.

Conclusion

There is significant potential for improvement in CT practice and protocol use for children in less resourced countries. Dose estimates for young children varied widely. This survey provides critical baseline data for ongoing quality improvement efforts by the IAEA.

Key Points

• Paediatric computed tomography (CT) practice was audited in 40 less resourced countries.
• This audit revealed widespread (up to 100 times) variation in radiation dose.
• Specific CT protocols for certain age groups were frequently (ca. 50 %) unavailable.
• This survey demonstrates significant potential for improvement in paediatric CT practice.
• Multinational networking is an effective mechanism for quality improvement.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
The current nomenclature according to Dosimetry in Diagnostic Radiology: An International Code of Practices, Technical Reports Series 457, IAEA, 2007 is CW for CTDIw and CVOL for CTDIvol
 
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Metadata
Title
IAEA survey of paediatric computed tomography practice in 40 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa: procedures and protocols
Authors
Jenia Vassileva
Madan M. Rehani
Kimberly Applegate
Nada A. Ahmed
Humoud Al-Dhuhli
Huda M. Al-Naemi
Publication date
01-03-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2639-3

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