Size-specific dose estimations for pediatric chest, abdomen/pelvis and head CT scans with the use of GATE

The number of Computed Tomography (CT) examinations is rapidly increasing due to the continuous technological improvements that allow fast exams and high image quality [1 –3]. However CT radiation dose is considered to be higher compared to the rest medical imaging modalities [4]. It is estimated that about 10% of 100 million CT exams per year is performed on patients less than 18 years old [5,6]. Available risk estimates suggest that pediatric CT will result in significantly increased risk of developing radiation-induced malignancies, including leukemia, brain, breast, skin, and thyroid cancer, due to the long life expectation and the rapid cell replication [7–12].
Source: Physica Medica: European Journal of Medical Physics - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Original paper Source Type: research