Head computed tomography examination as a factor of radiation exposure in children treated for hydrocephalus.

Abstract

Objectives: Computed tomography (CT) in children with hydrocephalus is a procedure often performed from the first days of the child's life. It is important in diagnosing and monitoring treatment progress.

Material and methods: Based on a retrospective analysis of CT scans, the level of exposure to ionizing radiation in children with hydrocephalus subjected to this study was calculated. The probability of induction and death from leukemia or other cancers as a result of CT scans was also calculated.

Results: The highest exposure is observed in children <1 year of age: M±SD 4.2±0.9 mSv/year. In the following years, this exposure decreases, reaching the level of 0.7±0.1 mSv/year at the age ≥11 years. This is correlated with the probability of induction of leukemia and other cancers, which is highest in the first year of life. In subsequent years, the probability decreases. The probability of dying from these cancers remains at a similar level all the time. By the age of 17 years, a patient with hydrocephalus diagnosed in infancy may receive a total effective dose of almost 21 mSv.

Conclusions: After analyzing exposure over the years, a significant reduction in the num- ber of CT examinations performed and a reduction in the radiation dose received by children was found through the introduction of pediatric CT examination protocols. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(2).