Organ Dose Estimation in Pediatric Abdomen and Pelvic Radiographs Using Caldose_X Monte Carlo Simulations

Abstract

The growing use of radiological imaging in pediatric care has raised concerns about ionizing radiation exposure, particularly in radiosensitive organs. Children are more vulnerable to stochastic effects such as radiation-induced cancer due to their smaller body size and longer life expectancy. Abdominal and pelvic radiographs are among the most frequently performed examinations in this population, often involving critical organs like the bladder, gonads, and bone marrow. This study aimed to estimate organ doses and associate radiation risk in pediatric abdominal and pelvic radiographs using the Caldose_X software based on Monte Carlo simulations. Examinations were analyzed across five pediatric age groups (0–1, 1–5, 5–10, 10–15, and ≥15 years), with input parameters including incident air kerma (Ka,i), kerma-area product (PKA), and individual anthropometric data. The results showed that the bladder, reproductive organs, intestines, spine, and bone marrow received the highest doses, with absorbed dose increasing progressively with patient age. Significant intra-group variability was also observed, reflecting differences in anatomy, positioning, and collimation. These findings underscore the importance of individualized imaging protocols and support the establishment of age-specific Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs).