Computed tomography scanning parameters and radiation doses in paediatric patients

To determine Computed Tomography (CT) scanning parameters and radiation doses for pediatric patients according to age and body size. Methodology: This was a hospital based cross sectional study which was conducted at Radiology department, Muhimbili National Hospital from September 2021 to March 2022. One hundred and seventy four children underwent CT scan examination were recruited. Demographic information clinical indication and scanning parameters were obtained using structured questionnaires. CT doses estimation were calculated from CT dose calculator computer software supplied by Imaging Performance and Assessment of CT scanners (ImPACT). Results: Majority of children who underwent CT examination were males, from age group of 1-5 years. Head trauma was the commonest indication comprising sixty four percent. The tube potential and tube current for head examinations were higher than for the chest and abdominal examinations. The mean tube potential and tube current for the head were 115.4 kVp and 209.45 mA respectively. The doses for Head CT examinations were higher compared to the chest and abdomen, the mean CTDIvol (mGy) 11.78, DLP (mGy.cm) 231.42 and CTDIw (mGy) 16.6, but relatively lower than other international values. The calculated mean CTDIvol 11.8, 0.89, 1.79 and DLP 232.6, 36.5, 86.5 for head, chest and abdomen respectively were significantly lower than the values displayed on the console i.e. 36.7, 2.7, 2.6 CTDIvol and 731.7, 78.6, 114.8 DLPs. Conclusion: The use of large tube potential and tube current for head examinations has led to large doses for head examinations. The radiation dose mean values for CTDI vol, and DLP were significantly lower than those from other countries. We still have the chance to further reduce our doses to much lower levels.