PURSUING OPTIMAL RADIATION DOSE IN PEDIATRIC CARDIAC CT: A REPORT FROM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LEUVEN

Background Computed tomography (CT) balances between high resolution and low radiation dose. Given the greater radiosensitivity of children, it is appropriate to use child-friendly CT-protocols that reduce radiation dose at acceptable image quality. This article states the radiation dose in pediatric cardiac CT-examinations at university hospital Leuven (Belgium) and compares with findings published by similar medical centers. The diagnostic accuracy was simultaneously compared, as it correlates with radiation dose. Material and methods his retrospective observational study analyzed 58 CT-scans of 52 patients. The radiation dose was calculated in effective dose. The image quality was scored qualitatively with a 5-point scale. The diagnostic accuracy, a derivative representation of the image quality, was checked with findings from surgery or conventional angiography. Results The mean effective dose in our study population was 1.3 +/- 0.4 mSv. The qualitative image quality was on average 'good', elaborated with a score of 4.0 +/- 0.2. The diagnostic accuracy was 92%. Comparative literature study provides a mean effective dose of 1.5 mSv and the reported diagnostic accuracy from other centers reaches >= 90%. Conclusions At our center pediatric cardiac CT-scans are obtained with good-to-excellent image quality and high diagnostic accuracy at low radiation doses. These results meet the radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy as published by comparable medical centers.