The present state of radiation exposure from pediatric CT examinations in Japan-what do we have to do?

The use of computed tomography (CT) has increased dramatically over the past several decades and has resulted in a concurrent increase in medical exposure to ionizing radiation. Several recent studies have examined the link between medical radiation and the risk of cancer, especially in children. The cancer risk associated medical exposure has not been definitively confirmed. However, we have to reduce unwarranted medical radiation exposure in pediatric patients. Justification and optimization are of great importance in order to minimize these risks, and the standardization of CT usage is essential. However, in Japan no clinical guidelines for the use of CT have been commonly agreed upon, especially in children. Furthermore, the CT-associated radiation exposure in Japan varies widely among the different facilities. Further studies based on a nationwide survey in Japan will be required in order to establish simple and useful clinical guidelines.