Computed Tomography in Germany.

backgroundIn 2001, calculations in models based on atomic bomb survivors indicated that children exposed to ionizing radiation by computed tomography (CT) would be expected to have an increased risk of cancer. This led to the issuance of new recommendations in Germany concerning CT in children.

methodsWe analyzed data from the German pediatric CT cohort study together with data on children from a large general statutory health insurance provider (AOK) in order to characterize the secular trend in the use of CT in Germany. We used information from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) to estimate individual organ doses per scan and their development over time.

resultsThe number of CT scans performed on children in Germany each year declined by 29% from 2006 to 2012. Over the same period, younger children were exposed to lower organ doses during CT scanning, although some organ doses were higher in neonates than in older children. The highest organ doses were in the 7.6 to 12.5-year-old age group and affected the brain (37.12 mGy ± 19.68 mGy) and the lenses (41.24 mGy ± 20.08 mGy). In every age group, the organ doses declined from year to year. With approximately 21 000 children aged 0-13 undergoing CT each year (extrapolated from insurance data of 2008), one can expect 2.3 [-1.7; 6.3] additional new cases of leukemia and 1 [-2.3; 4.0] additional new tumor of the central nervous system to arise each year.

conclusionIn view of the risks, children should undergo CT only for the indications listed by the German Commission on Radiological Protection (Strahlenschutzkommission). Further epidemiological studies are needed for estimation of the risk associated with the use of newer CT technology.