Observational studyNeuroradiology2026
Intra-Individual variation in radiation dose of pediatric head CT: implications for dose optimization.
Observational study in Neuroradiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
15 authors.
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Abstract
purposePediatric patients undergoing head CT are particularly vulnerable to radiation exposure and its potential long-term effects. Dose optimization is especially critical when multiple scans are required, where dose should remain consistently low and stable. This study aims to analyze inter-and intra-individual variation of radiation dose of head CT in pediatric patients.
methodsIn this retrospective observational single-center study, radiation dose data from 411 head CTs of 123 patients (male 68; female 55) at two different CT devices with similar technical parameters were analyzed. Four age groups (3–12 months, 1–5, 5–10 and 10–15 years) were evaluated. Volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP) and effective dose (ED) were analyzed and compared inter- and intra-individually.
resultsRadiation dose varied substantially between scanners, with median CTDIvol differences of up to 34.7% in the age group 3–12 months (7.0 mGy) and 17.2% in the age group 1–5 years (4.2 mGy). Median intra-individual dose variation across scanners was 28.6% (IQR 3.5–30.9%) in infants aged 3–12 months, 15.9% (IQR 6.8–24.8%) in children aged 1–5 years, 7.7% (IQR 3.8–15.2%) in 5–10 years, and 6.0% (IQR 2.7–13.1%) in 10–15 years. When repeated on the same scanner, intra-individual variation decreased, yet residual differences of up to 10.1% (CTDIvol) and 11.9% (DLP/ED) persisted, highlighting the need for scanner-specific monitoring.
conclusionSignificant dose variation persists in pediatric head CT, both across scanners and within patients. Scanner-specific dose management, consistent device use, and systematic monitoring are essential to improve consistency and support optimization in pediatric imaging.
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