to be aware of the radiation risk in children and young patients to properly justify CT examination to understand CT dose descriptors to optimize sinus scan protocol, choosing the right parameters to reduce radiation dose by means of hardware and software devices to understand the usefulness of regular audit in order to verify appropriateness and optimization criteria

In the last three decades substantial technological advantages in CT have determined a dramatic increase of the number of performed examinations. As a consequence, CT scans have led to increased radiation exposure of the population, raising concerns about the associated risk of ionizing radiation [1]. This risk must be considered carefully when CT is performed on children due to their higher sensitivity to radiation damage and long life expectancy [2]. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated a small but significant increase of leukemia and solid tumors...

A. Before scanning When, why and how to perfom paranasal sinus CT Paranasal sinus CT imaging is a fundamental component of caring for paediatric patients with sinonasal and skull base pathology to confirm diagnosis and eliminate the need for unnecessary medication and surgery [4]. CT scans provide information about patients’ anatomy and disease, which may not be appreciated on physical examination, and are used to help otolaryngologists to develop a treatment plan for patients. Indications for paranasal sinus CT include trauma, malignant disease (tumors, masses),...

The “best” paranasal sinus CT scan can be defined as the diagnostic exam for the clinical task with the lowest achievable dose, according to ALARA principle. Radiologists, radiographers and clinicians need to know that in many cases the image quality is higher than necessary for a certain diagnosis, and that a lower quality is acceptable and must be obtained. To achieve this goal it is necessary for all professionals involved in the children care to work as members of a single team.

1. Brenner DJ and Hall EJ (2007) Computed tomography—an increasing source of radiation exposure. N Engl JMed 357:2277–2284 2. Miglioretti DL et al (2013) The use of computed tomography in pediatrics and the associated radiation exposure and estimated cancer risk. JAMA 167:700–707 3. Pearce MS et al (2012) Radiation exposure from CT scans in childhood and subsequent risk of leukaemia and brain tumours: a retrospective cohort study. LANCET (12)60815-0 4. Setzen G et al (2012) Clinical Consensus Statement: Appropriate Use of Computed Tomography for Paranasal...