To identify the proportion of Computed Tomography (CT) head examinations that included the lens in the field of view in a paediatric population. Secondly, to examine the demographics of the patient population who received CT head examinations.

Ionising radiation exposure to the lens of the eye is a known risk factor for cataract formation.[1,2] In CT head examinations, the lens is exposed to scattered radiation and often lies in the primary beam.[3] The chance of lens irradiation is dependent on factors including gantry angulation, examination technique and patient position.[4] It is generally accepted that children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, therefore it is important that methods are employed to reduce lens exposure.[5] A retrospective review of a random sample of...

Our audit revealed that at least one or both lenses were irradiated in the majority of CT head scans assessed (n = 49). A minority of scans included neither lens. The most frequent indication for the CT scan was trauma. The most common cohort of patients in our study were aged between 7 and 8 years old. The percentage of female patients was 45%. A minority of patients required general anaesthetic for their CT scan. No data was available to assess whether positioning the patient...

Imaging of the paediatric patient presents several specific challenges, including compliance, understanding and increased risk of motion artefacts. Our evaluation of the literature demonstrated that tilting of the gantry and positioning the head in a ‘chin tilt’ position to remove the orbits from the primary beam are effective methods to avoid unnecessary irradiation of the lens.[6,7] It is important to audit local practice and ensure frequent education activities and training sessions are carried out. This is to ensure that the dose to the lens in...

1. Ainsbury EA, Dalke C, Hamada N, Benadjaoud MA, Chumak V, Ginjaume M, Kok JL, Mancuso M, Sabatier L, Struelens L, Thariat J, Jourdain JR. Radiation-induced lens opacities: Epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence, methodological issues, research gaps and strategy. Environ Int. 2021 Jan;146:106213. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106213. 2. Brown NP. The lens is more sensitive to radiation than we had believed. Br J Ophthalmol. 1997 Apr;81(4):257. doi: 10.1136/bjo.81.4.257. 3. Nikupaavo U, Kaasalainen T, Reijonen V, Ahonen SM, Kortesniemi M. Lens dose in routine head CT: comparison of...