Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Eyes, Paediatric, CT, Radiation safety, Quality assurance
Authors:
J. Edey, M. Sharpless, J. Peng, D. MacManus, S. Menon
DOI:
10.26044/ranzcr2022/R-0211
Background
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 50 CT head examinations was carried out over a one year period in an Australian tertiary hospital. The paediatric population were aged between 0–16 years old. All studies were performed in 2021. The studies were identified using the hospital electronic medical records, RIS and PACS system. The images were reviewed by a radiology registrar and radiology consultant to determine if one lens, both lenses or neither lens were exposed during the scan. Exclusion criteria included CT scans which routinely include the orbits (e.g. CT face, CT temporal bones, CT orbits, CT sinuses and CT cervical spine).