ELIMINATION OF PLAIN SCAN IN PEDIATRIC NECK, CHEST AND ABDOMEN-PELVIS CT EXAMINATIONS, SINGLE CENTRE AUDIT

Abstract

Introduction: According to our departmental practice, all pediatric Neck, Chest and Abdomen-Pelvis (NCHAP) Computed Tomography (CT) examination were performed in two phases: plain scan and contrast enhanced scan. This practice resulted in doubling of radiation exposure to the patient. Other excuses were higher CT tube burden and longer exam time as some children need to be slept or sedated for examination.

Objective: We aimed to eliminate the plain scan in pediatric NCHAP CT examinations (except case of urolithiasis) without affecting its diagnostic value of examination in order to reduce the radiation dose, tube burden, examination time and possible examination cost.

Methods and materials: A prospective single center clinical audit was performed from 1^st may 2016 to 31^th August 2016. Clinical indications of referral physicians were reviewed. Only contrast enhanced scans were obtained by 128 slice Siemens scanner. Images were evaluated by senior CT radiographer, radiology resident and radiologist respectively and need of plain scan was judged accordingly.

Results: Total 202 pediatric NCHAP examinations were performed at our department during this period. Among these examinations; only in 3 cases (2 neck and 1 abdomen CT) plain CT scans were assumed to be helpful.

Conclusion: Plain scans should be omitted in all pediatric NCHAP CT examinations (except in cases of urolithiasis) that will reduce the radiation exposure to half.