Evaluating pediatric patient dose during computed tomography in two University Teaching Hospitals in Yaounde - Cameroon

The practices related to patient radiation protection are poorly documented in sub- Saharan Africa because of the lack and/or weak enforcement of the related legislative and regulatory frameworks. This study investigates the justification and optimization of pediatric CT scans in two university teaching hospitals in Yaounde in Cameroon. 171 CT scans in pediatric patients below 15 years of age performed during one trimester were surveyed. The data collection form was adapted from a dosimetric assessment sheet from the French Institut de radioprotection et de surete nucleaire. The guidelines were those of the Societe francaise de radiologie and the Societe francophone d'imagerie pediatrique et prenatale. Each CT scan was assessed and the CT dose index and dose length product were compared with the Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) of the above-mentioned guidelines. While all the CT exams were justified, protocols were not readily available and varied amongst teams and units. The tension conformed in 87.7% of cases and 15.2% of DLPs were higher than the DRL for thoracic and abdominal CT scans performed under helical mode and brain CT scans performed sequentially. Readily available optimal CT protocols for children are urgent to improve upon the pediatric CT practices in these two units with a high turn-over rate of technologists and radiology residents. (authors)