Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Radiation Dose Reduction Studies in Pediatric Head CT.

Background: Conventional imaging protocols used in pediatric head CT scanning without specific adaptations to lower radiation dose or "standard dose" pediatric head CTs increase unnecessary radiation exposure. Modifying CT parameters, utilizing iterative reconstruction, and adopting specialized protocols are ongoing strategies to lower radiation dose in pediatric head CTs.

Purpose: This article will review studies reducing radiation exposure in pediatric patients undergoing head CT and provide metaanalysis of percent radiation dose reduction of the studies.