Estimation of radiation dose, cancer risk, and establishment of local diagnostic reference levels for pediatric brain CT procedures at a university hospital in northern Morocco

This brief note aimed to estimate radiation doses, establish local diagnostic reference levels and determine the risk of radiation-induced cancer in children undergoing brain CT at a university hospital in northern Morocco. A sample of 80 brain CT examinations, evenly distributed over four pediatric age groups was selected. CTDIvol, DLP, and effective dose were collected for each examination. The risk of radiation-induced cancer was estimated using the coefficients of the BEIR VII model. The results show an upward trend in CTDIvol and DLP values as a function of age, owing to the detriment of effective dose and estimated risk of radiation-induced cancer. A comparison with the literature highlights variable practices and confirms the need for justify radiological examinations and optimize protocols to reduce long-term risks.