Health Effects of Radiation Exposure from Computed Tomography: A Scoping Review

Computed Tomography (CT) is currently a primary focus of radiation protection efforts because it is the highest dose diagnostic modality that is used most frequently. This unique combination of high radiation intensity and widespread use distinguishes it from other imaging techniques. The carcinogenic potential of ionizing radiation from these procedures is well documented, but there is growing concern regarding non-cancer systemic effects that remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between radiation exposure and broader health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment. These non-cancer effects have not been properly characterized in the existing literature unlike cancer risks. Thus, this scoping review aims to address the lack of a comprehensive map of broader systemic health risks specifically associated with diagnostic CT radiation. We hypothesize that non-cancer effects of diagnostic CT radiation are poorly characterized and that existing data is fragmented across different medical specialties without a unifiedmap of risks. The primary objective of this scoping review is to map the extent and nature of available literature regarding the dose-response relationship for stochastic, deterministic, and emerging systemic health effects in patients undergoing diagnostic CT. Specifically, this review aims to: Map evidence on radiation-induced health outcomes across CT dosage levels (Ultra-Low, Standard, and Cumulative High Dose), Identify emerging non-cancer outcome measures (e.g., ischemic heart disease, dementia) and associated dose thresholds as well as catalog dose metrics currently used in research.