CT scanning technology is a valuable tool to diagnose many diseases; however, the level
of the radiation dose is a source of concern, especially for children. CT scan systems and
dose measurement methods have evolved over the years; but reported pediatric effective
doses (EDs) have sometimes exceeded the annual dose limit recommended by the ICRP (1 mSv
per year for persons under 18 years) (ICRP, 2007a).
Efforts have been made to reduce organ doses and EDs by adjusting the scan parameters.
This paper describes the determinants of the ED, and the dose reduction techniques in
pediatric imaging from the early age of CT examinations until now. The first
epidemiological results regarding the associated risk of cancer are also briefly
presented.