Reduction of radiation dose to children in x-ray head CT: Investigation using EGS5

In this study, the absorbed dose for organs in infant, child, and adult patients undergoing head computed tomography (CT) scans was determined. The CT examinations were simulated using the Electron Gamma Shower ver. 5 (EGS5) Monte Carlo code. The eye lens dose among child and infant patients was higher than that among adult patients by 15.0% and 69.7%, respectively. The effectiveness of a bismuth shield in reducing the eye lens dose for children undergoing head X-ray head CT scans was also evaluated. Application of a bismuth shield over the eyes of children undergoing head X-ray CT reduced the eye lens dose by 47.6% from the dose value in the case wherein shielding was not used. The use of metallic shields was found effective in reducing the radiation dose to children.