# Incidence and Mortality Life-Attributable Risks for Patients Subjected to Recurrent CT Examinations and Cumulative Effective Dose Exceeding 100 mSv

## TL;DR

This study examines the risks of repeated CT scans leading to high radiation doses and estimates cancer incidence and mortality risks for patients.

## Contribution

The study identifies patients with cumulative CT radiation doses exceeding 100 mSv and estimates life-attributable risks for cancer incidence and mortality.

## Key findings

- 22 individuals out of 4406 CT studies had a cumulative effective dose (CED) ≥ 100 mSv.
- The highest CED was 223.0 mSv in a 57-year-old male, accumulated over an average of 46.3 days.
- Females aged 51–60 had the highest median mortality risk at 214 per 100,000.

## Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) multi-detector array has been heavily utilized over the past decade. While transforming an individual’s diagnosis, the risk of developing pathogenesis as a result remains a concern. The main aim of this institutional cumulative effective dose (CED) review is to highlight the number of adult individuals with a record of CED ≥ 100 mSv over a time span of 5 years. Further, we aim to roughly estimate both incidence and mortality life-attributable risks (LARs) for the shortlisted individuals. CT studies performed over one year, in one dedicated trauma and emergency facility, were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed. Individuals with historical radiological CED ≥ 100 mSv were short-listed. LARs were defined and established based on organ, age and gender. Out of the 4406 CT studies reviewed, 22 individuals were found with CED ≥ 100 mSv. CED varied amongst the short-listed individuals, with the highest CED registered being 223.0 mSv, for a 57-year-old male, cumulated over an average study interval of 46.3 days. The highest median mortality risk was for females, 214 per 100,000 registered for the age group 51–60 years. While certain clinical indications and diseases require close follow-up using radiological examinations, the benefit-to-risk ratio should be carefully considered, particularly when CT is requested.