Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease Exposed to High Cumulative Radiation Doses

Most children with CHD have minimal exposure, but neonates undergoing cardiac surgery can reach high exposure levels.

Ionizing radiation is an important component of diagnosis and therapeutic procedures in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). To assess cumulative radiation exposure, investigators retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 4132 patients (age <18 years) who underwent surgery for CHD at one center in 2001 to 2009 (median follow-up, 4 years).

Nearly 135,000 radiological examinations were reviewed. The number of examinations and effective doses per patient varied widely (median, 14 tests at 0.96 mSv/year). Children with single ventricle disease had the most examinations. Although routine chest x-rays were the most common examination, cardiac catheterizations accounted for a disproportionate share of radiation exposure. Children requir…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease Exposed to High Cumulative Radiation Doses

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Reviewing Author