Strengthening the Argument for Rapid Brain MR Imaging: Estimation of Reduction in Lifetime Attributable Risk of Developing Fatal Cancer in Children with Shunted Hydrocephalus by Instituting a Rapid Brain MR Imaging Protocol in Lieu of Head CT

摘要

Children with shunted hydrocephalus have been undergoing surveillance neuroimaging, generally in the form of head CT, for evaluation of ventricular size. As the life expectancy of these children has improved due to better shunt technology and medical care, risks related to the ionizing radiation incurred during multiple head CT examinations that they are expected to undergo throughout their lifetime have become a concern. The purpose of this study is to estimate the LAR of developing fatal cancer due to head CT for ventricular size assessment in children with shunted hydrocephalus and to assess the impact of instituting a rapid brain MR imaging protocol in reducing radiation exposure.