Exceeding radiation thresholds for cataract induction in diagnostic imaging: a paediatric case report.

ABSTRACT

This case report investigates the radiation dose received by a paediatric patient with a ventricular assist device who underwent four non-contrast brain computed tomography (CT) scans, two brain perfusion CT scans and two head angiographic CT scans. The total estimated absorbed dose to the lens of the eye is above the 500 mGy radiation-induced cataract threshold. It is recommended that this patient and those with similar imaging histories have routine follow-up with an ophthalmologist. It is also recommended that radiation dose tracking and an electronic medical alert program be implemented to allow the identification of patients who may exceed tissue reaction thresholds.