What Are the Dangers of a CAT Scan to a Toddler?

Parents need to consider the benefits and risks associated with toddler CT scans.

A CAT (CT) scan uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of your body. CT scans are used in children and adults to diagnose injuries, infection or disease in nearly every part of the body. For parents, the prospect of their toddler having a CT scan can cause worry and anxiety. Because CT scans use X-rays, dyes and take place in an enclosed space, parents are often concerned about the risks and side effects of the diagnostic exam.

Excessive Radiation Exposure

The amount of radiation produced by a CT scan is considerably more than that of a standard X-ray. Because of this, hospitals and imaging centers are asked to pay close attention to CT scans given to toddlers. Some facilities have been found to administer adult-sized radiation doses to toddlers or given them exams that are too broad. Toddlers are especially vulnerable to the radiation from CT scans and their bodies and brains are still in development and can be negatively affected by radiation.

Increased Cancer Risk

The biggest concern with toddler CT scans is the increased risk of cancer. According to Cook Children's Health Care System, there is no conclusive evidence that radiation from CT scans causes cancer, but there have been studies of large populations that show CT scans can cause a slight increase in the risk of developing cancer by roughly 0.05%. The more scans a toddler has over his lifetime, the greater his risk of developing cancer.

Allergic Reaction

A CT scan requires the toddler be given a dye or contrast material orally, rectally or through an injection. This material highlights the tissues, organs and blood vessels being examined. It's possible the dye can cause an allergic reaction in some toddlers. The reaction can result in hives or itchiness that may last for several minutes or hours. In more severe cases, the dye can cause breathing problems or swelling of the throat and body.

Anesthesia Complications

For a CT scan to be successful, the toddler must lay completely still. Some machines can complete a scan in a few seconds while others can take up to 45 minutes. Toddlers must hold still while the CT scan is being done, which is sometimes nearly impossible. Toddlers may be given anesthesia or a sedative to help them through the exam. Mild side effects of the medication may cause nausea, vomiting or dizziness in some toddlers. More serious side effects include an abnormal heart rate or blood pressure, and severe pain.

References

• RadiologyInfo.org: Children's (Pediatric) CT (Computed Tomography)
• "Chicago Tribune"; Clamping Down on CT Scans for Kids; Judith Graham; July 31, 2010
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta: CAT Scan -- Abdomen
• MayoClinic.com: CT Scan
• Cook Children's Health Care System: What Parents Should Know About CT Scans for Children -- Medical Radiation Safety
• Imaginis: Information About Intravenous and Oral Contrast Used in CT

Resources

• MayoClinic.com: CT Scan -- How You Prepare
• KidsHealth.org