Patient Exposure to Radiation in Repeated CT Scans: Risk Analysis

Abstract

Atef Eid Madkour Elsayed*, Saif Almaghrabi, Bushra Saleh Albakri, Mohammed Abdulilah Alnkhali, Abdullah Mazen Flemban, Hamzah Abdullah Albar, Fatimah Ali H Alnakhli, Faisal Mohammed Alamrani, Jana Adel Aljohani, Saher Abdulaziz Alzahrani, Shahd Hakami, Hadi Musa Hussein Al- Shaabi, mubarak nasser albarqan

Background: The use of computed tomography (CT) has expanded significantly, leading to rising concerns about cumulative radiation exposure, especially in patients undergoing repeated scans. This review aims to synthesize the current evidence regarding patient radiation dose and associated cancer risks from recurrent CT imaging.

Objectives: To evaluate the cumulative radiation exposure from repeated CT scans and assess its association with increased cancer risk across different patient populations. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature was sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included quantitative evaluations of cumulative CT radiation dose and associated malignancy risk, published between 2005 and 2024.

Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, involving Pediatric, trauma, emergency, and oncology cohorts. Repeated CT imaging resulted in cumulative doses often exceeding 100 mSv. Multiple studies reported significant associations with increased lifetime cancer risk, particularly in children and young adults. Clinical utility of repeat imaging was often limited, and awareness of radiation risks among clinicians and patients remained low.

Conclusion: Repeated CT scans can lead to harmful cumulative radiation exposure, increasing long-term cancer risk. System-level reforms, including education, standardized protocols, and dose-reduction strategies, are essential for safer imaging practices