Article

Assessment of the cumulative dose in computed tomography (CT) in Moroccan hospitalized patients

¹ Laboratory of Health Sciences, Care and Techniques, Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Morocco
² Laboratory of Engineering Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, USMBA, Fez, Morocco
³ Human Pathology, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, USMBA, Fez, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 27 December 2024
Accepted: 24 June 2025

Abstract

An increase in the frequency of CT scan usage has been observed in most countries worldwide in recent years. This growing use raises concerns about the potential long-term risk of radiation-induced cancer. In this context, and in line with ICRP recommendations, the objective of this study is to evaluate the cumulative effective dose in hospitalized patients who underwent multiple CT scans over the course of one year.

We conducted a retrospective study based on the analysis of data from the medical records of 60 hospitalized patients who underwent multiple CT scans over a one-year period in a Moroccan radiology center.

Regarding the distribution of the annual cumulative effective dose per patient in our sample, the average value was approximately 40 mSv, while the 75th percentile reached 50.7 mSv. Patients who received a dose exceeding 100 mSv per year accounted for 1.6% of our total sample, while 26.6% of patients received a cumulative effective dose between 50 mSv and 100 mSv.

The analysis of our results underscores the importance of strengthening the principles of justification for radiological examinations and dose optimization to enhance patient safety and ensure a more responsible use of ionizing radiation in medical settings.