ISSN 0303-5212
 

Original Research
Online Published: 19 Sep 2026
 
RMJ. 2026; 51(4): 1043-1046


Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria

Ashfaq Ahmad, Ummara Siddique Umer, Muhammad Hasnat, Hammad Ur Rehman, Hadia Abid, Sapna Salim.


Abstract
Objective: To find out the number of inappropriate scans according to the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria (ACR-AC).
Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, from January to December 2024. Data were collected about the clinical indication and mode of admission. Cases were evaluated using ACR-AC.
Results: Out of 323 cases, 55.7% were male and 44.3% were female. Preschoolers (41.2%) and schoolers (35.7%) had the highest scan rate, whereas neonates (16.1%) and infants (6.8%) had the lowest rate. Out of the scans evaluated, 21.4% were inappropriate. Seizures (27.1%), Trauma (18.1%), and headache (17.5%) were the commonest clinical indications of inappropriate scans.
Conclusion: A significant number of inappropriate head CTs are being done. Highlighting an urgent need for strict adherence to evidence-based guidelines or developing hospital-based guidelines and targeted education of the clinicians. This may reduce the number of inappropriate scans and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.

Key words: Pediatric CT head, ACR Appropriateness criteria, radiation safety, neuro Imaging.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Ahmad A, Umer US, Hasnat M, Rehman HU, Abid H, Salim S. Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. RMJ. 2026; 51(4): 1043-1046.


Web Style

Ahmad A, Umer US, Hasnat M, Rehman HU, Abid H, Salim S. Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. https://www.rmj.org.pk/?mno=290422 [Access: November 11, 2026].


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Ahmad A, Umer US, Hasnat M, Rehman HU, Abid H, Salim S. Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. RMJ. 2026; 51(4): 1043-1046.



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Ahmad A, Umer US, Hasnat M, Rehman HU, Abid H, Salim S. Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. RMJ. (2026), [cited November 11, 2026]; 51(4): 1043-1046.



Harvard Style

Ahmad, A., Umer, . U. S., Hasnat, . M., Rehman, . H. U., Abid, . H. & Salim, . S. (2026) Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. RMJ, 51 (4), 1043-1046.



Turabian Style

Ahmad, Ashfaq, Ummara Siddique Umer, Muhammad Hasnat, Hammad Ur Rehman, Hadia Abid, and Sapna Salim. 2026. Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (4), 1043-1046.



Chicago Style

Ahmad, Ashfaq, Ummara Siddique Umer, Muhammad Hasnat, Hammad Ur Rehman, Hadia Abid, and Sapna Salim. "Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria." Rawal Medical Journal 51 (2026), 1043-1046.



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Ahmad, Ashfaq, Ummara Siddique Umer, Muhammad Hasnat, Hammad Ur Rehman, Hadia Abid, and Sapna Salim. "Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria." Rawal Medical Journal 51.4 (2026), 1043-1046. Print.



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Ahmad, A., Umer, . U. S., Hasnat, . M., Rehman, . H. U., Abid, . H. & Salim, . S. (2026) Justification of CT head in pediatric patients using ACR appropriateness criteria. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (4), 1043-1046.