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CT scanning: a major source of radiation exposure
Philip W Wiest1, Julie A Locken, Philip H Heintz
1Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR
|January 2, 2003
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) scans deliver high radiation doses, increasing cancer risk with repeated use. Despite technological advances, CT scans now constitute a significant portion of diagnostic radiation exposure, especially in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) scanning is a prevalent diagnostic imaging procedure with increasing global utilization.
- CT scans represent a significant source of radiation exposure for patients, contributing substantially to the collective dose in diagnostic radiology.
- Despite advancements like helical and multi-slice techniques, the radiation dose per CT procedure has not decreased, while the frequency of CT use has risen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the increasing prevalence of CT scanning worldwide.
- To evaluate the contribution of CT scans to the collective diagnostic radiation dose.
- To assess the potential health risks associated with cumulative radiation exposure from multiple CT scans.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic radiology procedure statistics and radiation dose data.
- Analysis of trends in CT scan utilization over time.
- Comparison of radiation doses from CT scans to established risk thresholds.
Main Results:
- CT scans have increased from 4% of procedures in the mid-1990s to 15% in large hospitals.
- CT scans now account for 75% of the diagnostic radiation dose received by patients in large hospitals.
- Cumulative doses from multiple CT scans approach levels associated with statistically significant increases in cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- The rising use of CT scans and their high radiation dose pose a growing public health concern.
- Repeated CT examinations may increase cancer risk, necessitating careful consideration of radiation exposure.
- Further research and strategies to optimize CT protocols and minimize patient dose are warranted.