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Radiation exposure in rheumatology practice
Darcy S Majka1, Jadwiga Strzelczyk, Sterling G West
1Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. d-majka@northwestern.edu
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|April 23, 2005
Summary
Radiation exposure from common rheumatology imaging is minimal and poses a low risk to patients. Diagnostic imaging doses are significantly lower than daily background radiation, ensuring patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Patients in rheumatology practice express concerns regarding radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging.
- Despite patient concerns, imaging procedures typically involve low-risk radiation doses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify radiation doses from common rheumatology imaging procedures.
- To compare these doses against U.S. background radiation levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and compilation of data on background and diagnostic imaging radiation exposure.
- Medline search conducted up to December 2003.
Main Results:
- Medical imaging radiation doses are too low to significantly impact mortality rates.
- Exposures from medical procedures are minor compared to daily background radiation.
- International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidelines suggest dose limits are not applicable to non-pregnant patients; exposure should be justified and optimized.
Conclusions:
- Ionizing radiation imaging (radiographs, CT scans, bone densitometry) is often necessary in rheumatology.
- Prudent use of these imaging procedures ensures benefits outweigh radiation risks.