Radiation Safety Concerns Related to PET/Computed Tomography Imaging for Assessing Pediatric Diseases and Disorders

Dennise Magill1, Abass Alavi2

  • 1Environmental & Radiation Safety, University of Pennsylvania, 3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

PET Clinics
|June 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The Image Gently Nuclear Medicine Working Group aims to harmonize North American and European pediatric nuclear medicine dosing guidelines. Future efforts will also focus on standardizing CT parameters for hybrid imaging to improve consistency.

Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Pediatric Imaging
  • Hybrid Imaging

Background:

  • The Image Gently Nuclear Medicine Working Group released a 10-year update in 2019.
  • Previous efforts since 2014 aimed to align North American guidelines with European standards.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To continue harmonizing North American pediatric nuclear medicine dosing guidelines with those from the European Association of Nuclear Medicine.
  • To further publicize the adoption of North American guidelines.
  • To address the need for standardization of CT parameters in hybrid imaging.

Main Methods:

  • Review and update of existing pediatric nuclear medicine dosing guidelines.
  • Comparative analysis of North American and European guidelines.
  • Identification of key areas for CT parameter standardization in hybrid imaging.

Main Results:

  • The 2019 update highlighted ongoing efforts in guideline harmonization.
  • The need for CT parameter standardization in hybrid imaging was recognized as a future goal.

Conclusions:

  • Continued collaboration is essential for harmonizing pediatric nuclear medicine dosing guidelines globally.
  • Standardization of CT parameters in hybrid imaging is a critical next step for improving image quality and consistency.

Related Concept Videos

Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
7.8K
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and...
934
Positron Emission Tomography01:29

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
6.7K
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
325
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
199
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy01:25

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
394