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[Diagnostic ultrasound: biological effects and potential risks]
1Institut für Humangenetik, Erlangen.
Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980)
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Diagnostic ultrasound is considered safe, with bioeffects linked to heat or cavitation. However, some researchers question its safety, particularly regarding unspecified late effects, which cannot be ruled out for any new technology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Bioeffects Research
Context:
- Diagnostic ultrasound is widely accepted as safe by scientific bodies.
- Previous bioeffects were attributed to high-intensity heat production or cavitation.
- Emerging doubts question the absolute safety of diagnostic ultrasound.
Purpose:
- To review the established safety of diagnostic ultrasound.
- To address ongoing scientific debate and hypotheses regarding potential bioeffects.
- To highlight the need for continued research, especially concerning late or unspecified effects.
Summary:
- While diagnostic ultrasound is generally deemed safe, with known bioeffects from heat or cavitation, some hypotheses challenge this assumption.
- Unspecified late effects remain a concern, as with any technological innovation.
- Current knowledge gaps exist for Doppler blood flow measurements regarding bioeffects.
Impact:
- Reinforces the need for rigorous safety assessments in medical technology.
- Promotes critical evaluation of diagnostic ultrasound safety beyond established parameters.
- Guides future research directions in ultrasound bioeffects and safety.