Cumulative radiation doses from recurrent PET-CT examinations

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) is vital for disease management.
• Increasing PET-CT use raises concerns about cumulative patient radiation doses.
• Limited data exists on the frequency of patients exceeding 100 mSv from repeated PET-CT scans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of managing cumulative radiation doses in patients undergoing PET-CT.
• To discuss the role of dose tracking systems in monitoring radiation exposure.
• To emphasize the need for justification and dose reduction strategies in PET-CT procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices and concerns regarding cumulative radiation exposure from PET-CT.
• Discussion on the utility of emerging dose tracking systems for PET-CT.
• Consideration of alternative imaging modalities like PET/MRI.

Main Results:

• Dose tracking systems can facilitate surveys of cumulative patient doses from PET-CT.
• Justification of PET-CT examinations and dose reduction measures are critical for managing cumulative exposure.
• PET/MRI offers advantages but remains limited by cost and accessibility.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of cumulative radiation dose from PET-CT requires a multi-faceted approach.
• While dose tracking systems are beneficial, justification and dose reduction remain paramount.
• Continued use of PET-CT necessitates implementing radiation reduction strategies due to cost limitations of alternatives like PET/MRI.