Next Level in Computed Tomography-Guided Periradicular Infiltration Therapy: Same Efficiency with Less Radiation...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Procedures

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT)-guided lumbar periradicular infiltration (PRI) is a common procedure for radicular pain.
• Optimizing radiation dose while maintaining clinical efficacy is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiation exposure and clinical efficiency of a novel low-dose CT protocol for CT-guided lumbar PRI.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective matched-pair comparison was conducted between a new low-dose CT protocol and the standard CT protocol for lumbar PRI.
• Key variables included radiation dose (dose-length product), number of CT guidance scans, procedure time, and pain reduction (numerical rating scale).

Main Results:

• The low-dose protocol achieved a 30% reduction in radiation dose (median 9.8 mGy*cm vs. 32.9 mGy*cm, P < 0.001).
• Procedure time and short-term pain relief were comparable between the low-dose and standard protocols.
• No additional scans were required with the low-dose protocol.

Conclusions:

• The new low-dose CT protocol effectively reduces radiation exposure during lumbar PRI.
• This protocol offers comparable safety and clinical efficiency to the standard protocol.
• Facilities performing CT-based procedures should explore dose reduction strategies to minimize stochastic radiation damage.