Are high-dose CT examinations on the rise?

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Radiation Dose Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• High-dose computed tomography (CT) examinations can pose risks.
• Understanding temporal trends in high-dose CT is crucial for radiation safety.
• Patient factors like body mass index (BMI) may influence radiation dose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze high-dose CT examinations (≥50 mSv) over a decade.
• To identify temporal changes and contributing factors to high radiation doses.
• To investigate the correlation between patient BMI and high-dose CT exams.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CT dose data from 2013-2022.
• Identification of CT protocols resulting in doses ≥50 mSv.
• Stratified analysis by patient BMI, procedure type, age, and scanner technology.

Main Results:

• A 244% increase in exams ≥50 mSv was observed from 2017-2022.
• Overweight and obese patients accounted for ~80% of high-dose CTs with available BMI data.
• High-dose exams were common in CT angiography (aorta, coronary, head/neck) and thorax-abdomen scans.

Conclusions:

• The rise in high-dose CTs correlates with advanced scanners and insufficient safeguards, especially for patients with higher BMI.
• Increased frequency of high-dose CTs, particularly in specific patient groups and multiphase imaging, requires attention.
• Manufacturers, policymakers, regulators, and users must collaborate to address the growing trend of high-dose CT examinations.