Volume 6, Number 28;  September 18, 2006

Patient:

Session Handout:

Readings:

 Link Directly to Fulltext article in Ovid

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 16670042

Authors: Smits AK. Paladine HL. Judkins DZ. Huber T.

Institution: Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA.

Title: Clinical inquiries. What are the risks to the fetus associated with diagnostic radiation exposure during pregnancy?. [Review] [11 refs]

Source: Journal of Family Practice. 55(5):441-2, 444, 2006 May.

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

 Link Directly to Fulltext Article at Publisher

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 12832569

Authors: Mayo JR. Aldrich J. Muller NL. Fleischner Society.

Institution: Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9 Canada. jmayo@vanhosp.bc.ca

Title: Radiation exposure at chest CT: a statement of the Fleischner Society. [Review] [85 refs]

Source: Radiology. 228(1):15-21, 2003 Jul.

Abstract: The introduction of helical single-detector row computed tomography (CT) and, more recently, multi-detector row CT has greatly increased the clinical indications for CT. Correspondingly, CT examinations now account for greater than one-half of the radiation dose due to medical procedures in the population of North America. The level of CT radiation dose, especially in the pediatric population, is of concern to radiologists, medical physicists, government regulators, and the media. This review addresses this problem with particular reference to radiation dose in chest CT. Specifically it outlines the topics of measurement units used to quantify radiation exposure, factors affecting CT scanner dose efficiency, scanner settings that determine the administered radiation dose, and radiation dose reduction in chest CT. A table of reference dose values is provided. Given the wide variation documented in chest CT radiation exposure, the authors suggest that reference standards be promoted to minimize excessive CT radiation exposure. In addition, further research into the complex relationship between radiation exposure, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy should be encouraged in order to establish the minimum radiation dose necessary to provide adequate diagnostic information for standard clinical questions. [References: 85]

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

 Link Directly to Fulltext Article at Publisher

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Unique Identifier [PMID]: 11147626

Authors: Diederich S. Lenzen H.

Institution: Institute of Clinical Radiology, University of Munster, Germany. ikr@uni-muenster.de

Title: Radiation exposure associated with imaging of the chest: comparison of different radiographic and computed tomography techniques. [Review] [23 refs]

Source: Cancer. 89(11 Suppl):2457-60, 2000 Dec 1.

Abstract: Exposure to ionizing radiation due to radiologic examinations is associated with the risk of induction of malignancy. This has to be balanced against the potential benefits of detection of a malignant tumor with radiologic examinations. For comparison of radiation exposure levels from different sources, the concept of effective dose equivalent was developed, which is used to assess an individual's risk of developing malignancy. Effective dose equivalent ranges from 0.06 to 0.25 millisieverts (mSv) with chest radiography in 2 views, 3-27 mSv with computed tomography (CT) using conventional examination parameters, and 0.3-0.55 mSv using low dose CT settings. These values can be compared with radiation exposure levels from natural sources (on average 2.4 mSv per year in Germany). Based on considerations by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, it can be expected that radiation exposure with an effective dose equivalent of 1 mSv would lead to 5 additional malignancies in 100,000 individuals exposed. [References: 23]

Publication Type: Journal Article. Review.

Resident Report / Department of Medicine & Grady Branch Library

Emory University School of Medicine

2006 Edition

Participating Faculty:  Carlos Del Rio MD  / Joyce Doyle MD / Lorenzo Difrancesco MD / Joel Mermis MD / Maunank Shah MD

Contact: Karl Woodworth