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CT scan benefits outweigh risks in children

The increased risk of cancer from the radiation used in a CT scan is negligible compared with the benefits for children who need a scan.

CT scan benefits outweigh risks in children

The increased risk of cancer from the radiation used in a computed tomography (CT) scan is negligible compared with the benefits for children who need a scan. CT scan is a valuable and essential addition to the array of imaging modalities for children, and uses x-rays to provide rapid, consistent and detailed information about virtually any organ system in the body. Because x-rays are an integral component for image formation with CT, there is an obligatory radiation exposure during the CT examination, e.g. a CT scan of the chest in a 5-year-old child is equivalent to 150 chest x-rays in terms of radiation exposure. Ionising radiation has been demonstrated to increase the risk of cancer in individuals exposed to high doses of radiation. Moreover, recent reports have discussed the potential risk of cancer that results from the lower radiation exposure from CT examinations. These publications have raised concerns for child specialists, patients and families. Researchers at the Cincinnati Hospital for Children in Ohio reviewed the medical literature on the subject and held discussions with experts in the field. Their goal was to provide paediatricians with information that will be helpful in discussing with patients and families / caregivers the radiation risks of CT examinations and the important clinical advantage of these studies. The findings of the study showed no direct connection between CT examinations and subsequent development of cancer. Often more than one imaging modality can be used to evaluate a child, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, which do not use ionising radiation. The radiologist has the responsibility to adjust scanning techniques on the basis of special considerations of paediatric patients. The paediatrician decides whether or not a CT scan is necessary, and discusses this with families. Thus, there is a wide agreement that the benefits of an indicated CT scan far outweigh the risks.
Pediatrics,
September 2007

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