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Understanding Radiation Risk from Diagnostic Imaging
Wednesday, July 23, 200812:00 – 1:00 p.m. EDT
© American Academy of Pediatrics 2008
Moderator: Marlene R. Miller, MD, MSc, FAAPVice President, Quality - NACHRIDirector of Quality and Safety & Associate ProfessorJohns Hopkins Children’s CentersBaltimore, Maryland
DISCLOSURESFinancial Relationships
One individual involved in this webinar: Melissa A. Singleton, M.Ed., Project Manager-Consultant
has disclosed a financial relationship with an entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health
care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. Her husband is employed by Walgreen Co. as a Workforce Administration Manager (technology position) for the company’s call centers. The AAP determined that
this financial relationship does not relate to the educational assignment.
None of the other involved individuals (Speakers, Moderators, Project Advisory Committee members, or Staff) has disclosed a relevant financial relationship.
Refer to full AAP Disclosure Policy & Grid available below for download.
DISCLOSURESOff-Label/Investigational Uses
None of the individuals (Speakers, Moderators, Project Advisory Committee members, or Staff) has disclosed that
they intend to discuss or demonstrate pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices that are not approved.
Refer to full AAP Disclosure Policy & Grid available below for download.
This activity was funded through an educational grant from the
Physicians’ Foundation for Health Systems Excellence.
Visit our website:http://www.aap.org/saferhealthcare
Resources: Useful strategies, valuable information links, and expert advice on reducing or eliminating medical errors affecting children.
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Podcast or slide set from an archive.
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receives.
CME CREDITLive Webinar Only
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The AAP designates this educational activity for a
maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is acceptable for up to 1.0 AAP credits. These
credits can be applied toward the AAP CME/CPD Award available to Fellows and Candidate Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
OTHER CREDITLive Webinar Only
This program is approved for 1.0 NAPNAP contact hours of which 0.0 contain pharmacology (Rx) content per the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Continuing Education Guidelines.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants accepts
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Important Note:You must have been pre-registered for this webinar in
order to claim CME or other credit for your participation.
Speaker: Alan S. Brody, MD, FAAPProfessor of Clinical Radiology and PediatricsDivision Chief of Thoracic ImagingAssociate Director of Radiology Research, IRCCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio
LEARNING OBJECTIVESUpon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:
Discuss the radiation risk from CT scanning with patients and families.
Compare the amount of radiation from different ionizing radiation exposures.
List methods that should be used to limit radiation exposure from CT scanning.
Understanding Understanding Radiation Risk From Radiation Risk From Diagnostic ImagingDiagnostic Imaging
Alan S. Brody, MDAlan S. Brody, MDProfessor of Radiology and PediatricsProfessor of Radiology and Pediatrics
Chief, Thoracic ImagingChief, Thoracic Imaging
Cincinnati Children’s HospitalCincinnati Children’s Hospital
DisclosuresDisclosures
I have no financial disclosuresI have no financial disclosures
DisclosuresDisclosures
I have no financial disclosuresI have no financial disclosures
butbut
DisclosuresDisclosures
I have no financial disclosuresI have no financial disclosures
butbut
I use CT scanning in my clinical I use CT scanning in my clinical practicepractice
My research interests include CT My research interests include CT scanning in cystic fibrosis and scanning in cystic fibrosis and interstitial lung diseaseinterstitial lung disease
OverviewOverview
Radiation risk from diagnostic Radiation risk from diagnostic imagingimaging
Benefits of diagnostic imagingBenefits of diagnostic imaging Maximizing the benefit/risk ratioMaximizing the benefit/risk ratio Discussing risk with patients and Discussing risk with patients and
familiesfamilies
Why the Recent Why the Recent Concern?Concern?
Increasing CT ScansIncreasing CT Scans
CT scanning is almost universally CT scanning is almost universally availableavailable
The number of CT scans is increasing The number of CT scans is increasing every yearevery year
Indications for CT use are increasing, Indications for CT use are increasing, and may not consider possible risksand may not consider possible risks
New Risk InformationNew Risk Information
Low dose radiation risk estimates Low dose radiation risk estimates from atomic bomb data are now from atomic bomb data are now available for radiation dose levels available for radiation dose levels similar to the radiation dose from similar to the radiation dose from one CT scanone CT scan
One Paper Started it AllOne Paper Started it All
Estimating Risks of Radiation-Estimating Risks of Radiation-Induced Fatal Cancer from Pediatric Induced Fatal Cancer from Pediatric CTCT– David J. BrennerDavid J. Brenner– Carl D. EllistonCarl D. Elliston– Eric J. HallEric J. Hall– Walter E. BerdonWalter E. Berdon
AJR 2001:176:289-296AJR 2001:176:289-296
CT Scans in Children Linked To CT Scans in Children Linked To Cancer Later Cancer Later
““Each year about 1.6 million children Each year about 1.6 million children in the USA get CT scans to the head in the USA get CT scans to the head and abdomen -- and about 1,500 of and abdomen -- and about 1,500 of those will die later in life from those will die later in life from radiation-induced cancer”radiation-induced cancer”
Steve Sternberg, front page, USA Steve Sternberg, front page, USA Today, January 22, 2001Today, January 22, 2001
American Journal of American Journal of Roentgenology February, 2001Roentgenology February, 2001
One CT scan carries a 1 in 1000 One CT scan carries a 1 in 1000 risk of a fatal cancer risk of a fatal cancer – Brenner, et al.Brenner, et al.
CT dose for children is often higher CT dose for children is often higher than necessarythan necessary– Patterson, et al.Patterson, et al.
Simple methods can decrease CT Simple methods can decrease CT dose for childrendose for children– Donnelly, et. alDonnelly, et. al
Radiation Risk Radiation Risk from from
Diagnostic ImagingDiagnostic Imaging
Ionizing RadiationIonizing Radiation
Radiation capable of producing ionization Radiation capable of producing ionization in tissues and which can be absorbedin tissues and which can be absorbed
Continuously present in our environment Continuously present in our environment – background radiationbackground radiation
Average exposure 3 mSv/year in US, Average exposure 3 mSv/year in US, varies widelyvaries widely– Cosmic rays, radon, radiation from rock, Cosmic rays, radon, radiation from rock,
natural radionuclides natural radionuclides – 4-5 mSv in Denver4-5 mSv in Denver
Ionizing RadiationIonizing Radiation
Used in diagnostic imagingUsed in diagnostic imaging– Radiography, fluoroscopy, angiography, Radiography, fluoroscopy, angiography,
nuclear medicine, CT scanningnuclear medicine, CT scanning Medical radiation is the largest Medical radiation is the largest
source of man-made radiationsource of man-made radiation
Radiation from Radiation from Diagnostic ImagingDiagnostic Imaging
CT Scanning UseCT Scanning Use
From 1991 to 1999 CT scans increased From 1991 to 1999 CT scans increased from 6.1% to 11% of radiology from 6.1% to 11% of radiology procedures in a busy academic centerprocedures in a busy academic center
CT scanning accounted for 67% of the CT scanning accounted for 67% of the effective dose from diagnostic radiologyeffective dose from diagnostic radiology
11% of the patients were less than 1611% of the patients were less than 16
Mettler, J. Radiol. Prot. 20 (2000) 353-359Mettler, J. Radiol. Prot. 20 (2000) 353-359
CT ScanningCT Scanning
2000 – 11% of exams, 67% of dose2000 – 11% of exams, 67% of dose– Mettler, J. Radiol. Prot. 20 (2000) 353-359Mettler, J. Radiol. Prot. 20 (2000) 353-359
2002 – 15% of exams, 75% of dose2002 – 15% of exams, 75% of dose– Weist Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2002;23:402-10Weist Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2002;23:402-10
Why Emphasize CT?Why Emphasize CT?
CT provides 75% of the current US CT provides 75% of the current US population radiation exposure from population radiation exposure from diagnostic imagingdiagnostic imaging
CT use continues to growCT use continues to grow
Methods are available to markedly Methods are available to markedly reduce dosereduce dose
Radiation from Diagnostic ImagingRadiation from Diagnostic Imaging
Upper GI series and VCUG have Upper GI series and VCUG have radiation doses similar to CT radiation doses similar to CT scanningscanning
One CT can has the same One CT can has the same radiation dose as about how radiation dose as about how many chest radiographs?many chest radiographs?
1.1. 0.50.5
2.2. 1010
3.3. 5050
4.4. 100100
Estimated Medical Radiation Doses Estimated Medical Radiation Doses for 5 Year-Old Childfor 5 Year-Old Child
Imaging AreaImaging Area
Effective Dose Effective Dose (mSV)(mSV)
EquivalentEquivalent
Number of CXRSNumber of CXRS3-view ankle3-view ankle .0015.0015 1/14th1/14th
2-view chest2-view chest .02.02 11
Anteroposterior and lateral abdomenAnteroposterior and lateral abdomen .05.05 2.52.5
Tc-99mTc-99m22 radionuclide cystogram radionuclide cystogram .18.18 99
Tc-99m radionuclide bone scanTc-99m radionuclide bone scan 6.26.2 310310
FDG PETFDG PET3 scanscan 15.315.3 765765
Upper GI/small bowel follow throughUpper GI/small bowel follow through 11 5050
Head CTHead CT 44 200200
Chest CTChest CT 33 150150
Abdomen CTAbdomen CT 55 250250
CXR, chest radiograph; Tc99m, technetium 99m; FDG PET, fluorodeoxygluecose positron emission tomography.
Data provided by R. Reiman MD. Personal Communication. Duke Office of Radiation Safety. http://www.safety.duke.edu/RadSafety/
Things We Know About Ionizing Things We Know About Ionizing RadiationRadiation
High dose radiation (> 100 mSv) is High dose radiation (> 100 mSv) is known to increase the risk of cancerknown to increase the risk of cancer
Children are at higher risk than Children are at higher risk than adultsadults
Radiation Risk for ChildrenRadiation Risk for Children
Cancer risk increases with Cancer risk increases with decreasing agedecreasing age
The smaller the patient the higher The smaller the patient the higher the exposure from the same the exposure from the same technique technique
Risk is Age DependentRisk is Age Dependent
Cancer risk forCancer risk for
a 4 year old isa 4 year old is
likely 3-5 timeslikely 3-5 times
greater than forgreater than for
a 40 year old a 40 year old
_____ ICRP 60_____ ICRP 60
_ _ _ _ BEIR V_ _ _ _ BEIR V
Dose is Size DependentDose is Size Dependent
Dose in aDose in a
4 year old4 year old
is up to is up to
two timestwo times
higher thanhigher than
in a 40in a 40
year oldyear old
Things We Don’t Know About Things We Don’t Know About RadiationRadiation
How low level radiation (below 100 How low level radiation (below 100 mSv, especially below 10 mSv) mSv, especially below 10 mSv) affects the risk of canceraffects the risk of cancer
Risk from Low Dose RadiationRisk from Low Dose Radiation
The body of literature on low level The body of literature on low level radiation is large and confusing radiation is large and confusing
Data are available to support Data are available to support increased, decreased, or no risk of increased, decreased, or no risk of cancercancer
Few of these data are taken from Few of these data are taken from diagnostic imaging exposurediagnostic imaging exposure
All of the data are open to All of the data are open to interpretationinterpretation
Consensus Statements Consensus Statements on Radiation Riskon Radiation Risk
Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation Report VII Report VII
US National Academy of Science US National Academy of Science
“ “A comprehensive review of the A comprehensive review of the available biological and biophysical available biological and biophysical data supports a “linear no threshold” data supports a “linear no threshold” (LNT) risk model-that the risk of cancer (LNT) risk model-that the risk of cancer proceeds in a linear fashion at lower proceeds in a linear fashion at lower doses without a threshold and that the doses without a threshold and that the smallest dose has the potential to smallest dose has the potential to cause a small increase in risk to cause a small increase in risk to humans”humans”
Health Physics SocietyHealth Physics Society
““There is substantial and convincing There is substantial and convincing scientific evidence for health risks scientific evidence for health risks following high-dose exposures. following high-dose exposures. However, below 50-100 mSv, risks of However, below 50-100 mSv, risks of health effects are either too small to health effects are either too small to be observed or are nonexistent” be observed or are nonexistent”
Health Physics SocietyHealth Physics Society
““The Society has concluded that The Society has concluded that estimates of risk should be limited to estimates of risk should be limited to individuals receiving a dose of 50 individuals receiving a dose of 50 mSv in one year or a lifetime dose of mSv in one year or a lifetime dose of 100 mSv in addition to natural 100 mSv in addition to natural background.” background.”
The Definitive StudyThe Definitive Study
The background fatal cancer rate is The background fatal cancer rate is approximately 20% approximately 20%
Assume a 1 in 2000 risk of a fatal Assume a 1 in 2000 risk of a fatal cancer from diagnostic imagingcancer from diagnostic imaging
The study must detect the difference The study must detect the difference between 0.2000 and 0.2005between 0.2000 and 0.2005
Millions of subjects would be neededMillions of subjects would be needed
Land, Science 1980;209:1197-1203Land, Science 1980;209:1197-1203
The Definitive StudyThe Definitive Study
Other methodologies, such as case Other methodologies, such as case control studies, require fewer control studies, require fewer subjectssubjects
These studies are open to additional These studies are open to additional methodological criticismmethodological criticism
A convincing answer is unlikely soonA convincing answer is unlikely soon It is impossible to prove a negativeIt is impossible to prove a negative
Land, Science 1980;209:1197-1203Land, Science 1980;209:1197-1203
I Need a NumberI Need a Number
The most widely used estimate of The most widely used estimate of risk of cancer from ionizing radiation risk of cancer from ionizing radiation is 5% per sievert (Sv).is 5% per sievert (Sv).
Diagnostic imaging doses are in the Diagnostic imaging doses are in the millisievert (mSv) range (5 mSv for millisievert (mSv) range (5 mSv for abdominal CT)abdominal CT)
Risk for 1 CT = 1 in 4,000Risk for 1 CT = 1 in 4,000
What Should We Do?What Should We Do?
Is it reasonable to believe that Is it reasonable to believe that ionizing radiation from diagnostic ionizing radiation from diagnostic
imaging can increase cancer?imaging can increase cancer?
Is it reasonable to believe that Is it reasonable to believe that ionizing radiation from diagnostic ionizing radiation from diagnostic
imaging can increase cancer?imaging can increase cancer?
What is the benefit that What is the benefit that justifies this risk?justifies this risk?
Benefit of CT ScanningBenefit of CT Scanning
CT Alters TreatmentCT Alters Treatment
Children with seizuresChildren with seizures Adults with strokeAdults with stroke Blunt abdominal traumaBlunt abdominal trauma AppendicitisAppendicitis Spine traumaSpine trauma Diffuse lung diseaseDiffuse lung disease
Avoiding SurgeryAvoiding Surgery
29,200 children undergoing general 29,200 children undergoing general anesthesiaanesthesia
95% normal or mild systemic disease95% normal or mild systemic disease
Cohen MM, Anesth Analg 1990;70:160-167Cohen MM, Anesth Analg 1990;70:160-167
Risk of SurgeryRisk of Surgery
29,200 children undergoing general 29,200 children undergoing general anesthesiaanesthesia
95% normal or mild systemic disease95% normal or mild systemic disease 1 in 30 risk of a “major event”1 in 30 risk of a “major event”
Cohen MM, Anesth Analg 1990;70:160-167Cohen MM, Anesth Analg 1990;70:160-167
Risk of SurgeryRisk of Surgery
29,200 children undergoing general 29,200 children undergoing general anesthesiaanesthesia
95% normal or mild systemic disease95% normal or mild systemic disease 1 in 30 risk of a “major event”1 in 30 risk of a “major event” 1 in 2500 risk of death1 in 2500 risk of death
Cohen MM, Anesth Analg 1990;70:160-167Cohen MM, Anesth Analg 1990;70:160-167
Risk of HospitalizationRisk of Hospitalization
33,000,000 hospital admissions 33,000,000 hospital admissions annually in the United Statesannually in the United States
44,000 to 98,000 deaths from 44,000 to 98,000 deaths from medical errorsmedical errors
> 1 in 1000 risk of death from a > 1 in 1000 risk of death from a medical error per hospitalizationmedical error per hospitalization
Kohn, National Academy Press 2000 Kohn, National Academy Press 2000 http://newton.nap.edu/books/0309068371/html/ http://newton.nap.edu/books/0309068371/html/ index.htmlindex.html
If an institution performs 300 CT If an institution performs 300 CT scans per year, the risk benefit scans per year, the risk benefit
equation balances if CT saves one equation balances if CT saves one life every 4 yearslife every 4 years
““a no brainer”a no brainer”
Haaga AJR 2001;177:289-291Haaga AJR 2001;177:289-291
Maximizing the Maximizing the Benefit/Risk RatioBenefit/Risk Ratio
Maximizing the Benefit/Risk RatioMaximizing the Benefit/Risk Ratio
Consider modalities that do not use Consider modalities that do not use ionizing radiationionizing radiation
Optimize imaging protocolsOptimize imaging protocols Decrease unnecessary examinationsDecrease unnecessary examinations ALARAALARA Image qualityImage quality
Is Radiation Necessary?Is Radiation Necessary?
Magnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imaging UltrasoundUltrasound Non-imaging evaluationNon-imaging evaluation
Is Radiation Necessary?Is Radiation Necessary?
Magnetic resonance imagingMagnetic resonance imaging UltrasoundUltrasound Non-imaging evaluationNon-imaging evaluation
Not doing a CT scan reduces the Not doing a CT scan reduces the radiation by 100%radiation by 100%
Maximizing the Benefit/Risk RatioMaximizing the Benefit/Risk Ratio
ALARA (As low as reasonably ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable) CT techniqueachievable) CT technique
Designing imaging protocols to Designing imaging protocols to reduce radiation exposurereduce radiation exposure
Reducing unnecessary imagingReducing unnecessary imaging
CT Scanning and DoseCT Scanning and Dose
Changing CT dose primarily affects Changing CT dose primarily affects images by altering image noiseimages by altering image noise
Higher dose results in decreased Higher dose results in decreased image noiseimage noise
The larger the patient, the higher the The larger the patient, the higher the dose needed to produce the same dose needed to produce the same amount of noiseamount of noise
CT #1
CT #2
Which CT Is Noisier?
#1 #2
#1 Had Twice the Dose of #2
#1 #2
CT #5
CT #6
Which CT Is Noisier?
#5 #6
#5 Had Three Times the Dose of #6
#5 #6
#5 Had Three Times the Dose of #6
21 years old 4 years old
Technique for Technique for High–Resolution High–Resolution
Chest CTChest CT
Weight Weight (kg)(kg)
mAsmAs kVpkVp Slice Slice Interval Interval
(mm)(mm)
1-7.51-7.5 10-2010-20 100100 55
7.5-107.5-10 20-2520-25 100100 7.57.5
10-12.510-12.5 3030 100100 7.57.5
12.5-1512.5-15 2525 120120 1010
15-2015-20 3030 120120 1010
20-2520-25 3535 120120 1010
25-3525-35 4040 120120 1010
35-5035-50 4545 120120 1010
50-7050-70 5050 120120 1010
AdultAdult 100100 120120 1010
Imaging ProtocolsImaging Protocols
Imaging Protocols that Reduce Imaging Protocols that Reduce Radiation ExposureRadiation Exposure
Scan only the area of interestScan only the area of interest Use techniques that require less Use techniques that require less
radiationradiation
6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity
? Underlying congenital abnormality? Underlying congenital abnormality
CT scan showed no other diseaseCT scan showed no other disease Chest radiograph showed improvementChest radiograph showed improvement CT scan requested to re-evaluateCT scan requested to re-evaluate
6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity
? Underlying congenital abnormality? Underlying congenital abnormality
CT scan showed no other diseaseCT scan showed no other disease Chest radiograph showed improvementChest radiograph showed improvement CT scan requested to re-evaluateCT scan requested to re-evaluate
Limit CT to upper lobes, avoid thyroidLimit CT to upper lobes, avoid thyroid Use breast shieldsUse breast shields
Pulmonary Embolism Imaging at Pulmonary Embolism Imaging at a Children’s Hospitala Children’s Hospital
Increasing requests for CT pulmonary Increasing requests for CT pulmonary angiograms in children prompted a review angiograms in children prompted a review of imagingof imaging
Most pediatric chest radiographs are Most pediatric chest radiographs are normal or minimally abnormal, decreasing normal or minimally abnormal, decreasing the number of indeterminate ventilation the number of indeterminate ventilation perfusion scansperfusion scans
Additional diagnoses such as heart disease Additional diagnoses such as heart disease and cancer rare in childrenand cancer rare in children
Pulmonary Embolism ImagingPulmonary Embolism Imaging
15% of ventilation perfusion scans 15% of ventilation perfusion scans indeterminateindeterminate
10% of CT pulmonary angiograms 10% of CT pulmonary angiograms technically limitedtechnically limited
Breast dose with CT 30X greater than Breast dose with CT 30X greater than with ventilation/perfusion scanwith ventilation/perfusion scan
Pulmonary Embolism ImagingPulmonary Embolism Imaging
15% of ventilation perfusion scans 15% of ventilation perfusion scans indeterminateindeterminate
10% of CT pulmonary angiograms 10% of CT pulmonary angiograms technically limitedtechnically limited
Breast dose with CT 30X greater than Breast dose with CT 30X greater than with ventilation/perfusion scanwith ventilation/perfusion scan
Perfusion scanning recommended as Perfusion scanning recommended as first study in patients with normal first study in patients with normal CXRsCXRs
Limiting ExaminationsLimiting Examinations
Limiting ExaminationsLimiting Examinations
1/3 of diagnostic examinations in the 1/3 of diagnostic examinations in the United States are estimated to be United States are estimated to be inappropriate or noncontributoryinappropriate or noncontributory
National Imaging Associates web siteNational Imaging Associates web site
6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity
6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity6 Year Old, Pulmonary Cavity
CT scan ordered “just to check”CT scan ordered “just to check” Child doing clinically wellChild doing clinically well No surgery plannedNo surgery planned
CT Scan Cancelled
Pulmonary EmbolismPulmonary Embolism
Deep vein thrombosis on ultrasoundDeep vein thrombosis on ultrasound– Positive in 11 of 15 patients with Positive in 11 of 15 patients with
pulmonary embolismpulmonary embolism D-dimer levelD-dimer level
– Normal in 0 of 10 patients with Normal in 0 of 10 patients with pulmonary embolismpulmonary embolism
– Elevated in 9 of 12 patients without Elevated in 9 of 12 patients without pulmonary embolismpulmonary embolism
Victoria, et al. Society for Pediatric Radiology Victoria, et al. Society for Pediatric Radiology Annual Meeting, Miami, FL USA; 21 April 07Annual Meeting, Miami, FL USA; 21 April 07
CT for Pulmonary EmbolismCT for Pulmonary Embolism
IF D-dimer is negative IF D-dimer is negative oror if if ultrasound is positive, no chest ultrasound is positive, no chest imaging other than chest radiograph imaging other than chest radiograph is neededis needed
GuidelinesGuidelines
Many guidelines are available that Many guidelines are available that include recommendations for include recommendations for imagingimaging
The National Guideline ClearinghouseThe National Guideline Clearinghouse– Worldwide guidelines includedWorldwide guidelines included– Over 2000 guidelinesOver 2000 guidelines– www.guideline.govwww.guideline.gov
Gastroesophageal RefluxGastroesophageal Reflux Upper GI radiation dose approximately Upper GI radiation dose approximately
1.5 mSv1.5 mSv Recommendations of the North American Recommendations of the North American
Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionNutrition
““A thorough history and physical A thorough history and physical examination is generally sufficient to examination is generally sufficient to allow the clinician to establish the allow the clinician to establish the diagnosis of uncomplicated GER (the diagnosis of uncomplicated GER (the ‘happy spitter’).”‘happy spitter’).”
““An upper gastrointestinal series is not An upper gastrointestinal series is not required unless there are signs of required unless there are signs of gastrointestinal obstruction.”gastrointestinal obstruction.”
Image QualityImage Quality
Chest CT RequestChest CT Request
5 yo with chronic cough and failure 5 yo with chronic cough and failure to thriveto thrive
On treatment for gastroesophageal On treatment for gastroesophageal refluxreflux
Fundoplication planned if CT shows Fundoplication planned if CT shows bronchiectasis bronchiectasis
5 Year Old, ? Bronchiectasis
Speaking to Patients Speaking to Patients and Familiesand Families
Speaking to Families and Speaking to Families and PatientsPatients
Participation in medical care should Participation in medical care should include the decision to perform include the decision to perform diagnostic imagingdiagnostic imaging
15% informed of radiation risk of CT15% informed of radiation risk of CT 9% informed of alternatives to CT 9% informed of alternatives to CT
scanningscanning
Lee CI AJR 2006;187:282-7 Lee CI AJR 2006;187:282-7
Explaining Radiation RiskExplaining Radiation Risk
Families are more interested in Families are more interested in efforts to control the risk than the efforts to control the risk than the actual numberactual number
After reading a handout on radiation After reading a handout on radiation risk, preference for CT over no risk, preference for CT over no imaging decreased, but no families imaging decreased, but no families refused CTrefused CT
Larson, et al. AJR 2007:189;271-275Larson, et al. AJR 2007:189;271-275
What Do Families Want to What Do Families Want to Know?Know?
The examination is needed to best The examination is needed to best care for their childcare for their child
The risk of the examination is real, The risk of the examination is real, but very lowbut very low
The examination is being performed The examination is being performed with the lowest possible riskwith the lowest possible risk
SummarySummary
Ionizing radiation from diagnostic Ionizing radiation from diagnostic imaging may cause a very small imaging may cause a very small increase in the risk of cancer increase in the risk of cancer
For an indicated CT scan, the likely For an indicated CT scan, the likely benefit is far greater than the benefit is far greater than the estimated riskestimated risk
Pediatricians and radiologists should Pediatricians and radiologists should work together to make the work together to make the population exposure ALARApopulation exposure ALARA