How to optimise and reduce typical doses delivered during CT in osteoarticular diseases?

Computed tomography (CT) is an irradiating imaging technique indicated in the evaluation of many osteoarticular diseases, therefore CT dose optimisation and reduction is very important – ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable; Euratom 97/43 European Community Directive).

There are a few principles that should be fulfilled in order to obtain dose reduction in patients who undergo CT examination. 1. Indication All clinicians should be aware of the dose delivered during CT examinations. Routine, frequent and repeated CT examinations, without providing new information should be avoided. Clinical information is always crucial. Depending on the clinical findings, radiologists should suggest the best imaging modality regarding the specific pathological entity. For instance, in politrauma patients or in pre-operative planning, CT is supreme method, depicting calcified...

Technical optimisation of the examination is possible in all patients who undergo CT regarding osteoarticular disease. But, the possibility of replacing CT by non-irradiating imaging method should always be considered. Indication seems to be the most crucial factor for dose reduction in CT imaging. So, enough clinical information and good cooperation between clinicians and radiologists is mandatory in order to select the best imaging modality to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to the patients.

Z. Atlagović, MD, General Hospital Nova Gradiška, Nova Gradiška, Croatia J. Ninčević, MD, University Hospital Center Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb, Croatia M. Mustapić, PhD, MD, University Hospital Center Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb, Croatia

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