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Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Quality assurance, Dosimetric comparison, Technical aspects, Radiation safety, Dosimetry, CT, Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Paediatric, Head and neck
Authors:
G. Angelini1, F. Fanti2, A. Scionti2, I. Negri3, F. Paolicchi2, D. Caramella2; 1Pisa, Italy/IT, 2Pisa/IT, 3Monte Urano/IT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2016/C-0751
Background
In the last three decades substantial technological advantages in CT have determined a dramatic increase of the number of performed examinations.
As a consequence,
CT scans have led to increased radiation exposure of the population,
raising concerns about the associated risk of ionizing radiation [1].
This risk must be considered carefully when CT is performed on children due to their higher sensitivity to radiation damage and long life expectancy [2].
Indeed,
several studies have demonstrated a small but significant increase of leukemia and solid tumors incidence in young adults who had been exposed to medical radiation during their childhood.
Notwithstanding,
there is considerable uncertainty and debate about the actual lifetime cancer risk associated with low dose radiation exposure (<100mSv),
which is still estimated to be between two and five times higher for paediatric patients when compared to adults [3].
Therefore,
it is mandatory to respect appropriateness criteria when performing radiological examinations on children.
Once the examination is properly justified,
it is also fundamental to use a scan protocol specifically set up for children and not one adapted from adult protocols.
Concerning paranasal sinus,
although radiographs were once the most requested imaging study,
they have largely been supplanted by non-enhanced CT.
CT now represents the gold standard for a wide spectrum of facial indications,
providing relevant information because of the high spatial resolution and contrast of bones and soft tissues.
In addition,
recent available technologies allow to perform CT sinus examinations with a very low dose,
but with the plenty of information given by a tridimensional technique.