RSNA 2008 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2008


SSK15-04

Is Awareness about CT and Radiation Exposure Effecting Imaging Utilization at Large Children’s Hospitals?

Scientific Papers

Presented on December 3, 2008
Presented as part of SSK15: Pediatric (Radiation Dose Reduction)

 Research and Education Foundation Support

Participants

Kevin E Gessner MBA, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Christopher Tomlinson MBA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Diego Jaramillo MD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Lane F. Donnelly MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes in CT volumes as compared to non-radiation emitting modalities (US, MRI) over the past several years at two large academic children’s hospitals.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

CT, Ultrasound, and MRI procedure statistics were evaluated over the past 5-year period at two of the largest academic children’s hospitals in the USA.

RESULTS

During the last 5-years, overall imaging growth at the two children’s hospitals was 5.6% with growth in MRI 9.8%, US 8.6%, and CT 1.6%. During the last two years, CT volumes have decreased 3.6% while MRI has increased by 6.3% and US by 8.0%.

CONCLUSION

During a period when the risks of radiation exposure generated from CT in children gained national attention, despite growth in imaging overall, CT volumes have decreased. We speculate that these trends in part represent the impact education about radiation risks and resulting reduction in unnecessary CT examinations and shifts to non-radiation generating procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

Education about radiation risks associated with CT appear to be having a positive impact in reducing unnecessary pediatric CT examinations via shifts to non-radiation generating procedures.

Cite This Abstract

Gessner, K, Tomlinson, C, Jaramillo, D, Donnelly, L, Is Awareness about CT and Radiation Exposure Effecting Imaging Utilization at Large Children’s Hospitals?.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6021223.html