Computed Tomography Benefits, Risks, and Advances

Computed Tomography Benefits, Risks, and Advances.

Rene Perez

Introduction to Radiology

Phoenix University

Professor Louis

September 16, 2013

                                                                    Abstract

In the medical field of radiology Computed Tomography (CT scan) is one of the most procedures used by doctors to diagnose patients. It is believed by physicians that after getting an X-ray and cannot find an accurate diagnose the second choice should be to perform a CT scan because of the technology used in this procedure, in which human body can be seen in a well defined manner that allows to get to a better diagnose for patients. This paper will review some aspects of the use of this technology like the benefits for patients, risks, and new advances available of this modality of radiation.

                               Computed Tomography Benefits, Risks, and Advances

X- Rays has been used for medical purposes since it was discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen (Sanford, 2010). This type of medical technology use radiation as a primary component to obtain views of the human body. There are different modalities in the radiation field. One of them is the Computed Tomography, commonly known as CT scan. This type of technology uses X-rays accompanied by computers and delivers clear and detailed cross sectional images of almost all parts of the body. This will help medical staff diagnose specific conditions or diseases.

Computed Tomography works by collecting X-ray data, this data goes direct into the computer to produce three dimensional images which it can be seen by the technologist performing the procedure. Three dimensional images are known as tomograms of body cross sections or slices (Sanford, 2010). CT scans are used when a physician needs more detailed or specific information that couldn’t be gathered with a regular X-ray. By performing the CT scan procedure the probabilities for the physician to obtain relevant information increase and diagnose could be precise and final. After the CT scan is done the physician could order other procedures if there is a thought that some crucial information was not obtained and a final diagnose cannot be reached.

Doctors consider the CT scan a valuable diagnostic procedure by which they can identify better if the patients complaints are severe, life threatening, or even minor conditions. When a patient is going to get a CT scan done, the procedure is as followed; the patient lies down on a special table that enters a doughnut shaped scanner. This holds X- Rays source, detectors and computer hookups (Sanford, 2010). In some cases patients will ask to get the CT scan using a contrast media which enhances the view and could send specific information valuable in the diagnosis. This contrast materials include barium salt and iodine which can be deliver orally, using an enema or through an I.V. The CT scan procedure takes at least twenty to forty minutes depending on the doctor’s order and the cooperation of the patient.

The use of CT scans is commonly used today and there has been an increment of use since the 90’s. The estimation of people who went into a Computed Tomography procedure was 62 million in the year 2007 (Miglioretti & Smith-Bindman, 2011). CT scans are well known to be advanced in the medical field as to improve diagnosis. Despite the valuable benefits of this technology, CT scans like other medical devices and medications are always going to have certain type of risk or side effects. The major risk is that radiation can cause cancer. Another risk could be the possibility of incidental findings. This will probably require additional diagnostics testing, treatment and, probably accidental radiation overdose. According to researchers “in 2009, more than 400 patients received eight to 30 times the normal radiation dose from a CT scan for stroke diagnosis” (Miglioretti & Smith-Bindman , 2011). This situation caused the patients to experience adverse reactions such as loss of hair. After these circumstances were reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they recommended the facilities in which radiation was used to keep track of CT radiation records. Also to create a diagnostic reference levels to diminish the overexposed radiation. It is recommended for physicians that the number of CT scans given should be reduced. For radiologist, it is recommended to apply A.L.A.R.A. (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. Medical professionals should always consult with the patient about the risks of CT scans before the procedure.

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