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Protecting sensitive patient groups from imaging using ionizing radiation: effects during pregnancy, in fetal life and childhood

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Abstract

The frequency of imaging examinations requiring radiation exposure in children (especially CT) is rapidly increasing. This paper reviews the current evidence in radiation protection in pediatric imaging, focusing on the recent knowledge of the biological risk related to low doses exposure. Even if there are no strictly defined limits for patient radiation exposure, it is recommended to try to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable (the ALARA principle). To achieve ALARA, several techniques to reduce the radiation dose in radiation-sensitive patients groups are reviewed. The most recent recommendations that provide guidance regarding imaging of pregnant women are also summarized, and the risk depending on dose and phase of pregnancy is reported. Finally, the risk-benefit analysis of each examination, and careful communication of this risk to the patient, is emphasized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Paolo Tomà, Alessandra Bartoloni & Andrea Magistrelli

  2. Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Policlinico Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, CAP 90127, Palermo, Italy

    Sergio Salerno

  3. UOC Radiologia - Ospedale Pediatrico Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy

    Claudio Granata

  4. Servizio Prevenzione e Protezione/Fisica Sanitaria, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Vittorio Cannatà

  5. Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Owen J. Arthurs

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  1. Paolo Tomà
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  2. Alessandra Bartoloni
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  3. Sergio Salerno
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Correspondence to Paolo Tomà.

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Tomà, P., Bartoloni, A., Salerno, S. et al. Protecting sensitive patient groups from imaging using ionizing radiation: effects during pregnancy, in fetal life and childhood. Radiol med 124, 736–744 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-019-01034-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-019-01034-8

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