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Pediatric Radiology

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01-06-2008 | Original Article

CT versus plain radiographs for evaluation of c-spine injury in young children: do benefits outweigh risks?

Authors: Ricardo R. Jimenez, Michael A. DeGuzman, Shelly Shiran, Andrew Karrellas, Robert L. Lorenzo

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 6/2008

Abstract

Background

Various reports support the use of cervical spine (c-spine) CT over conventional radiography in screening of c-spine injury. Interest now exists in diagnostic radiation-induced morbidity.

Objective

To estimate excess relative risk for developing cancer from c-spine high-resolution CT radiation exposure.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective review of children evaluated for c-spine injury using CT. The study population was divided into three age groups, 0–4 years (group 1), 5–8 years (group 2), and older than 8 years (group 3). Anthropomorphic 1-year-old and 5-year-old phantoms were used to measure radiation at the thyroid during radiography and CT. Excess relative risk for thyroid cancer was estimated using these measurements.

Results

A total of 557 patients were evaluated with CT. The radiographic method most commonly used was head CT/c-spine CT in 363 (65%). Only 179 children (32%) had any type of prior radiography. The use of c-spine CT exposes the thyroid to 90–200 times more radiation than multiple conventional radiographs. The mean excess relative risk for thyroid cancer after CT was 2.0 for group 1 and 0.6 for group 2. There were no comparison data for group 3.

Conclusion

C-spine CT is associated with a significant exposure to ionizing radiation and increases excess relative risk for thyroid cancer in young children.

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Title: CT versus plain radiographs for evaluation of c-spine injury in young children: do benefits outweigh risks?
Authors: Ricardo R. Jimenez
Michael A. DeGuzman
Shelly Shiran
Andrew Karrellas
Robert L. Lorenzo
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-007-0728-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

CT versus plain radiographs for evaluation of c-spine injury in young children: do benefits outweigh risks?

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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