Browsing by Subject "CT scans"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Computed Tomography and Thin-Section Tomography in Facial Trauma
    (American Society of Neuroradiology, 1984) Kreipke, Donald L.; Moss, Jack J.; Franco, James M.; Maves, Michael D.; Smith, David J.; Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Medicine
    The efficacy of radiographic methods in detecting and classifying facial fractures was assessed. Thirty-one patients with maxillofacial trauma were studied with plain radiography, coronal and lateral pluridirectional tomography (PT), and axial and direct coronal computed tomography (CT). PT and CT were compared to assess how many fractures each method could demonstrate. In addition, plain films were used in combination with each special study to see how efficacious each combination was at classifying fractures into types, such as blow-out, tripod, etc. To reflect the fact that it is sometimes impossible to obtain lateral PT or direct coronal CT scans at this institution, the same analysis was done using just coronal PT and axial CT. With two projections, CT was better than PT at demonstrating fractured surfaces (168 vs. 156) and in classifying fractures in combination with plain films (48 vs. 43). However, when only one projection from each special study was used, PT surpassed CT in showing fractures (137 vs. 124) and in classifying fractures (42 vs. 40). Failures with each method occurred when the plane of section was parallel or oblique to the plane of the structure being examined, that is, axial CT failed to show the floor of the orbit well and coronal PT failed to show the anterior maxillary sinus wall well. Imaging in two planes, including the coronal plane, is desirable for greatest accuracy in fracture detection, whether by CT, PT, or both. CT is generally better for the display of soft-tissue abnormalities.
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    Daily Situational Brief, January 21, 2015
    (MESH Coalition, 1/21/2015) MESH Coalition
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    Understanding, justifying, and optimizing radiation exposure for CT imaging in nephrourology
    (Springer Nature, 2019-04) Ferrero, Andrea; Takahashi, Naoki; Vrtiska, Terri J.; Krambeck, Amy E.; Lieske, John C.; McCollough, Cynthia H.; Urology, School of Medicine
    An estimated 4-5 million CT scans are performed in the USA every year to investigate nephrourological diseases such as urinary stones and renal masses. Despite the clinical benefits of CT imaging, concerns remain regarding the potential risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. To assess the potential risk of harmful biological effects from exposure to ionizing radiation, understanding the mechanisms by which radiation damage and repair occur is essential. Although radiation level and cancer risk follow a linear association at high doses, no strong relationship is apparent below 100 mSv, the doses used in diagnostic imaging. Furthermore, the small theoretical increase in risk of cancer incidence must be considered in the context of the clinical benefit derived from a medically indicated CT and the likelihood of cancer occurrence in the general population. Elimination of unnecessary imaging is the most important method to reduce imaging-related radiation; however, technical aspects of medically justified imaging should also be optimized, such that the required diagnostic information is retained while minimizing the dose of radiation. Despite intensive study, evidence to prove an increased cancer risk associated with radiation doses below ~100 mSv is lacking; however, concerns about ionizing radiation in medical imaging remain and can affect patient care. Overall, the principles of justification and optimization must remain the basis of clinical decision-making regarding the use of ionizing radiation in medicine.