PURPOSE/AIM: Diagnostic radiology INvolvINg ionizINg radiation often leads TO crucial INformation but also INvolves risk. Estimated CANcer risks associated with CT range BEtween 1 IN 1000 TO 1 IN 10000, dependINg on age and exposure settINgs. This exhibit will provide radiologists a way TO INform a patient about these risks on collective and INdividual base.
CONTENT ORGANIZATION: Conversion from DLP INTO effective dose, and the Reference Level concept will BE first INtroduced TO enable the reader TO situate the level of exposure of CT examINations with other radiological procedures. The conversion of effective dose TO possible risks will BE then presented separatINg pediatric from adult populations. FINally, the limit of the lINear assumption BEtween risk and effective dose will BE discussed TO clearly make a distINction BEtween the INdividual and the collective risks.
SUMMARY: From an INdividual standpoINt the BEnefit of a well justified and optimized CT examINation clearly outweigh its risk of INducINg a fatal CANcer. However, TO avoid an unacceptable INcrease of the population dose CT examINations should not BE used solely for structural and economical bases. Justification and optimization are the guarantee of an adequate radiation protection of the patient.