CT Scans: is seeing "more" better?
by William Kay, MD on 04/25/12
There is more and more evidence that even a single typical abdominal CT scan confers a real risk of future cancer in young adults and children whom get the scan.
Abdominal CT scanning is used routinely these days in working up appendicitis in emergency rooms when young patients present with abdominal pain.
There is a new study that "low dose" CT scans are JUST as effective at diagnosing appendicitis and ruling it out. These low dose scans use up to 80% less radiation.
What is the downside with "low dose" CT scans? Well, the images are not quite as "crisp." However, when it comes to appendicitis diagnostics, the not-so-crisp images get the job done with MUCH less radiation to the patient.
Next time you or someone you know needs an abdominal CT scan, consider requesting this. Or, call me, and I will!
Good health.
Willaim Kay, MD
