Dear Pediatric Imaging Insider,
Sometimes a whisper is more effective than a shout. A bevy of reports on radiation overdoses -- relating both to CT exams and radiation therapy treatment -- made national news in the U.S. and motivated the U.S. House of Representatives to schedule hearings on medical radiation dose. (Click here for our most recent update if you missed the coverage.)
There's been no such ruckus around the Image Gently campaign. Now entering its third year of quiet, authoritative persuasion to make radiology professionals, referring physicians, and parents aware of the need to keep radiation dose exposure to children at a minimum, its effects are being felt around the world.
In celebration of the organization's second birthday, AuntMinnie.com takes a look at Image Gently's accomplishments during 2009, the subject of this newsletter's Insider Exclusive for the Pediatric Imaging Digital Community.
One accomplishment, the campaign's expansion into digital radiography, is so important that it merits its own article, published today.
Exam appropriateness and low-dose protocols feature prominently in this Insider issue. International editor Eric Barnes reports in depth about the CATCH rules, new guidelines developed in Canada to determine when head CT exams should be ordered for injured children. Click here to learn what they are.
In another pediatric CT article from Canada, researchers have documented why x-ray exams may be of minimal clinical value to assess cervical spine trauma following a CT exam. Click here to learn why.
When are two procedures better than one? For breech babies at risk of hip dysplasia. Read about this recommendation from pediatric orthopedic specialists.
Moving on to pediatric PET exams, features editor Wayne Forrest delves into the protocols that enabled radiologists from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to cut PET radiotracer dose up to half.
If you have initiated a program to reduce children's exposure to radiation dose, we'd like to hear about it -- just send me an e-mail.
Finally, as a reminder, the Society for Pediatric Radiology will hold its annual meeting April 13-17 in Boston. I hope to see you there!
