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O’Regan PW, Stevens NE, Logan N, Ryan DJ, Maher MM. Paediatric Thoracic Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis in the Era of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:256. [PMID: 38397368 PMCID: PMC10888261 DOI: 10.3390/children11020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common progressive life-shortening genetic conditions worldwide. Ground-breaking translational research has generated therapies that target the primary cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) defect, known as CFTR modulators. A crucial aspect of paediatric CF disease is the development and progression of irreversible respiratory disease in the absence of clinical symptoms. Accurate thoracic diagnostics have an important role to play in this regard. Chest radiographs are non-specific and insensitive in the context of subtle changes in early CF disease, with computed tomography (CT) providing increased sensitivity. Recent advancements in imaging hardware and software have allowed thoracic CTs to be acquired in paediatric patients at radiation doses approaching that of a chest radiograph. CFTR modulators slow the progression of CF, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and extend life expectancy. In conjunction with advances in CT imaging techniques, low-dose thorax CT will establish a central position in the routine care of children with CF. International guidelines regarding the choice of modality and timing of thoracic imaging in children with CF are lagging behind these rapid technological advances. The continued progress of personalised medicine in the form of CFTR modulators will promote the emergence of personalised radiological diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. O’Regan
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh E. Stevens
- Department of Surgery, Mercy University Hospital, T12 WE28 Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh Logan
- Department of Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, T12 WE28 Cork, Ireland
| | - David J. Ryan
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael M. Maher
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
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The why, who, how, and what of communicating CT radiation risks to patients and healthcare providers. ABDOMINAL RADIOLOGY (NEW YORK) 2023; 48:1514-1525. [PMID: 36799998 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) has witnessed tremendous growth in utilization. Despite its immense benefits, there is a growing concern from the general public and the medical community about the detrimental consequences of ionizing radiation from CT. Anxiety from the perceived risks associated with CT can deter referring physicians from ordering clinically indicated CT scans and patients from undergoing medically necessary exams. This article discusses various strategies for educating patients and healthcare providers on the benefits and risks of CT scanning and salient techniques for effective communication.
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Joyce S, Carey BW, Moore N, Mullane D, Moore M, McEntee MF, Plant BJ, Maher MM, O'Connor OJ. Computed tomography in cystic fibrosis lung disease: a focus on radiation exposure. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:544-553. [PMID: 33743038 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Thoracic computed tomography (CT) is the imaging reference method in the diagnosis, assessment and management of lung disease. In the setting of cystic fibrosis (CF), CT demonstrates increased sensitivity compared with pulmonary function tests and chest radiography, and findings correlate with clinical outcomes. Better understanding of the aetiology of CF lung disease indicates that even asymptomatic infants with CF can have irreversible pulmonary pathology. Surveillance and early diagnosis of lung disease in CF are important to preserve lung parenchyma and to optimise long-term outcomes. CF is associated with increased cumulative radiation exposure due to the requirement for repeated imaging from a young age. Radiation dose optimisation, important for the safe use of CT in children with CF, is best achieved in a team environment where paediatric radiologists work closely with paediatric respiratory physicians, physicists and radiography technicians to achieve the best patient outcomes. Despite the radiation doses incurred, CT remains a vital imaging tool in children with CF. Radiologists with special interests in CT dose optimisation and respiratory disease are key to the appropriate use of CT in paediatric imaging. Paediatric radiologists strive to minimise radiation dose to children whilst providing the best possible assessment of lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Joyce
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Brian W Carey
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh Moore
- Department of Radiography, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - David Mullane
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael Moore
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mark F McEntee
- Department of Radiography, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Barry J Plant
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael M Maher
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Owen J O'Connor
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. .,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Joyce S, O'Connor OJ, Maher MM, McEntee MF. Strategies for dose reduction with specific clinical indications during computed tomography. Radiography (Lond) 2020; 26 Suppl 2:S62-S68. [PMID: 32682731 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing integration of computed tomography (CT) into routine patient care has escalated concerns regarding associated radiation exposure. Specific patient cohorts, particularly those with cystic fibrosis (CF) and Crohn's disease, have repeat exposures and thus have an increased risk of high lifetime cumulative effective dose exposures. Thoracic CT is the gold standard imaging method in the diagnosis, assessment and management of pulmonary disease. In the setting of CF, CT demonstrates increased sensitivity compared with pulmonary function tests and chest radiography. Furthermore, in specific cases of Crohn's disease, CT demonstrates diagnostic superiority over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for radiological evaluation. Low dose CT protocols have proven beneficial in the evaluation of CF, Crohn's disease and renal calculi, and in the follow up of testicular cancer patients. For individuals with chronic conditions warranting frequent radiological follow up, the focus must continue to be the incorporation of appropriate CT use into patient care. This is of particular importance for the paediatric population who are most susceptible to potential radiation induced malignancy. CT technological developments continue to focus on radiation dose optimisation. This article aims to highlight these advancements, which prioritise the acquisition of diagnostically satisfactory images with the least amount of radiation possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Joyce
- Department of Radiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - O J O'Connor
- Department of Radiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - M M Maher
- Department of Radiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - M F McEntee
- Discipline of Diagnostic Radiography, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Low-Dose Computed Tomography for the Optimization of Radiation Dose Exposure in Patients with Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2018; 2018:1768716. [PMID: 30515203 PMCID: PMC6234436 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1768716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the mainstay method for the radiological imaging of the small bowel in patients with inflammatory bowel disease without the use of ionizing radiation. There are circumstances where imaging using ionizing radiation is required, particularly in the acute setting. This usually takes the form of computed tomography (CT). There has been a significant increase in the utilization of computed tomography (CT) for patients with Crohn's disease as patients are frequently diagnosed at a relatively young age and require repeated imaging. Between seven and eleven percent of patients with IBD are exposed to high cumulative effective radiation doses (CEDs) (>35–75 mSv), mostly patients with Crohn's disease (Newnham E 2007, Levi Z 2009, Hou JK 2014, Estay C 2015). This is primarily due to the more widespread and repeated use of CT, which accounts for 77% of radiation dose exposure amongst patients with Crohn's disease (Desmond et al., 2008). Reports of the projected cancer risks from the increasing CT use (Berrington et al., 2007) have led to increased patient awareness regarding the potential health risks from ionizing radiation (Coakley et al., 2011). Our responsibilities as physicians caring for these patients include education regarding radiation risk and, when an investigation that utilizes ionizing radiation is required, to keep radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable: the “ALARA” principle. Recent advances in CT technology have facilitated substantial radiation dose reductions in many clinical settings, and several studies have demonstrated significantly decreased radiation doses in Crohn's disease patients while maintaining diagnostic image quality. However, there is a balance to be struck between reducing radiation exposure and maintaining satisfactory image quality; if radiation dose is reduced excessively, the resulting CT images can be of poor quality and may be nondiagnostic. In this paper, we summarize the available evidence related to imaging of Crohn's disease, radiation exposure, and risk, and we report recent advances in low-dose CT technology that have particular relevance.
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Salerno S, Nardi C, Tudisca C, Matranga D, Vernuccio F, Di Piazza A, Selvi V, Colagrande S. Complete written/oral information about dose exposure in CT: is it really useful to guarantee the patients’ awareness about radiation risks? Radiol Med 2018; 123:788-798. [DOI: 10.1007/s11547-018-0909-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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