Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported cases of radiation overexposure during brain perfusion computed tomography (CT) imaging. Although the reported cases of radiation overexposure all occurred at a single institution, this warning does raise a red flag about potential problems with CT quality assurance programs.

During an 18-month investigation period, the FDA found that 206 patients received radiation doses that were approximately 8 times the expected level. In some cases, this excessive radiation dose resulted in redness or hair loss. However, the FDA warns that in cases where radiation overexposure is not high enough to produce obvious signs of radiation injury, the problem can go undetected and put patients at an increased risk for long-term adverse radiation effects.

The FDA is urging facilities that use CT imaging to closely monitor the radiation dose indicators displayed on the control panel of the machine in order to confirm that the radiation dose is within the normal range. However, the FDA also notes that, while unnecessary radiation exposure should be avoided, a medically-necessary CT scan has benefits that outweigh the radiation risks.

Source:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration MedWatch, posted October 9, 2009.