Review
Version 1
Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed
Radiation Overuse in Intensive Care Units: A Cause for Concern
Version 1
: Received: 8 December 2023 / Approved: 9 December 2023 / Online: 11 December 2023 (06:08:24 CET)
A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.
Zanon, C.; Bini, C.; Toniolo, A.; Benetti, T.; Quaia, E. Radiation Overuse in Intensive Care Units. Tomography 2024, 10, 193-202. Zanon, C.; Bini, C.; Toniolo, A.; Benetti, T.; Quaia, E. Radiation Overuse in Intensive Care Units. Tomography 2024, 10, 193-202.
Abstract
Radiological imaging is essential for acute patient management in Intensive Care Units (ICUs); however, it introduces the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. This review synthesizes research on radiation exposure in intensive care unit (ICU) settings, highlighting its rise during the COVID-19 pandemic and repetitive imaging. Our analysis extends to radiation safety thresholds, revealing that some ICU patients exceed annual occupational limits, emphasizing the need to balance diagnostic utility against potential long-term risks, such as cancer. Prospective studies have demonstrated an increase in the median Cumulative Effective Dose (CED) in patients with trauma over time, prompting calls for improved awareness and monitoring. Moreover, innovative dose-reduction strategies and optimized protocols, especially in neuro-ICU units, promise to mitigate these risks. This review highlights the essential but risky role of radiological imaging in critical care. It advocates rigorous radiation management protocols to safeguard patient health, while ensuring the continuity of high-quality medical care.
Keywords
Radiological Imaging; Radiation exposure; ICU patients; COVID-19; Optimization strategies; Cancer risk; Cumulative Effective Dose
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Other
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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