Adult trauma patients are exposed to significant amounts of radiation from diagnostic radiographic imaging, according to findings published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

Adult trauma patients are exposed to significant amounts of radiation from diagnostic radiographic imaging, according to findings published in the August issue of the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

"Many emergency departments and trauma centers utilize extensive radiologic studies during the assessment of trauma patients," Dr. James E. Winslow and colleagues from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, write. "A point of concern arises about the possible biological effects of these cumulative radiation doses."

The researchers examined the amount of radiation received by adult blunt trauma patients during their first 24 hours of care. Eligible patients met hospital standards for the less acute major triage criteria. Of 100 eligible patients, 86 had complete records available for review. The median Injury Severity Score was 14.

Overall, 79 subjects (92 per cent) had a full trauma "pan scan." The median number of CT scans was three, and the median number of plain radiograph studies was 9.5. The median effective dose of ionizing radiation the patients received was 40.2 mSv. The authors note that a dose of 40.2 mSv is the equivalent of approximately 1005 chest radiographs.

"On a population-wide level, these levels likely result in an increased cancer burden," Dr. Winslow said in an interview with Reuters Health.

For comparison purposes, he noted, "In the United States, most people are typically exposed to roughly 3 mSv of radiation in a year."

"Our estimate is that for every 100,000 people exposed to 40.2 mSv of radiation there will be an extra 322 cases of cancer over a lifetime," Dr. Winslow said. "It should be noted that other experts in medical radiation have since reviewed our data and believe that we may have underestimated the risk significantly."

He emphasized that CT scans are a very important tool, but as with everything in medicine they have their risks and benefits.

"The data from this study provides important information for physicians, which will increase their knowledge of the possible risks of CT scans," he concluded. "Our study will help physicians make a better estimate of the risk-benefit balance when ordering CT scans."

Ann Emerg Med 2008;52:93-97