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Trends and patterns in the use of computed tomography in children and young adults in Catalonia - results from the EPI-CT study

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jane Salotti, Professor Mark PearceORCiD

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Abstract

Although there are undeniable diagnostic benefits of CT scanning, its increasing use in paediatric radiology has become a topic of concern regarding patient radioprotection.To assess the rate of CT scanning in Catalonia, Spain, among patients younger than 21 years old at the scan time.This is a sub-study of a larger international cohort study (EPI-CT, the International pediatric CT scan study). Data were retrieved from the radiological information systems (RIS) of eight hospitals in Catalonia since the implementation of digital registration (between 1991 and 2010) until 2013.The absolute number of CT scans annually increased 4.5% between 1991 and 2013, which was less accentuated when RIS was implemented in most hospitals. Because the population attending the hospitals also increased, however, the rate of scanned patients changed little (8.3 to 9.4 per 1,000 population). The proportions of patients with more than one CT and more than three CTs showed a 1.51- and 2.7-fold increase, respectively, over the 23 years.Gradual increases in numbers of examinations and scanned patients were observed in Catalonia, potentially explained by new CT scanning indications and increases in the availability of scanners, the number of scans per patient and the size of the attended population.

Publication metadata

Author(s): de Basea MB, Salotti JA, Pearce MS, Muchart J, Riera L, Barber I, Pedraza S, Pardina M, Capdevila A, Espinosa A, Cardis E

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Pediatric Radiology

Year: 2016

Volume: 46

Issue: 1

Pages: 119-129

Print publication date: 01/01/2016

Online publication date: 15/08/2015

Acceptance date: 09/07/2015

ISSN (print): 0301-0449

ISSN (electronic): 1432-1998

Publisher: Springer

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00247-015-3434-5

DOI: 10.1007/s00247-015-3434-5

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