27 Jul High Dose CT Imaging Has Potential To Damage DNA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Patricia Kim Phuong Nguyen MD and
Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD
Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The application of CT imaging has greatly increased in the last two decades, raising concern over the effects of low dose radiation exposure from medical imaging.
In this study, we recruited 67 patients who underwent CT imaging for various cardiovascular indications including:
1) Pre atrial fibrillation ablation
2) Pre Trans-catheter valve replacement
3) Aortic dissection, and
4) coronary artery disease.
A wide range of doses were sampled. We detected damage to DNA and a small percentage of death of T lymphocytes isolated from patients who were exposed to greater than 7.5 mSv of radiation.
No damage was detected in patients exposed to very low doses (less than or equal 7.5 mSv).
This study did not look at the relationship between radiation and cancer.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: Clinicians and patients should be aware that radiation producing tests at doses greater than 7.5 mSV can lead to cell damage. The lowest possible dose
should be used in all patients for any CT imaging.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: We can test the effect of cumulative radiation because our study only showed the effects of a single dose of radiation. We can also develop further dose reducing strategies given that we are unable to use current strategies for patients who have irregular rhythms or who are obese.
Citation:
Assessment of the Radiation Effects of Cardiac CT Angiography Using Protein and Genetic Biomarkers
Last Updated on July 27, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD