Studies Indicate CT Scan Overuse, Radiation Overexposure

Recently the medical literature has documented the growing use of CT scans. It is certainly no secret that, when circumstances warrant, Sonosite advocates for the consideration of ultrasound first over other imaging modalities. A CT scan is a powerful and valuable test when used appropriately and—as with all medical procedures—when its therapeutic value is carefully weighed against its potential harm. Yet, while acknowledging CT’s value, I can’t ignore mounting evidence indicating CT scans are being ordered more often than are necessary or safe.

Morocco Trial Shows Remote Ultrasound Can Expand Access and Improve Maternal Care.

In the remote reaches of rural areas and developing countries there is continuous demand to accessible solutions  that provide reliable, faster, and affordable clinical care.  Every day, around the world, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.  Of those deaths, 40 percent are due to injuries or conditions related to placenta complications.  The only way to detect abnormal placenta challenges is through an ultrasound exam.

Ultrasound Can Diagnose and Prevent Pneumothorax

I find it ironic that one of the most efficient ways to detect pneumothorax in patients is also one of the most effective ways to prevent two of its more common clinical causes.

While scenarios that might trigger the suspicion of pneumothorax are too numerous to list, screening for it has included the standard trinity of chest-imaging procedures: x-rays, tomography, and ultrasound. In “Think Ultrasound When Evaluating for Pneumothorax” (featured in AIUM’s Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine), author Vicki E. Noble, MD, of Massachusetts General, proposes that ultrasound is the ideal screening modality due to its portability and lack of “risk associated with repeated measures as clinical scenarios change.”

Dr. Noble’s article goes on to provide instruction for performing the examination, incorporates excellent research citations, and then concludes: “Using thoracic sonography as a screening tool may lead to decreased ordering of chest radiographs, thus saving time and money and improving the efficiency of treatment.”

It may come as no surprise that my colleagues and I at Sonosite enthusiastically support Dr. Noble’s conclusion. The entire article—a part of AIUM’s “think ultrasound first” Sound Judgment Series—is available here and is worth a thorough read.

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