Cardiac CT Scan radiation question

[marka]

Hi

I recently had a Cardiac CT scan to check my Aorta size etc. When I called the place before to ask about radiation exposure they said it was similar to exposure from a long haul flight. After the test I came across information that said otherwise, from what I can gather it seems to range between the same does as 200 to 400 chest X-rays.

If I was aware of this before the scan I would of requested an MRI instead. The CT scan wasn't really required I just requested it for peace of mind, so I'm feeling like a real idiot now. I feel the information the radiologist gave me was incorrect and if I was given the correct information I would not have gone ahead with it.

How does a 64 slice Cardiac CT scan compare to a full body scan,? There's a lot of negative information about the radiation of body scans that is not sitting well with me.

If you've had a Aorta scan what did they tell you about radiation?

Thank You

Mark

 

[aussigal]

I had one of these and didnt worry about the dose of radiation...it just wasnt important to me...
I figured the information gained was worth it...and the 64 slice CT cardiac scan piccies are amazing! 3D coloured picture that looks as if they shoved a camera in-side my chest and took a picture!
Absolutely fabulous!

 

[Marty]

Hi

I recently had a Cardiac CT scan to check my Aorta size etc. When I called the place before to ask about radiation exposure they said it was similar to exposure from a long haul flight. After the test I came across information that said otherwise, from what I can gather it seems to range between the same does as 200 to 400 chest X-rays.

If I was aware of this before the scan I would of requested an MRI instead. The CT scan wasn't really required I just requested it for peace of mind, so I'm feeling like a real idiot now. I feel the information the radiologist gave me was incorrect and if I was given the correct information I would not have gone ahead with it.

How does a 64 slice Cardiac CT scan compare to a full body scan,? There's a lot of negative information about the radiation of body scans that is not sitting well with me.

If you've had a Aorta scan what did they tell you about radiation?

Thank You

Mark

The radiation dose from a CT IS significant. All radiation facilities have radiation physicists checking the machines. You may ask the physicist at your facility to compute your dose and keep it in your medical record.

 

[geebee]

I worry about radiation as I have had a few CT scans. However, they were all necessary for the information they provided. I guess we all have to weigh the risks against what we need to find out.

 

[Creed3]

I'm glad

I'm glad

this is being discussed. Since November of 2005 I have had two abdominal CT scans. One with dye and one without. My new cardio wants me to have a CT scan on my heart in January 2007 to make sure everything is working properly. I am a little concerned about the radiation. When he suggested the Ct scan I had only had one previous CT scan. I wanted to wait at least a year after my Fall of 2005 scan. He had me schedule it for January of 2007. Since seeing my cardio I have had to have a second scan done on my abdomen. Now I am reconsidering the heart scan because of all the radiation I have been exposed to within the last year. Should I possibly ask to have a different test done? My cardio indicated to me that the heart scan wasn't being done because he suspected anything was wrong. He actually told me that he doesn't think it will show anything wrong. He just wants to check on things to verify that everything is going the way it should be. If I have the heart scan done in January I will have had three CT scans within 14 months. Right now I have had two within six months. I'll talk more with my drs regarding this and see what they think. Just wondering what you all think since the subject has been brought up.

Take Care!
Gail

 

[geebee]

Gail,
Is there any chance a MRI would give the cardio the info he needs? I do think 3 CT scans in one year is a lot. I have averaged about 1 every 4 years for various reasons so I don't worry too much. I feel the info gathered was very helpful.
If the heart CT scan is what is needed for the info your cardio needs, maybe you could wait until next spring to put more time between the scans?

 

[Barbara Stewart]

Radiation question

Radiation question

I have had so many xrays over the last year, CT scans included, but none of them were for fun. I just ignore the threat and pray it will be OK. Nothing I can do about it now.

Barbara

 

[Georgia]

My understanding is that radiation is cumulative over a lifetime. I have to be careful (according to various docs) because I had radiation therapy for cancer. Therefore even my dentist xrays less frequently than normal. I don't think that having 3 ct's in a year is any more dangerous than having 3 in 10 years.

I remember when "good" shoe stores had xray machines so they could see if shoes fit correctly!!!! I remember having my feet in them. It's a wonder things turned out OK.