Abstract
Program Description: Radiation exposure from medical imaging has increased six-fold over the past 30 years, and such imaging has been estimated to provide half of an individual’s radiation exposure. The risk of cancer development from such radiation exposure has been discussed recently in the medical literature and the lay press. These issues are most notable in children, with long life expectancy and the potential for multiple exposures to medical imaging in their future. This symposium will be a multi-speaker symposium, and at the end of the various presentations, specific case scenarios will be presented with the opportunity to use the Audience Response System for audience participation for better understanding of current otolaryngology practice patterns related to imaging study selection in pediatric patients. The speakers will include a pediatric radiologist as well as 3 pediatric otolaryngologists, and presentations will include strategies on how to use reduced radiation doses for select imaging studies, review the current American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria for Otolaryngology related image study selection, appropriateness of using the MiniCAT image system in the office setting, as well as risks and benefits for each image modality for specific pediatric head and neck diseases.
Educational Objectives: 1) Discuss current issues related to safety of radiologic imaging studies used most often in children. 2) Review specific case scenarios and discuss imaging options, relative risks, and benefits of each modality. 3) Enhance judicious use of imaging studies for given pathology, and counseling of parents about risks.