CT Findings May Be Benign, but the CT Is Not

Background: The number of CT scans performed in the United States has increased by 30% since 2007. Since then, more accurate methods are available for estimating risk of ionizing radiation exposure. Objective: To model the current risk of CT imaging. Design: Risk modeling based on the number and type of scans performed in 2023. Methods: The authors used data on radiation exposure captured by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) International CT Dose Registry to provide granular information on radiation exposure by scan type and other technical parameters. Researchers can now estimate radiation exposure to individual organs. Data on CT usage in the United States was provided by IMV medical Information Division CT Market Outlook Report. The American College of Radiology National Radiology Data Registry provided information on the proportion of pediatrics scans and scanning stratified by age and gender. Results: In 2023, a total of 61,510,000 patients underwent CT scanning, more...