Non-invasive CT angiography does not mean no damage

The business club reported on July 6th that the nuclear leak in Fukushima caused people's attention to radiation damage. However, we may also receive excessive radiation damage inadvertently in our daily lives. Improper CT examination is one of them.

CT coronary angiography, medical specifications called "CT coronary artery imaging." After the intravenous injection of iodine contrast agents, the use of computer tomography examination of coronary arteries. Coronary artery imaging is performed without the need to insert an arterial catheter, which is called a non-invasive examination. Many people feel that it is a non-invasive check and it is fine to do more. However, non-invasive does not mean no harm. In CT coronary angiography, radiation and contrast agents are all detrimental. If they are used improperly, it is worth noting that the damage is greater than the benefit.

First of all, the CT examination is a kind of radiation examination. A chest CT examination is equivalent to 100 to 300 chest radiographs, which is about the amount of radiation that a person normally receives for more than two years. In addition, 80 to 100 milliliters of an iodine-containing contrast agent is injected during the examination. This type of contrast agent is a hyperosmotic viscous fluid that can cause damage to the kidneys during renal excretion, and can cause contrast agents when severe. Kidney disease. Contrast-induced nephropathy is one of the important causes of iatrogenic renal failure. Older (>75 years old), hypertension, diabetes, existing renal insufficiency, cardiac insufficiency, anemia, etc., or repeated use of contrast media are all associated with contrast-induced nephropathy. The risk factors. Some patients, even a handful of doctors, have insufficient knowledge of the damage caused by this non-invasive examination and blindly check for examinations. This not only causes waste of medical resources, but also brings potential risks and damages to patients.

The development of medical technology has provided more means for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, many technologies have the "double-edged sword" feature. While enjoying advanced medical technology, we must not overlook its possible damage.