For the study, the researchers compared the imaging results of 69 children who had undergone x-rays and 125 children who had undergone low-dose MDCT. They found that the mean effective radiation dose in x-rays was 0.0528 mSv and that the mean effective radiation dose for MDCT could be brought down to 0.0531 mSv without compromising diagnostic image quality.
According to the researchers, infections of the upper respiratory system are by far the most common cause of illness in infancy and childhood, accounting for approximately 50% of all illness in children younger than five years of age, and 30% in children between the ages of five and 12 years. "About 5 to 13% of these upper respiratory infections are complicated by sinusitis, so it is a common problem with children," said Tom Mulkens, MD, lead author of the study.
According to the guidelines of the American College of Radiology, there is no need for imaging in children with uncomplicated acute sinusitis, but in children with a history of persistent, recurrent or chronic sinus disease imaging may be indicated. X-rays are frequently used for diagnosis of pediatric sinus problems because the physical examination can be difficult due to many other upper respiratory infections in children having the same physical symptoms, say the authors. However, using x-rays for this purpose is technically demanding. "Sinus x-rays in children are difficult both to perform and interpret. It's hard to find the correct positioning, the children's sinuses are small and there is an overall lack of accuracy, in addition to other complicating factors," said Dr. Mulkens.
According to the researche
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3-May-2005