Increase in CT Exams for Children in ERs Raising Concerns

The number of children receiving computed tomography (CT) scans in emergency rooms has been rapidly rising -- raising concerns that some may be exposed to adult-sized radiation doses that could lead to potential cancer risks in later years, according to a new study.

The researchers, who analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, found that CT exams of children increased from about 330,000 in 1995 to 1.65 million in 2008 -- a five-fold increase. Top complaints received from among those who had received a CT exam included head injury, abdominal pain, and headache...