title: The risk of cumulative radiation exposure in chest imaging and the advantage of bedside ultrasound.
abstract: The increasing use and complexity of imaging techniques have not been matched by increasing awareness and knowledge by prescribers and practitioners. Imaging examinations that expose to ionizing radiation provide immense benefits when appropriate, yet they may result in an increased incidence of radiation-induced cancer in the long-term. The radiation issue is relevant not only for the individual patient but also for the community because small individual risks multiplied by millions of examinations become a significant population risk. As recently highlighted by recent European and American Guidelines, the long-term risk associated with radiation exposure should be considered in the risk-benefit assessment behind appropriate prescription of diagnostic testing.
authors.affiliation: Institute of clinical Physiology, National Research Council, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Luna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gargani
authors.affiliation: Institute of clinical Physiology, National Research Council, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Picano
keywords: Chest imaging; Lung ultrasound; Point of care; Radiation exposure