CT Scan Radiation Injury Toll Rises to 250 Patients
Another 50 patients have been added to the list of those who were exposed to potentially dangerous high levels of radiation during CT brain scans at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, officials said.
The number of patients who received up to eight times the level of radiation that is supposed to be administered during the exams to diagnose strokes now stands at 250, according to an Associated Press report. As officials continue to investigate the scope of the emerging scandal in California and other states, the number of patients affected is almost certain to continue to rise.
250 and Rising, FDA Says
In October, the Food and Drug Administration first announced about 200 Cedars-Sinai patients had accidentally been exposed to dangerous radiation levels during CT scans performed during an 18-month period beginning in February 2008.
Hundreds of patients filed a lawsuit against the hospital, claiming they were injured and now face increased risks of cancer and other medical complications as a result of being exposed to the elevated radiation.
Investigation is Ongoing
The FDA says it’s unclear whether the problems are being caused by human error or a problem with CT equipment, according to the Associated Press. CT scanners made by General Electric and Toshiba have been linked to problems with high radiation exposure at Cedars-Sinai and other hospitals, FDA officials have said.
The FDA also is looking into 14 reports of excess radiation at Glendale Adventist Medical Center and an unspecified number of problems at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Ca.
Hospitals and medical facilities should carefully review radiation dosing guidelines to make sure procedures are followed for each scan, the FDA said. Officials also have advised manufacturers of the machines to review their training for CT scanner operators.
“While we do not know yet the full scope of concern, the facilities should take reasonable steps to double-check their approach to CT perfusion studies and take special care with these imaging tests,” said Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, acting director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, according to the AP.
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