Comparison of skin dose measurement using nanoDot dosimeter and machine readings of radiation dose during cardiac catheterization in children.

Objectives: Direct measurement of skin dose of radiation for children using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technology using nanoDot (Landauer, Glenwood, IL, USA).

Background: Radiation dose is estimated as cumulative air kerma (AK) and dosearea product based on standards established for adult size patients. Body size of pediatric patients who undergo cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease vary widely from newborn to adolescence.

Maternal exposure to radiographic exams and major structural birth defects.

Background: An increasing number of radiologic exams are performed in the United States, but very few studies have examined the effects of maternal exposure to radiologic exams during the periconceptional period and birth defects.

Objectives: To assess the association between maternal exposure to radiologic exams during the periconceptional period and 19 categories of birth defects using a large population-based study of birth defects.

Methods: We studied 27,809 case mothers and 10,200 control mothers who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and delivered between 1997 and 2009.

Maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and major structural birth defects.

Background: Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic, but little is known about the association between maternal occupational exposure to IR and birth defects.

Methods: We studied 38,009 mothers who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and delivered between 1997 and 2009. We assessed odds ratios [ORs] for the association between maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR and 39 birth defects.

Resident education in the radiological sciences: what now?

Objective: With the dizzying changes in the rapidly evolving profession of radiology, the structure of resident education in the associated sciences of imaging, physics, radiobiology, and radiation effects must be reevaluated continually. What roles do these basic radiologic sciences play in bolstering the neophyte radiologist on a career of patient care? How should we define the spectrum of material that should be learned? How should that spectrum be taught? Who decides these things? With the impending changes in the radiology board certification process, questions have been raised as to how these changes will affect education in a residency program. Should the basic science curriculum be enhanced or scaled back? With the emphasis on practical applied physics, what is considered old school and what is new school material?

Conclusion: This article describes one approach adopted by a large residency program to address these issues.