ECR 2010: Reducing CT dose; eyeing mild contrast reactions; managing malpractice

Dear AuntMinnie Member,

VIENNA - The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) drew to a close today, with sunny Austrian skies greeting thousands of departing congress attendees.

We're highlighting a wide variety of articles in our coverage of the congress, which you'll find in our RADCast @ ECR special section. Radiation dose was a major theme, with European radiologists joining their U.S. counterparts in researching ways to reduce patient exposure.

German researchers found that ultralow-dose CT -- at dose levels equivalent to plain radiography -- was an acceptable tool for diagnosing complex fractures in pediatric patients. Another study examined efforts to get a better handle on the use of CT in Europe and methods for reducing radiation dose as low as possible.

Another thorny problem in radiology -- contrast reactions -- was addressed by French researchers who presented the latest data from the country's CIRTACI trial, just wrapping up. Find out why you might want to take a closer look at patients with mild-appearing contrast reactions by clicking here.

Another scary event that could happen in your department is a malpractice lawsuit. Already a major problem in the U.S., litigation is becoming increasingly common in Europe. Learn about the situation in the U.K. by clicking here.

Get these stories, as well as photos from this year's meeting, in our RADCast @ ECR, which you can reach by clicking on the stories at the top of the newsletter or by visiting ecr.auntminnie.com.