New concern with CT scans

Besides radiation exposure risks that have been addressed before, there is now and new concern with computed tomography (CT) scans.

In a recent article, it was reported that direct X-ray exposure from CT scans may cause some implanted and external electronic medical devices to malfunction.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the recent warning in a preliminary public health notification.

The FDA further stated that "To date, no patient deaths have been reported from CT scanning of implanted or externally worn electronic medical devices."

According to the report, a small number of patients have reported interference with devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, and implanted or externally worn drug infusion pumps.

Some of the adverse events have included unintended "shocks" from neurostimulators, insulin pump malfunctions, and transient changes in pacemaker output pulse rate.

It is unclear as to what exactly is causing the problem, but the increased number of cases may be due to an increased frequency of CT scanning, the higher dose-rate capability of newer machines, an increased prevalence of device use, and better reporting systems.

Until further information is obtained, careful observation and minimal exposure to the devices is recommended.