Dear Colleagues,

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, enabling physicians to visualize the internal structures of the human body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, like any medical procedure, medical imaging involves a careful balance of benefits and risks. Understanding the dose, benefits, and risks associated with medical imaging is essential for both healthcare professionals and patients.

The dose of radiation received during medical imaging procedures is a significant concern. Different imaging modalities, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine scans, involve varying levels of radiation exposure. While low-dose imaging techniques are often employed to minimize radiation, it is important to consider the cumulative dose a patient receives over their lifetime, as repeated exposure can increase the risk of radiation-related complications.

Despite the potential risks, medical imaging offers numerous benefits. It allows physicians to detect and diagnose diseases at an early stage, enabling timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. Medical imaging also plays a vital role in treatment planning, guiding surgical procedures, and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies. Moreover, it reduces the need for invasive procedures, leading to decreased patient discomfort and healthcare costs.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge and mitigate the risks associated with medical imaging. The primary risk is radiation-induced harm, including an increased risk of cancer. Healthcare professionals must carefully assess the potential benefits of each imaging procedure against the associated radiation risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Utilizing appropriate imaging protocols, shielding, and optimizing imaging parameters can help minimize radiation exposure without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

In conclusion, medical imaging is a powerful tool in healthcare, providing valuable insights into the human body. While it offers significant benefits in terms of disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment, the potential risks, particularly radiation exposure, should not be overlooked. By employing appropriate dose reduction strategies and adhering to established guidelines, healthcare professionals can strike a balance between maximizing the benefits of medical imaging and minimizing the associated risks, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.

For this, it is important to collect the experiences of disparate medical imaging doses, benefits and associated risks, which have been implemented and consider their impacts. Research articles and reviews in this area of study are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manvi Mishra

Section editor