Contact: Michael Mullaney Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Caption: A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is
the first to calculate exactly how much additional radiation
obese patients receive from a CT scan. Research results show the
internal organs of obese men receive 62 percent more radiation
during a CT scan than those of normal weight men. For obese
women, it was an increase of 59 percent. New technology
developed at Rensselaer by nuclear engineering expert X. George
Xu could help solve this problem. Xu's research team created
ultra-realistic 3-D computer models of overweight and obese men
and women, and used computer simulations to determine how X-rays
interact with the different body types. These models, known as
"phantoms," can help empower physicians to configure and
optimize CT scanning devices in such a way that minimizes how
much radiation a patient receives. Usage Restrictions: Please
include photos credit Related news release: Obese patients face
higher radiation exposure from CT sc