Effect of Repeated Fluoroscopic Examinations on 1480 Children with a Long-Term Follow-up Study

MANY recent reports have raised the question of possible dangers from excessive radiation in diagnostic radiology. Genetic damage and leukemia are thought to be the principal risks. The exact minimal or threshold doses likely to have deleterious effects are disputed.1 2 3 4 In an attempt to determine the effects of ionizing radiation, if any, in serial fluoroscopies over a long period the records of patients attending the Rheumatic Cardiac Clinic at the New York Hospital were studied. These patients were chosen for several reasons: they comprised a large group; and both they and their families were followed for many years.A detailed . . .