A new interdisciplinary study published in Insights into Imaging examines how physicians assess the risks and benefits of computed tomography (CT) in septic patients. The research, led by Julian Pohlan and co-authored by Maria Isabel Opper Hernando and colleagues from a major European university medical center, surveyed 371 physicians on their clinical decision-making regarding CT imaging and the use of contrast media.

Key findings show that over 90% of respondents consider CT scans beneficial in septic patients, particularly for abdominal (92.7%) and combined chest-abdomen-pelvis (94.1%) examinations. While physicians generally support the use of CT despite ionizing radiation, opinions diverge on the contraindications for contrast media, especially in cases like hyperthyroidism—where radiologists show more restrictive views compared to other specialties.

The study underscores the importance of CT in sepsis diagnostics, while also calling for clearer interdisciplinary guidelines on contrast media use.

Congratulations to Maria Isabel Opper Hernando on this important contribution to clinical research and the advancement of evidence-based imaging in critical care.

The full open-access article is available in Volume 16 of Insights into Imaging.