Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus during Computed Tomography Scanning with Contrast
2008

Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus during CT Scanning

Sample size: 6 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pañella Helena, Rius Cristina, Caylà Joan A.

Primary Institution: Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona

Hypothesis

Can hepatitis C virus be transmitted during computed tomography scanning with contrast?

Conclusion

The study identified cases of hepatitis C transmission linked to CT scans with contrast in multiple hospitals.

Supporting Evidence

  • Six cases of acute hepatitis C were linked to CT scans with contrast.
  • Transmission was confirmed through molecular analysis of viral sequences.
  • All patients had undergone a CT scan with contrast shortly before diagnosis.

Takeaway

Some people got sick with hepatitis C after having a special scan at the hospital, which means the scan might have spread the virus.

Methodology

The study involved identifying cases of acute hepatitis C and conducting molecular analysis to confirm transmission.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on active case finding and the possibility of unreported cases.

Limitations

The study was a case series and may not have detected all related cases.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 3 women and 3 men, aged between 29 and 61 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.003

Confidence Interval

95% CI 17.04–92.74

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1402.060763

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