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Everything has a downside to it, and medical imaging has turned out to be one for many; yes, computed tomography and other related imaging techniques (that involve ionizing radiation), it seems are doing more harm than good!

 

More and more patients, every now and then are made to go through a CT scan, even though they are healthy; it has become common scenario in most of the parts, and who is getting affected the most – of course, patients!

Every technology is ‘there’ to assist human, but we are not using it the right way, for right kind of things; computed tomography is feasible for a variety of medical conditions – detailed images of body organs/body parts are possible through it, during examination; but too-much of this, without any proper reason on a patient will never do good to them.

Repeat/unnecessary examinations in any such will only show adverse outcomes in patients; a CT scan equipment delivers ionizing radiation (dose) more than that of any standard x-ray machine, and if a patient is exposed to more of CT examinations, we can plainly imagine – what all could happen (badly) to a patient.

Increased risk of cancer, skin burns, hair-loss are some of the possibilities in patients, in the long-run, with high-dose radiation exposure, every now and then.

Medical experts/consultants across the globe suggest ‘not to overdo things, in any manner’, as if a patient is healthy (not ill), they should be kept away from unnecessary examinations – SPARE THE HEALTHY; if they are once examined over, through an imaging device, then that result should be taken note of, rather passing patients all over for repeat examination, and/or any such.

They insist – age, body of patients require to be considered, while giving certain amount of radiation dose to them; not all patients (differently sized, age…) should be given equal treatment (radiation), when their body does not require that much, at the first place; proper STANDARD/PROTOCOL should be put in practice, for such!

Doctors/care providers can always opt for other imaging modalities/alternatives (than CT) to diagnose their patients, to limit them to unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation, viz. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound etc.!

Yes, patients and doctors should always talk in length about various options (imaging modalities) that they can opt for any of the medical conditions the patient is affected with; more personalized approach should always be maintained, for better treatment approach.

“Every technology is good, if only we learn to use it effectively on people that really need it…!”

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High-energy (form of) radiation is quite common in diagnostic/medical imaging; yes, in care settings it is used for a wide range of medical applications, viz. to image different regions in the body, for cancer therapy, and other related.

 

Some of these modalities/devices use ionizing radiation for varied imaging and therapeutic approaches: standard X-ray/radiography, computed tomography, fluoroscopy, to name a few!

In case of computed tomography, body organs/parts are examined over, by getting scanned through X-ray for disorders/irregularities; a computer unit is used for cross sectional image (slices) construction, for detailed image interpretation and analysis.

On the other, in fluoroscopy (imaging method), real-time moving images/video of internal body structures are captured through a fluoroscope.

For patients with cancer/tumor, ionizing radiation is utilized for the therapeutic approach; cancerous cells can be destroyed through focused X-ray beams, from an imaging device!

All these (stated above) devices that involve ionizing radiation are beneficial for a variety of disorders/irregularities in patients, but more exposure to such every now and then can be fatal for individuals, in the long run.

The use of computed tomography, and other standard X-ray approaches have increased dramatically, for this and that; repeat exposure, and higher doses at times can have adverse side effects in patients, with some of the following – hair loss, skin burn/damage etc.!

Patients should be kept away from unnecessary examinations, the most possible; as this will limit them getting exposed more to such radiations, and they can have better quality of life.

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Cardiac CT scan is viable for extent, location and presence of calcified plaque in coronary arteries; a brief outline!

 

Computed tomography is a non-invasive medical technology that uses specialized x-ray system and computer for cross-sectional image (slices) construction of the body organs/tissues; the imaging approach is viable for diagnosis/therapy of a variety of medical conditions.

In comparison to traditional x-ray procedures, CT scan is appropriate for precise and clear details about internal organs, tissues etc.; the imaging technology is a practicable approach for to recognize, rule out medical conditions/disorder, and to plan, guide and monitor therapy.

As the technology involves ionizing radiation, pregnant women and infants/children require to be managed cautiously, and suggested usually for expert consultation, prior they go for one.

For patients with calcium deposits in arteries (coronary calcium), cardiac CT scan scoring is apt for the calcium scoring; the technology makes it easy for recognition of the extent, location and presence of calcified plaque in coronary arteries.

In case of Atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), plaques/fatty material get deposited on the inner wall of the artery; advancement of such in the long run narrows down the arteries – this hinders the blood flow, to the heart, and patients with such deposits are prone to heart attacks.

Similar to coronary artery calcium CT scan for coronary artery disease, various other imaging modalities are used for cardiac disorders/irregularities, and cardiac MRI is one.

Since MRI does not involve ionizing radiation, it is safe on patients; cardiac MRI is workable for structure/function of the heart in patients with irregularities/cardiac disorders; cardiac MRI sequences are apt for diagnosis/assessment of following conditions – heart failure, cardiac tumors, heart valve disorder etc.!

Stay tuned with MedicExchange for more on CT, MRI and other imaging modalities; new technology innovations, equipment vendors and related!

Have an overview, how computed tomography is viable for bowel/colorectal cancer!

 

In Computed tomography, as we know, X-rays are used to scan body organs/tissues, where a computer unit is employed for cross-sectional image (slice) construction. The technology is feasible for a variety of medical conditions; in case of patients with cancer/colorectal polyps, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is a practicable approach over traditional colonoscopy procedure, for the diagnosis.

Colonoscopy (endoscopic procedure) is commonly used to visualize interior of the colon/large intestine for irregular growths, tissue inflammation, bleeding and ulcers. The large bowel cancer includes cancerous growth on colon, rectum/alimentary canal, appendix; in the U.S., death rate due to colon/colorectal cancer is high, in contrast to other medical conditions.

For patients suspected of cancer/polyps in the large intestine, computed tomography colonography is a feasible approach for early-stage detection of such, so that the tumor could be taken out, prior it develops further.

People that have a family history, or at increased risk of colorectal cancer (malignant disorder) are proposed for an early scan; men and women, 50+ years are even suggested to go for colon cancer/polyps screening, taking expert consultation.

Various medical groups/associations suggest individuals for – CT colonography once in every 5 years, and colonoscopy in every 10 years.

Stay tuned with MedicExchange, for various health related blogs and stories, from the radiology community, and related!

Have an overview, how computed tomography is a practicable approach for cardiac applications.

 

Computed tomography, is an imaging approach, where x-rays and computer unit are used for cross-sectional images (slices) of the body, for varied therapeutic/diagnostic approaches.

CT imaging is feasible for to identify, and to bar/rule out any disorder, or medical condition that any patient has; the technology involves ionizing radiation, and is always suggested to be used with caution for children and pregnant women.

Other than identification/diagnosis of disorders, and for irregularities, the technology is even widely used for to plan, guide and monitor therapy.

Computed tomography has applications in varied medical conditions; in case of coronary CT angiogram (cardiac CT), IV contrast agents are used for 3-dimensional high-resolution images of heart (in motion) and vessels.

The process is even referred to as multi-slice computed tomography; here the patient is placed on a motorized table, x-ray beam from the source is passed through the body of the patient, which is captured by the detector, opposite to the x-ray source; images from varied angles are collected in one rotation.

The imaged data is passed on to computer for 3-dimensional reconstruction, for cross-sectional slices (images) of the organ/tissues; through a coronary CTA, care providers can get to know about calcium deposits/plaque in arteries.

This non-invasive approach is feasible for patients that have coronary artery blockage; in contrast to cardiac catheterization, coronary CTA is comparatively faster and effective for the patients, but for coronary artery stenosis and related, coronary angiogram remains always the first approach.

If you require a computed tomography device today for various cardiac applications, at your specialized care facility, then we are here to help you out on it.

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Now, you can even shop online for different types of health/medical equipment easily, through us; contact us for data about companies with their e-shops, available with us!

The heterogeneous beam of x-rays has made radiography feasible for medical applications; an overview!

 

In radiography, image is produced on a radio-sensitive surface through radiation, other than the visible light; x-ray is used for to view cross-sectional regions of the human body; through the developed image – regions of varied composition and density can be ascertained, precisely.

X-ray beams that are passed through the body are captured by a detector, for two-dimensional structural representation; the diagnostic approach is feasible for to identify out shape, position and size of various organs, viz. liver, stomach, heart, kidneys etc.!

The technology is even common in dental practice, for conditions and disorders, as is used to capture images of following: teeth, alveolar bone, and the maxilla etc.

Radiography is used for various clinical approaches to image, subsequent – skull, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, thorax, sinuses, joints and extremities etc.

Since, the technology uses ionizing radiation, procedures on pregnant women and children always require caution, to keep them on the safer side. Contrast to plain film tomography, in computed tomography, computer-aided reconstruction is utilized for three-dimensional representation of the patient.

Stay connected with MedicExchange, for more on: X-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography and other imaging approaches, and to acquire new and refurbished imaging equipment and supplies, to restructure your care facility.

Age, sex, size of the patient, their medical condition, and relevant dosage are some of factors for radiation dose optimization: study

 

A chest computed tomography allows for precise images of chest structures, viz. lungs and related; in comparison to standard chest x-ray imaging, a chest CT scan is more feasible for more detailed images. (Courtesy: Journal of the American College of Radiology)

Through with a chest CT scan – shape, position and size of lungs and other structures can be visualized, for any irregularities in the chest; a chest CT is common for chest related issues: pain in the chest, dyspnea, cough etc.

Since the technology uses ionizing radiation, dose optimization in chest CT scan requires to be analyzed over, for the patients; asymptomatic patients should be kept away from an unneeded CT scan, considering their medical condition.

Age-sex-size of the patient, their medical condition, relevant dosage – all need to be ascertained, as are vital while a patient is being examined over.

Inappropriate radiation during a chest CT can possibly harm lungs, breasts and other organs; in comparison to adults, pediatric cases are suggested to be given less radiation, during a chest CT, to keep them on the safer side.

Restriction of scan length is even recommended by medical researchers; lowered tube current/voltage for thin patients, mechanical exposure control and related were considered the relevant scan parameters for to bring down radiation dose for chest computed tomography in pediatric patients.

No prior evidences are available that full-body CT scan would provide vital information to forestall a health issue – asserts, FDA

 

Computed tomography is a feasible technology for early cancer warnings, cardiac disorders and various other irregularities.

Computed tomography is extensively utilized for identification of a disorder, trauma, or irregularity in patients, with likely evidences; the technology is plausible for to plan, guide and monitor therapy; image slices through tomography facilitate for detailed view of body structures.

Electron beam and multi-slice computed tomographies are some that are utilized for calcium in coronary arteries, and related.

Recently, the trend has that computerized axial tomography is being widely used for whole-body scan, and related; the technology can be put in use for preventative measures, unknown disorders, and to uncover problems when they can be treated – which has made people prone to x-ray exposure. (Courtesy: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Full-body CT scan is one, where the whole body of the patient is scanned for any disorder; there has been no scientific evidence yet that whole-body CT scanning of any patient without prior evidence provide for more benefit, than causing harm to them.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has to ensure security and effectiveness of medical equipment, and it restricts CT system manufacturers to market its use for full-body scan of people with no disease symptoms, though the agency has not regulated medical practitioners for device usage they find relevant.

In contrast to various other X-ray approaches, computed tomography ensue in comparatively high radiation exposure; the hazards related with such exposures are in great numbers outbalanced by gains of therapeutic/diagnostic CT.

The full-body CT scan for symptomless people is under question, regarding – differentiation of healthy and disease affected people; additional risk (invasive therapies) associated with suspicious finding etc.

No prior evidences are available that full-body CT scan would provide vital information to forestall a health issue; there are chances that – an irregular finding may not be grave, and a normal finding may be imprecise. Likelihood is there that computed tomography, like other techniques will miss to locate some medical conditions; false findings will lead to unneeded examinations, and poor outcome.

Full-body CT scan is not suggested by medical professional association for asymptomatic individuals; it is vital that individuals carefully consider benefits and hazards associated with CT, prior they go for one.

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An optical scanner, with high resolution and accuracy than computed tomography is feasible for precision of various physical models, and to indicate potential error sources: study

 

The research was contributed by Gianni Frisardi, Giacomo Chessa, Sandro Barone, Alessandro Paoli, Armando Razionale, and Flavio Frisardi from “Epochè” Orofacial Pain Center, Nettuno (Rome), Italy; Department of Prosthetic Rehabilitation, University of Sassari, Italy; and Department of Mechanical, Nuclear and Production Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy.

An accurate placement of dental implants is a vital step to optimize – functional restraints and prosthetic aspects; virtual guiding systems have become basic tool for ideal implant position; based on CT data, intricate periodontal surgeries can be executed through preoperative plan.

The crucial point – of the process depends on lack of precision in passing CT planning data to surgical field through tailor-made stereo-lithographic surgical guides.  (Courtesy: BioMed Central)

A new technique was suggested for to monitor loss of precision in conveying CT dental information into periodontal surgical field; the technique was based on incorporating 3-dimensional data of preoperative and anatomical prototypes, acquired by computed tomography and optical scanning procedures.

Fully edentulous (toothless) jaw patient encompassed the study, to evaluate precision of varied steps in producing surgical guides; in specific, a surgical guide had been devised to lay implants in the bone structure; the results facilitated clinicians to check for all the errors occurring at various levels, for physical templates.

Conclusion: utilization of an optical scanner that has high resolution and precision than computed tomography demonstrated well for accuracy of varied physical models accepted, and to indicate potential error sources.

The combination of CT-based metrics possibly, upon collateral studies, facilitate for non-invasive discovery of pulmonary hypertension, and consecutively for decision of right heart catheterization in patients.

 

The medical research was contributed by: Andrew L Chan, Maya M Juarez, David K Shelton, Taylor MacDonald, Chin-Shang Li, Tzu-Chun Lin, and Timothy E Albertson from the Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care and Sleep Medicine; Department of Radiology; Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics; and Department of Statistics, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.

Early identification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) can possibly enhance endurance level, and quality of life; for patients with fibrosis/hyperinflation, detection of pulmonary hypertension through echocardiography is many times unyielding. Right heart catheterization for the same is hazardous and expensive; predetermined measurements through computed tomography of the chest is non-invasive approach for detection of pulmonary hypertension. (Courtesy: BioMed Central)

About 101 inpatients were retroactively examined by, that sequentially passed through chest CT and right heart catheterization; two distinct teams, comprised of radiologist/pulmonologist – blinded to the right heart catheterization and clinical data, independently examined the chest CT

Chest CT and right heart catheterization were executed a mean of 3 days aside; about 46% of right heart catheterization were done, the very day as chest CT, most were contrast-enhanced; about 43% of patients in the PH group had an increased pulmonary wedge pressure.

No considerable deviation in age, height/sex could be established among the groups – PH, and no-PH; most of PH patients were obese, in contrast to the other group.

Subsequent measurements for patients were registered – patient diagnoses and demographics, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure; body surface area and body mass index were calculated by.

Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher’s exact test were put in use for equations along PH and no-PH groups; statistical analyses were performed from CT data; significant predictors of PH in hospitalized patients were established through multiple regression analyses.

Conclusion: the combination of CT-based metrics possibly, upon collateral studies, facilitate for non-invasive discovery of pulmonary hypertension, and consecutively for decision of right heart catheterization in patients.