February 2008 Blog Archive
Friday, February 29, 2008
Fashion Forward: Imaging-Capable Clothing
We are starting to see a new merging of the fashion world and the medical world as new technology becomes enhanced as well as accessible to a larger portion of the population. Clothing is being developed which can monitor your heart rate and overall well-being in order to inform you of medical problems as soon as they arise. While many people are starting to use this new clothing in the gym, it points to the potential for daily wear that is designed to protect your health on a regular basis.
You can learn more about this monitoring clothing
here.
Right now it seems far-fetched to say that imaging technology could also one day be a part of your clothing. The training that is required to properly use imaging equipment makes it impossible for the average person to safely utilize it in their clothing. But that doesn't mean that there won't be a day when some version of imaging scans can be used by the average person. Seems impossible now but it wasn't that long ago that heart monitors in your gym clothes seemed like something out of a space movie.
Question of the Day: What do you think of the merging of fashion and medicine?photo link
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Stroke Scans more Important in U.S. than Overseas
It is important for people all over the world to consider getting a
heart scan in order to detect and prevent heart disease and strokes. However, it turns out that it may be considerably more important for people in the United States to get the heart scan than it is for their European counterparts. That is because a
new study reveals that strokes are much more prevalent in the United States than they are overseas.
The men in the United States are over sixty percent more likely than the men in Europe to suffer from a stroke. The women in the United States are also more likely to suffer from a stroke than their European counterparts. This points to a widespread problem in the U.S. which is due in large part to our dietary and exercise habits here in the United States.
Prevention includes readjusting our way of life as well as making sure that we take preventive measures to diagnose and treat heart disease. An imaging doctor can recommend the right types of scanning technology for this kind of preventive detection.
Question of the Day: Why do you think United States residents are so much more likely than Europeans to suffer from strokes?photo link
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Alzheimer's More Likely to Be Caught by Computer than by Doctors
Chances are that you would rather have a real person look at your
brain scan than to have a computer review it without a doctor's help. However, you could be making a mistake if you choose the doctor in this scenario for diagnosis early dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A
new study found that computers were more accurate at detecting Alzheimer's from a brain scan than doctors were. Computers can "look" at a clinical MRI scan and detect whether or not it's affected by Alzheimer's with an accuracy of up to 96%.
In addition to the fact that the results of these tests are more accurate than those of human brain scan reviews, there are economic benefits to using this method of diagnosis. A computer's time isn't nearly as valuable (or costly) as that of a doctor. Locations with limited medical professionals as resources can use this method to increase efficiency for their patients.
Question of the Day: Would you prefer having a computer or a doctor read your brain scan now that you've heard this information?photo link
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Just a Mammogram Isn't Enough
Women who are getting older all know that they need to get an annual mammogram. If they don't realize this, their doctors will tell them. But what their doctors may neglect to inform them is that the mammogram alone may not be sufficient to diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages.
A
new study reveals that some women may greatly benefit from adding a
breast ultrasound to the standard annual mammogram that they have completed. This ultrasound is designed to catch cancerous tumors in addition to those detected by the mammogram. Women with breast cancer histories in the family should be asking their doctors about this information.
Not everyone needs to get this kind of screening. However, it's important to bring it up in conversation with your doctor in order to determine whether it's necessary for you. If you don't mention it, your doctor may just assume that the mammogram is all you want done.
Question of the Day: Do you get your annual mammogram?photo link
Monday, February 25, 2008
New Computer Technology for Imaging Professionals
When we think about
new technology for imaging professionals, we normally think about new scanning technology. There are regularly new MRI-type machines being created in order to improve the strength and quality of imaging results. However, that's not the only kind of technology that imaging professionals use.
Imaging professionals must also use technology to review and organize the information from their patients' scans. A new web-based management software program called Telerad aims to assist those professionals in doing that more efficiently and successfully.
"Telerad enables teleradiologists to access their studies over the Web from any computer, while maintaining HIPAA compliance, and keeps both stationary images and animations in an FDA-compliant Dicom format, so accurate measurements can be taken as though the doctor were actually in the office with the patient." (press release)
This new software technology is available for use on all types of scan technology including
PET scans, MRIs, CT scans and other imaging options.
Question of the Day: How do you see imaging technology of this kind changing in the next five years?photo link
Friday, February 22, 2008
Studying Brain Tumors
An
article available online now takes a look at what brain tumors are and how they are diagnosed and treated. While the overview that this article provides is fairly simplistic, it does offer some interesting insight into the different imaging that can be used in a
brain scan.
Specifically, the article talks both about the CT Scan and the MRI as ways of diagnosing a brain tumor. It describes the way that CT scans use Xray technology where as MRIs use magnet technology. Of course, that's a very basic breakdown but it can help someone who is undergoing tumor diagnosis to better understand what's going on.
In most cases, the brain scan that will be done is going to be the MRI. In addition to diagnosing tumors, this scan can be used to assess the patient for stroke risk and to determine damage done to the inside of the head.
Question of the Day: What would be the first question that you would have about brain tumor diagnosis?photo link
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Changes in Brain Imaging
AuntMinnie.com has just published
the first part of their two-part article on
brain imaging. This is something worth checking out whether you are a professional working in the imaging field or a patient interested in learning more about the advances that are being made in this area of medicine. The article discusses the issues that are present in imaging today and the advances that medical researchers are working on in order to improve brain imaging. This information is of particular interest to those who are concerned about technology for stroke victims.
The article explains that the stroke imaging that is visible with a CT scan actually differs significantly from the true physiology of the brain. While the CT scan provides valuable information to doctors, it doesn't do as much as it needs to in order to assist doctors in preventing and treating strokes. The article points out that
PET imaging is going a step further than CT imaging in this area.
Question of the Day: Did you know that strokes are the second leading cause of death around the world?photo link
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Non-invasive MRI for Joint Disease Detection
We've discussed the importance of the MRI in scanning for information about
sports injuries. It turns out that the MRI can also be used to scan the limbs for other joint problems including degenerative joint diseases. This is done through using something called GAG mapping. GAG mapping may also be useful in diagnosing disease in tissues.
"The early monitoring of the GAG concentration will allow one to provide preventive diagnostics, as well as a tool for monitoring the efficacy of potential drug therapies," Dr. Alexej Jerschow, at the New York University School of Medicine, told Reuters Health. "Measuring GAG concentrations in vivo will also allow us to better understand the mechanism of diseases." (Source)
This method of MRI testing is important on a number of levels then. First, it can be used as a non-invasive method of diagnosing and therefore preventing degenerative joint problems. Second, it can be developed as a non-invasive technique for diagnosing other diseases. And finally, it is a means of providing additional information to medical researchers about the development and spread of a variety of disease.
Question of the Day: Does MRI, PET or CT scan technology interest you most?photo link
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
PET Better than CT Scan for Certain Things
A
PET scan is significantly different from the other types of scans (such as CT scans) which are available for detecting disease. Although it's not always necessary to use a PET scan, it can often be the best option for seeing what needs to be seen by a doctor. A
recent study showed that to be the case specifically for detecting malignant solitary pulmonary modules.
"Detecting and characterizing solitary pulmonary nodules is important because malignant nodules represent a potentially curable form of lung cancer. Identifying which (nodules) are most likely to be malignant enables physicians to initiate the proper therapy before local or distant metastases develop." (source)
Normally the progression of testing proceeds from one type of scan to another. In other words, your doctor will probably first have you get checked out with a CT scan and then might order a PET scan to obtain additional medical information. However, this study points to the fact that there are some cases in which the PET scan is probably the better scan right from the start.
Question of the Day: What questions do you have about PET scans?photo link
Monday, February 18, 2008
Beware of MRI Accidents
It is not uncommon to get an
MRI at your local hospital or doctors' office. This scanning technology is used for many different types of ailments from
sports injuries to vague health concerns. However, you should know that some doctors aren't on top of their stuff when it comes to the MRI.
The Joint Commission of Oakbrook, IL has
issued a report warning people that MRI accidents are steadily increasing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received nearly 400 reports of MRI-related accidents over the past decade. Over 70% of these were burns, while 10% occurred when metal objects became "missiles" when pulled into the scanner's magnetic field. (source)
Stronger MRI magnets and a higher level of anesthesia seem to contribute to the increase in accidents. It should be noted that these numbers are relatively small in comparison with the number of MRI scans done annually. A smart patient will not be afraid of the MRI but will take precautions to make sure that technicians are alert and aware during the procedure.
Question of the Day: What precautions would you take to protect yourself from a bad MRI experience?photo link
Friday, February 15, 2008
What to Expect from a PET Scan
If you've been scheduled for a PET scan, you might be wondering what to expect. Here are the things that you should know before the scan is done:
- You'll need to refrain from eating or drinking anything before the procedure. Your doctor will remind you of that.
- An IV will be inserted into your hand to allow non-damaging radioactive glucose to enter the body.
- You will wait about an hour in a waiting area while this flows through your body.
- You will then lie on your back and enter the PET scan machine. Your scan will be completed in just a few minutes.
- After a short resting period, you can leave the hospital and wait for your results.
- If the results are negative, you may do re-testing in upcoming years depending on your condition.
Question of the Day: What frightens you most about procedures like the PET Scan?photo link
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Today's a Great Day to Schedule a Heart Scan
Happy Valentine's Day!
Today is a day to celebrate love. However, it's also a day that you might want to think about your health. The things which are traditionally associated with Valentine's Day - including hearts and sweet candies - are important symbols of health. In honor of that symbolism, you might want to think about treating yourself with a little love by calling your doctor and scheduling a preventive
heart scan.
Heart disease is a serious threat to the health of many Americans. The good news is that much of the disease that occurs can be treated if caught early. However, the bad news is that many people fail to take preventive measures to make sure that this is the case. Don't be one of those sad stories; take care of the health of your heart. After all, you love yourself don't you?
Question of the Day: What would cause you to hesitate about getting a heart scan?photo link
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
6 Areas of the Body Scanned by MRI
Yesterday we discussed that the
MRI scan can be used to scan for injuries in the bodies of athletes. These scans are frequently done on the extremeties (the arms and legs) because this is where most sports injuries occur.
However, there are other parts of the body that can be scanned in addition to the extremeties. Here are the five other types of MRI scans:
- Chest / Breast. The breast MRI can screen for cancer but this can also checks out the thoracic spine.
- Cervical spine and neck.
- Head and face. This is used for head injuries, tumor concerns and problems with the face and jaw.
- Abdomen. This scan is important for garnering information about the organs located in the middle of the body. It also scans the lumbar spine.
- Pelvis. This scan is used for both men and women.
Question of the Day: What MRI scan do you think you'd be most likely to need?photo link
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Why the MRI is Always in Sports News
People who follow sports news probably know that the MRI is frequently used to determine the extent of an athlete's injuries after an accident has taken place. However, most people don't really know what an MRI does and why it's used in cases like these.
The
MRI scan is able to determine many different aspects of an injury. Like an X-ray, it can determine if there are fractures in certain bones in the body. More importantly, it can provide additional detailed information about any damage that has been done to the tendons, ligaments or cartilage of the body. It can also determine if an infection or tumor in the body caused the area to be more prone to sensitivity.
The MRI is used because it provides the most information to doctors about the condition of the body. An athlete must be in tip top shape in order to be at the top of his or her game. The MRI helps make sure that athletes don't get back on the court or field before their bodies are ready.
Question of the Day: Whart sports do you know of where MRIs are used to detect injuries?photo link
Monday, February 11, 2008
What's in a Name?
As a patient (or a doctor) do you care about the name of the company that supplies the products used in your treatment? Many people wouldn't think twice about the name of their medical supply providers but the fact of the matter is that we make automatic assumptions about a product or business because of the name associated with it.
Perhaps that's why
brain scan software provider Kyron Clinical Imaging has decided to
change its name. The company will now be called by the much more image-producing name Prism Clinical Imaging. Whether or not this impacts their business is yet to be seen but it has teh potential to communicate the company's vision in a new way.
Question of the Day: Would you be more inclined to use brain imaging software marketed under the name Kyron or Prism?photo link
Friday, February 08, 2008
Breast MRI isn't a Cure-All but it is Important
The
breast cancer MRI was considered to be one of the
major medical advances achieved in 2007. This form of screening is done after a woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is believed to provide a more accurate picture of the extent of the disease and to therefore guide treatment decisions made between doctors and patients.
However, the breast MRI isn't right for everyone. A
recent study has shown that the breast cancer MRI does not improve breast-conservation treatment in certain women. "Women who have received radiation therapy for early-stage invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ" may benefit from the breast MRI in determining the extent of the cancer but this will not assist them in saving the breast.
This doesn't indicate that there is anything wrong with the breast MRI. Indeed, more information is always better when determining treatment options. The breast MRI provides exactly that - increased access to important medical information. However, it's not a cure-all for cancer, just a diagnostic tool to assist in prevention and treatment.
Question of the Day: Do you find it to be disappointing news that the breast MRI doesn't help with breast conservation?photo link
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Thomas Jefferson University Working on New PET Imaging
There was
an announcement made recently that Thomas Jefferson University would be working in conjunction with a company called
NuView Radiopharmaceuticals to develop a new type of
PET scan imaging. The two organizations came to an agreement about the development and distribution of the product which is designed to improve imaging for both breast and prostate cancers.
The new PET imaging, which will be further developed by the university through funding provided by the company, is believed to have the potential to improve multiple areas of the medical approach to treating these cancers. For one thing, it is believed to allow for earlier diagnosis which leads to disease prevention. And for another, it is hopeful that this imaging will assist in the monitoring of treatment to improve the medical care given to these patients.
Question of the Day: What role do you think companies like this should play in supporting medical research at universities?photo link
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Johns Hopkins Implements New MRI For Use With Broader Range of Patients
Johns Hopkins, a leading medical center which has paved the way for many technologies over time, is the first hospital to
begin implementing a new type of MRI which could make this type of scanning technology useful for a broader range of patients than ever before. In the past, sensitive patients such as children and the elderly have not been able to tolerate the MRI scan. With this new technology, that may change, allowing patients full access to the medical benefits of this type of preventive imaging.
Basically, this new MRI (called the Verio) is shorter in length and wider in circumference. This helps reduce the anxiety that many people may feel inside of an MRI scanner. It also makes it possible to use this type of scanner on people that can't use a normal scanner, people such as those who are obese. This means that a bigger group of people can now use the MRI to get information about their health.
This is particularly important since many people are calling the MRI the imaging machine of choice. It can provide a wealth of information to medical care providers to assist patients and their doctors in making decisions about their health.
Question of the Day: Would you be more inclined to use an MRI if the machine itself were less frightening?photo link
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Your Neighborhood Could Affect the Screening You Get
An interesting
new study reveals that women who live in Chicago's gentrifying neighborhoods are not as likely as their female counterparts in other neighborhoods to get early breast cancer screening. This leads to a wider hypothesis that the screening and preventive care experienced by those in neighborhoods undergoing gentrification may be lacking.
The assumption was that as neighborhoods got better, preventive health care would be more likely. However, this doesn't seem to be the case. It is believed that the disruption to life in general makes it likely that people in this transitionary place in life will not seek out preventive health care but will instead wait for symptoms to develop before taking the time to see a doctor.
"The UIC researchers suggest that women living in upward-changing neighborhoods may experience disruption of social networks, interruption in access to health care services, and stress relating to social isolation and financial problems as housing costs rise." (source)
The hope is that people will begin to recognize this problem and engage in active education about the importance of preventive health in neighborhoods across the nation that are currently undergoing gentrification.
Question of the Day: Does this information surprise you?photo link
Monday, February 04, 2008
Imaging Becoming Key to Injection Treatments
Medical professionals who have been working at the molecular level to test out important new treatments traditionally take an approach of coating the muscles with the treatment and waiting for the results to occur. In the future, we are likely to see more targeted use of treatments to the specific areas designed to receive the medicine. This will be done using the kind of imaging techniques that are common for preventive health screening.
Imaging can be used to guide doctors to the right spots in the body for delivering injections. This method is much more efficient as it allows for a better understanding of what's going on in the body as a result of the medical treatment. "Future interventional radiology suites will likely require PET/CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy units." (
source).
This will be helpful for treating a whole range of different medical problems. For example, it can be used in
vein treatment to better target the vein or artery that is blocked and requires medical intervention. As imaging improves, so will the ability of doctors to treat a range of different diseases and medical problems.
Question of the Day: What types of imaging have played a role in your medical treatment in the past?photo link
Friday, February 01, 2008
CT Scans Get Smaller, Stay Efficient
Would you be concerned if you found out that your doctor was looking at your CT head scan on a handheld PDA instead of on his desktop computer? If so, you'd be jumping to false conclusions about his inefficiency. It
turns out that scans viewed on PDA's are just as efficient as those viewed at workstations.
A study in Ireland reviewed
CT scans "for reporting the presence of an acute intracranial hemorrhage". Doctors were asked to review scans on a PDA using a particular grading system that assessed how clear and useful the scan was. Later, doctors were asked to review the same scans on a standard CT viewing workstation. The determination was that the smaller handheld device was just as effective as its bigger counterpart at providing the necessary information for treatment.
This is important because it allows doctors to achieve increased mobility without compromising the quality of patient care. This will be increasingly true as better technologies are developed for mobile devices.
Question of the Day: Would you be comfortable having your doctor view your CT head scan on a PDA?photo link
