MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'ct scan'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:59:20 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158995&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Freducing-the-use-of-ct-scans-in-children%2F2011.08.25 Well, this is satisfying. Over the years, in our ER we have mirrored the nationwide trend and have significantly increased the utilization of CT scans across the board. The reasons are manifold. Some cite malpractice risks, and indeed in our large group we have had one lawsuit for a pediatric head injury and another for a missed appendicitis which probably did contribute. But, in my opinion, there have been many other drivers of the increased use. For one, CTs have gotten way, way better over the last 15 years, which quite simply has made them a better diagnostic tool. They’ve also gotten way faster. As the facilities have invested in CT scanners, they have increased their capacity and increased their staffing, so the barriers to their use have rapidly diminished. I am so old that I ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158995 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0100 5158995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086173&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-technology-enables-doctors-to-diagnose-lung-nodules-without-surgery%2F2011.07.31 Every year, a half million bronchoscopies are performed in the U.S. in order to investigate lesions within patients’ lungs. Because conventional bronchoscopy cannot reach the distant regions of the lungs, more invasive surgical procedures are often needed to diagnose lung nodules that may be malignant. The General Thoracic Surgery Division at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia has begun using a new technology, superDimension Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ (ENB). ENB creates a computer-generated reconstruction of the lungs from a CT scan of the tracheobronchial tree, explains Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD, FRCS (C), FACS, Director, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery. Using these reconstructed images, the system creates a visual pathway so that surgeons can guide steerable catheters to w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086173 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:00:28 +0100 5086173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028216&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmisleading-medical-tweets-could-cause-harm%2F2011.07.14 This is not a lesson about the limitations of 140-character messages on Twitter. Rather, it is a warning about careless Tweets that mischaracterize the real meat of the message in longer stories linked to in the Twitter message. As I wrote on Twitter in response to these two episodes, “Better not to Tweet on complex health care topics than to mischaracterize your own story with a misleading 140 characters.” First, my friend Andrew Holtz caught the fact earlier this week that Men’s Health Magazine tweeted: If you’re a smoker, you NEED to get a CT scan. Here’s why: http://ow.ly/5x34y That “here’s why” link took you to a Men’s Health Magazine story, that despite being headlined “The Medical Test Every Smoker Needs,” went on to ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028216 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:00:49 +0100 5028216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997773&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbrain-scanned.html I had a routine brain scan today, my first in two years. It was pretty uneventful (they got the vein for the contrast dye on the first poke) and was over relatively quickly.I can call for results in a week or so. And I'll probably be told that everything is fine. I wish things were like in the movies, though and a few minutes after the test, a doctor would look at the images and then we'd discuss them.I never get to see the pictures. Wouldn't you like to see images of your brain?This is Patrick Denker's brain. I would like to see mine.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997773 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:31:00 +0100 4997773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953279&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fshort-term-planning.html I kind of left you in suspense yesterday.I was sitting an exam room, waiting to see my oncologist to discuss whether I could continue my break from chemo. Here's what happened next:We waited.We played a little Lexulous.I knit. My hands shook a little. And then the door swung open and Dr. B. entered the room. Dr. B. is not my oncologist. The cancer centre has a title called GPO (which I assume means general practitioner - oncology) for doctors who work with the oncologists. I hadn't seen Dr. B. in more than a year and without hesitating, we hugged each other - something I've never done with any doctor. She's wonderful and she's the only doctor I trust as much as my oncologist.After a physical exam (liver is where it should be and the size it should be. Chest sounds fine) and looki... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953279 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4953279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893453&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstop-watches-may-be-better-than-ct-scans-at-predicting-heart-disease%2F2011.06.02 It is hardly news to say that we need better means to predict who will die of heart disease. No matter how much you may hear about medical errors, hospital acquired infections, or even distracted driving, it’s still heart disease that kills the most of us. The inflammation that begins narrowing our arteries starts when we are young. It percolates quietly, stealth-like for years. The young usually skate by unscathed. But all the cookies, beers, chips, inactivity and work stress adds up. The tension of life squeezes our arteries, daring them to crack or fissure. This cataclysm is one of the ways that middle age may introduce herself. A friend, or colleague, or sibling dies suddenly of heart problems. Those of us that our “masters-aged” have likely felt these sensations of sadness, and ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893453 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:00:39 +0100 4893453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762767&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcase-report-a-third-cerebellar-hemisphere%2F2011.04.28 We present a structural anomaly of the cerebellum, which we believe has not been previously reported. A 16-month-old girl presented to the pediatric outpatient department with some delayed developmental milestones. She was full-term with a normal vaginal delivery and no history suggestive of perinatal asphyxia. The motor milestones were delayed, and the child could not stand. The other milestones, including language and socialization, were normal. Examination revealed a bony hard swelling in the occipital region, which, according to the mother, was noticed soon after birth. The occipitofrontal circumference was 52 cm, and the anterior fontanelle was open. There was generalized hypotonia, and the deep tendon reflexes were depressed. Mild truncal ataxia was observed, but there was no nystagm... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762767 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:06 +0100 4762767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747616&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffalse-positives-and-the-dangers-of-too-much-ct-scanning%2F2011.04.24 On the US News & World report website, Dr. Kenny Lin writes as a physician and a concerned observer about “Dangers of Incidentaloma: Why To Think Twice Before Getting a CT Scan.” It’s an important issue. Give it a look. Lin’s blog, “The Common Sense Family Doctor,” is also worth visiting. Recently he cited one of my alltime favorite essays, “The Last Well Person,” by Dr. Clifton Meador, who wrote in 1994: “The demands of the public for definitive wellness are colliding with the public’s belief in a diagnostic system that can find only disease. A public in dogged pursuit of the unobtainable, combined with clinicians whose tools are powerful enough to find very small lesions, is a setup for diagnostic excess. And false positives... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747616 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:00:46 +0100 4747616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477768&cid=t_99883_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FPu9i7P_4BJg%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477768 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:57:32 +0100 4477768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214124&cid=t_99883_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F4Kz2HNaCB_Y%2F A gun shot wound to the head provides the basis for a question-and-answer based discussion on penetrating traumatic brain injury and multi-modal monitoring. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214124 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:50 +0100 4214124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4167957&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Flung-cancer-ct-scan-marketing-spreads-across-the-country%2F2010.11.15 Last week, after the National Lung Screening Trial results were released, David Sampson, American Cancer Society director of medical and scientific communications, wrote that “our greatest fear was that forces with an economic interest in the test would sidestep the scientific process and use the release of the data to start promoting CT scans. Frankly, even we are surprised how quickly that has happened.” And, yes, the marketing has even hit fly-over country in the Twin Cities, with this ad appearing in the Sunday Minneapolis Star Tribune in the “A” section: Of course, no where in the ad will you read about the potential harms of such scans, the false positive rate, what happens when you get a false positive (unnecessary followup testing and perhaps unnecessary t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4167957 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:00:34 +0100 4167957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139234&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fscreening-for-lung-cancer-new-findings-and-continued-controversy%2F2010.11.05 Lung cancer screening has been an area of considerable controversy. Before today, there had been no evidence that screening patients for lung cancer, either with a CT scan or chest x-ray, saved lives. For years, doctors have been waiting for the results of the large, randomized National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), conducted by the National Cancer Institute. [Yesterday] it was announced that the trial was stopped early, with a bold, positive finding: All participants had a history of at least 30 pack-years, and were either current or former smokers without signs, symptoms, or a history of lung cancer. As of Oct. 20, 2010, the researchers saw a total of 354 deaths from lung cancer in the CT group, compared with 442 in the chest x-ray group. That amounts to a 20.3% reduction in lung cancer ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139234 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:00:08 +0100 4139234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027163&cid=t_99883_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FeCUrr0uaRRw%2F Sternal fractures result from severe blunt chest trauma, and cause significant pain to the patient. Treatment is tailored around adequate analgesia, with surgical intervention only warranted in limited cases. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027163 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 04:52:58 +0100 4027163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784260&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhigh-tech-scans-of-fruits-and-vegetables%2F2010.07.23 Medical Pastiche blogger Peter Zavislak, whom I can always count on to point out the unusual and interesting sides of medicine, sent me to a website that has nothing but pictures and videos of food in an MRI scanner. Here’s a series of images from their site of a cantaloupe as viewed from an MRI:    I just find myself thinking that these MRI machines aren’t cheap to run and maintain. Doctors and nurses used to be able to get “freebies” by buddying up with the X-ray, CT or MRI technologist and running a scan for free. Some hospitals allow their employees to test the machines after being set up or maintained to get images for testing purposes. I’m sure more than a technologist or radiologist or two have found incidentalomas from this practice. (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784260 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3784260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632401&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fwell-hello-there.html Yikes!It's been a while, hasn't it?I seem to have lost my blogging mojo. I remember a while back when Average Jane wrote that her blogging had been derailed (my word, not hers) by Twitter and Facebook. I get that now. Whenever I have a quick observation or a link to share, I can gratify myself instantly with Twitter (I'm lauriek, by the way). And while each tweet does go to Facebook and the sidebar of Not Just About Cancer (on the right - see it there?), it hasn't done much for my blogging.I don't want to give up the blog though, so I'll try and re-commit to posting regularly (how's that for hedging my bets?).On the cancer front, there is a little news. I loved having a break in April. That month also brought another clean CT scan. My oncologist continues to be happy with how things are go... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632401 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:09:00 +0100 3632401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494504&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fall-clear.html I got my CT results yesterday - via a very casual voice mail message:"This is A. calling from the Cancer Centre. Your scans were normal. Thank you."So there you have it. That's almost three years clean now.And now on to making two birthday cakes (D. is 7 today), cleaning the house and doing the myriad things one needs to do before going away for a few days.I'm not living the life I imagined for myself, but I'll take it.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494504 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:09:00 +0100 3494504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490826&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Freally-random-news.html 1. According to an article in the Globe andMail, women and men respond very differently when they are on the recieving end of an apology:“Women who are starved of an apology for rude or hurtful behaviour suffer an increase in blood pressure which can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke, a study found,” The Daily Telegraph reports. “But those who hear a well-timed ‘sorry’ calm down more quickly, with their blood pressure returning to normal 20 per cent faster, the research showed. Conversely, a man’s blood pressure takes 20 per cent longer to recover after an apology – suggesting men become more worked up after hearing an admission of guilt.” 2. My sister sent me an article from the CBC web site this morning, about a colossal cookbook typo with the subject line "Oops.... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490826 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:03:00 +0100 3490826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3454139&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fpictures-big-and-little.html I woke up yesterday morning with a sore throat and a headache.Here we go again. Having a compromised immune system is no picnic. In the last year, I missed my Toronto book launch because of the flu, got H1N1 on the day the vaccine became available, was hit by Norwalk virus when my spouse was away (and found myself crawling along my kitchen floor with a can opener to "make dinner", got pink eye and more little flus and colds than I want to count.Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells. It also destroys the cells that fight illness. Despite the fact that I try to limit my exposure to germs, wash my hands regularly, get enough sleep and eat well (not to mention the ten doses of Neupogen with which I inject myself after every treatment), I seem to fall prey to almost every little bug that passes my... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3454139 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0100 3454139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399131&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fperspective-in-grey.html On June 30th it will be three years since my first clean scan, after the cancer had spread to my liver.For almost three years, I have had no evidence of disease (been NED, in cancer lingo).And yet I remain in treatment.I am asked frequently why I continue to receive chemotherapy and Herceptin, if there is no sign of cancer in my body. And the truth is that I often ask myself the same question. Certainly, I don't feel like I have cancer. And I do feel that the cumulative effects - both physical and emotional of ongoing treatment are wearing me down.I am stuck in cancer's grey area.My oncologist said to me last summer, "For all we know, you could be cured."We just don't know enough.Another oncologist I spoke to, hinted that some would take me out of treatment at this point. A third suggested... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399131 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:20:00 +0100 3399131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092891&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Foh-oh.html "CT scan radiation may cause cancers"but on the other hand"Study: Coffee and tea may lower diabetes risk" (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092891 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:30:00 +0100 3092891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3056838&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fhello-again.html I'm back.All is well here, I just used up all my writing mojo in November writing a novel (more on that experience in a future post).Then I took a few days off to hang out with a wonderful friend and, well not write for a few days,And while I was gone from the blog November 24th (the anniversary of my diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer) and December 2nd (the anniversary of the night I found the first lump) came and went. I noted both events in passing, took the time to breathe deeply and be grateful, and then got on with my day.It's been four years since I found the lump. It's been three since the cancer spread to my liver. And it's been two and a half years since my first clean scan.I had an appointment with my oncologist yesterday. I had nothing to tell him. He said, "Shall we keep dr... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3056838 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:03:00 +0100 3056838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814650&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Ftired.html I've been really struggling with insomnia lately. Falling asleep is tricky enough, but remaining asleep is the real challenge.Most nights, I find myself awake plagued by questions:Where do I know the actor from who played the handyman in The Waterhorse?Should we have washed the dogs before we cleaned the carpets?What if my oncologist ordered a thoracic CT scan so soon after my last abdominal one because they heard something during my last exam (and not just because I hadn't had one in a long time)?Is the hat I'm making for D. going to be too small?Was the other movie The Truth About Cats and Dogs? (I looked it up. His name is Ben Chaplin and it he was the actor in both movies).Was I sent for two CT scans two weeks apart because of poor planning (or poor communicaiton) or is there something... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814650 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:30:00 +0100 2814650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807842&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Frandom-out-of-necessity.html It's Day 3 After Chemo and my brain is jumping around like a puppy with a burr up her butt. I can't focus on anything for more than a few seconds so here is a little bit of randomness:One:It appears that my family and I will be among the first in line for the H1N1 vaccine. My kids will be so thrilled.Two:My friend Jeanne, the Assertive Cancer Patient, posted about a reader in Texas who has $187,000 worth of Neupogen that she can't use:"Texas doesn't have a drug repository that would take this medicine and pass it on to someone who needs it, and she hates to see it go to waste, as do I. Any ideas, readers? Obviously, we can't break the law and put this stuff on eBay or Craigslist, so I am looking for legal ways to get these expensive drugs to someone who can use them."Three:Yesterday, I got... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807842 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:06:00 +0100 2807842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786243&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fct-results.html "It's good news!" said the voice on the other end of the phone. She sounded ecstatic. When you are nurse working in oncology, relaying good news must come as a welcome change."You're kidding!" I exclaim. Then, "I don't know why I always say that."She laughs. "Well, there is no change. It's stable." Seriously, she sounded giddy. We giggled some more.She said, "You have a wonderful week end." She really sounded like she meant it.Suddenly, I'm in the mood to celebrate. I already have dinner plans. And I probably would have had a beer anyway (they have Beau's. How could I resist?).Now, I may have two. But I doubt it. I will just enjoy the beer, the food and the company (six people I love), even more. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786243 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:17:00 +0100 2786243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768814&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fi-do-run-on.html The echocardiogram was fine, the doctor found nothing unusual when she examined me, my butt is sore today from all the biking, the technician got the vein on the first try before the ct scan, I will have results in about a week, I got to go on a great walk with my sister today, my kids and spouse have just left on a two night canoe trip and this evening, I am going out for a grown-up dinner.Life. Is. Good. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768814 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:30:00 +0100 2768814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2762116&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Froutine-anxiety.html Today and tomorrow I will make a total of three trips to the General Hospital for tests and an appointment with my oncologist (I toyed with the idea of staying at the hospital all day today but, with 4 and half hours between appointments, I chose to come home. This will mean an extra bike ride up the big hill that is Smythe Rd but I have chosen that as the lesser of two evils).These appointments will probably never stop making me anxious but I am feeling especially stressed out right now, perhaps because the timing is so compressed.This morning, I had an echo-cardiogram. This afternoon, I see the oncologist (My appointment was set a week earlier than it usually is in the cycle and his nurse insisted that I come in for the appointment, as opposed to calling in. This can't have anything to d... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2762116 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:15:00 +0100 2762116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685250&cid=t_99883_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fz8VydSNWAhM%2F Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of testing used to diagnose and track treatment of various diseases without using radiation. Instead, MRIs use magnets and radio waves to form the images. MRIs have other advantages over computed tomography (CT) scans and x-rays. The most important advantage is that MRIs can provide a greater contrast between the bones and the soft body tissues, like ligaments and muscles. X-rays have been around for more than a century now; MRIs are definitely the new kids on the block. They won’t replace x-rays but they can improve a doctor’s ability to diagnose and treat patients. MRIs may be done with or without a contrast dye, most commonly, gadolinium . If a dye is used, it is injected into your vein and is seen by the doctor as it makes its way ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685250 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:18:19 +0100 2685250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2648983&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7505 Turning CT Scans Into Electrifying Pieces of Art Diagnostic Radiology Specialist, Kai-hung Fung, takes the images from CT Scans (or ‘CAT’ scans, but that’s old school) and digitally manipulates them to create these electrifying pieces of art. More here from the Malaysian Medical Resources Medical Prodecure Photography (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2648983 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2648983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858820&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=39013&url=http%3A%2F%2Fironictwistoffate.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fscans-are-clean.html Ok, so normally I don't get scans, and I didn't tell anyone about this one too much ahead of time because I didn't want to jinx anything. I've been having some pain in my left breast - and it's been ongoing really for months. I even think I had it during chemo. It's just a dull, deep pain that happens every once in awhile. My oncologist thought it was my implants, but since getting my new expanders that are softer, *squishy* and more comfortable, my plastic surgeon thought otherwise. So my oncologist wanted to send me in for a CT scan and MRI. Turns out I can't do an MRI now because my expanders have a bit of metal in them - so the CT scan had to do. I knew it would be nothing, and thankfully, I was right. Nothing on my chest wall or lungs. I could potentially get an MRI after my permanent... Ironic Twist of Fate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858820 Mon, 04 May 2009 03:26:00 +0100 2858820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233222&cid=t_99883_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbattlingforhealthcom%2F%7E3%2FKXeOhKTz_2k%2F Resource Post for March Are people exposed to too much radiation in the name of diagnostic medicine? I was at the dentist for a normal check up earlier this week. This was my first visit at this particular clinic and I was surprised that I had to undergo an X-ray of my whole jaw. There I was sitting in the dentist’s chair with a computer screen in front of me showing the X-ray pictures of my jaw and my teeth as the dentist explained to me in detail what I have and I don’t have. The check up was very thorough as Swiss check ups tend to be. Really nice. But was the X-ray really necessary? Radiation exposure has been shown to be a risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast and thyroid cancer. Although medical devices usually use in low doses of radiation, these technol... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233222 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:57:13 +0100 2233222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190896&cid=t_99883_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FMWx6JcafVnY%2F The traditional way of angiography is accomplished by snaking a catheter through a patient’s blood vessels, where a dye is injected near the heart. Patients receiving this test will receive the same amount of radiation, which is found in other standard test such as nuclear stress test. When patients undergo CT scans they receive radiation equivalent 600 chest X-rays. The amount of radiation that that is given to a patient depends on where your health care provider sends you to have the CT scan. Some medical facilities take into consideration the size of the patient, when deciding on the dosage. The smaller the patient, the smaller the dosage. The technician may also pinpoint the radiation to the specific portion of the heart, which shortens the patient’s exposure. Find more on the the... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190896 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:42:03 +0100 2190896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173029&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2F25-truly-random-things-about-me.html I am definitely on the mend but still sick (less nausea, light-headed and now sneezing my face off). It seems to me a good day to finally get to this "25 things" meme that I keep getting tagged for on Facebook. I just came back from getting some fresh air with the dogs and many of these are things I thought about when I was out. I make no promises about whether or not I have written any of this before. And since my mother reads my blog, I may engage in a bit of censorship (Hi Mom! I love you!).1. When I become interested in something, I tend to read everything I can on that subject.2. My current interest is Enneagrams.3. I am a 1.4. I am married to a 9.5. These two facts actually help me to understand my life a lot better.6. My spouse and I have been together almost 18 years.7. My longest ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173029 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:13:00 +0100 2173029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141427&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsome-days-are-blue-some-days-are.html I have been feeling kind of blue these last few days. I'm always relieved after I get good scan results but a feeling of let-down seems to follow almost every time and I find myself, once again, channelling Peggy Lee and asking "Is that all there is?"I just finished the latest round of edits on my book (coming out this spring with Women's Press!) and I have been left wondering, 'so, what's next?'I haven't looked at the outline for my novel since I submitted it for my writing course on December 31st. The course is over and I am feeling kind of daunted. I've been asking myself, "Can I do this?" and "What purpose would it serve?"This morning, I had an appointment with my wonderful oncologist who confirmed my CT results. He also referred to my "normal" life.I told him that I have been feeling ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141427 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:19:00 +0100 2141427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115911&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fright-to-point.html This blog is having an existential crisis. I don't seem to write that much about cancer these days. A more appropriate title might be in order ("Occasionally About Cancer?" "Not Just About Life, Kids, Dogs, Books, Weather Extremes and Cancer"?) but then how would people find me?I was interrupted by the phone ringing. This is the subsequent telephone conversation, transcribed pretty much verbatim:A (nurse who works with my oncologist, returning my call about my most recent CT scan results*): "May I speak to Laurie, please?"Me: "This is Laurie."A: "Hi, it's A. from the cancer centre."Me: "Hi A."A: "Everything's fine. No change."Me: "Yay! Yay! Yay! Thank you, A!"A: "You're welcome! Bye!"The cancer centre's stated policy is that they do not give out results over the phone but my oncologist has... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115911 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:41:00 +0100 2115911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074396&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fhappy-new-year.html 2008 and was a pretty good year for my little family. I remained in remission for a full year. I now have six clean scans under my belt.I travelled to Florida with D. and to London with S. I spoke at BlogHer this year in San Francisco and attended a terrific breast cancer conference in Philly (where Jacqueline and John came to hang out with me).I finished my book. It's now into production!I started writing fiction and (gasp!) am working on a novel.Lucy came to live with us.T. took on a new client and is really enjoying the work and the people with whom he is working.S. is happier than he has ever been. This year his teacher and the kids from his class entered a Lego Robotics competition. They worked very hard and won an award for their teamwork.Five year old D. is reading now, with great f... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074396 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:20:00 +0100 2074396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027063&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5526 (click for larger image) I guess if you stare hard enough at any image you could imagine anything, even in MRI scans of the brain! (via Omnibrain originally from Mind Hacks on Immaculate perception) from the Malaysian Medical Resources Religion in the brain - literally! (PIC) (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027063 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2027063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2013911&cid=t_99883_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fct-angiography-a-scambuster-update%2F Not long ago, I recommended you avoid CT angiography as a screening test for heart disease unless you were absolutely convinced that it was necessary and not just being ordered either because it’s a new, extremely cool, technology, or because your doctor has an equity position in the machine (meaning he or she or the practice profits every time the test is run because they own or lease the equipment). I noted that as a screening test for people without symptoms of heart disease, CT angiography has yet to be proven effective. Moreover, even though the test is quite short, there is significant radiation exposure from the X-rays used to obtain the high-tech images (orders of magnitude greater than that used in a simple chest X-ray).But let’s say that you actually have symptoms of ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2013911 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:27:58 +0100 2013911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859540&cid=t_99883_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4799 a Some Breakfast Cereals Are 50% Sugar, CT Scan May Benefit Those With Appendicitis, Cortisol Levels May Be Linked to Antisocial Behavior (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859540 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1859540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809856&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fnothing-new-going-on-here.html Just got my CT results from a very up-beat sounding nurse. No change.I have not begun to appreciate how relieved I am.Updated: I have a new post, The Metastatic Cancer Patient's Guide to the CT Scan in 16 Easy Steps up at MyBreastCancerNetwork.Com. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809856 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:54:00 +0100 1809856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802793&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fwaiting-game.html I am waiting for results from yesterday's CT scan. My oncologist said that I should call him for results after five days, so I am going to start calling on Friday (it's only four days post-test but what have I got to lose by calling?).I did have bloodwork done yesterday and was very relieved to see that all my liver functions are well within the range of normal. I actually startled the nurse who was hooking me up for chemo by giving a little yelp of pleasure.It is still possible to have tumours on the liver (or nearby) and have normal liver functions. However, abnormally high liver functions can be a sign of a problem.And I will embrace every indication that all is well.I have a new post up (I wrote it on Monday) at MyBreastCancerNetwork.Com. It's about how hard it is to play the waiting g... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802793 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:18:00 +0100 1802793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1788777&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fcircular.html Am I freaked out because I can feel a stitch or am I feeling a stitch because I am freaked out anxious about my CT next week and what it might reveal?Inside my head is not a fun place to be, today.These are the facts:Scarring causes tightness which can make me feel a bit of a stitch.I have been exercising hard and felt nothing.But as I type this, I feel a dull ache.I cannot tell if my liver is swollen because I a have too much belly fat (and lymphedema) and an inadequate sense of my own anatomy.If I press really hard, the area where I think my liver is, hurts. But if you press hard enough on any part of the body, it hurts.CT scan and blood tests on September 16, right before chemo. I will have the blood tests back on the same day but must wait a few days for the CT results.Until then, deep... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788777 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:11:00 +0100 1788777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1764018&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Ffixing-insomnia.html I have been suffering from insomnia of late. I have no trouble falling asleep but I wake up, at least once, and have trouble falling back asleep.And then, during the day, I am having real trouble focusing. I have a list of writing I need to get done but the last two hours have been frittered away doing who knows what.I think that I am doing all the right things to encourage a good night's sleep but I think I'm a little stressed. Perhaps I will sleep better once my latest blook deadline is past (next Monday) and I have another CT under my belt.Sigh.Perhaps I should have this guy come over to my house and sing me to sleep? (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1764018 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:07:00 +0100 1764018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696356&cid=t_99883_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_ov0p8Z2EYc%2F This is of great importance. Realizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can make the difference between life an death and between resolving symptoms and forever disabilities. tPA is only administered if the symptoms are within a 3 hour window at most ER’s. What happens if you present saying your symptoms started yesterday? Well, first of all you are not fast tracked and wait as a stage or grade 2 patient. Next, you are not eligible to receive any clot busting type medications. Aldo of importance, how you arrive at the hospital. Yes, believe it or not it does make a difference. If you are having signs or symptoms of a stroke you need to call 911 right away. An ambulance will assure you fast and prompt treatment as well as quicker service on the receiving end. I am a nurse and I can ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696356 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:10:16 +0100 1696356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1671610&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fevery-year-is-gift.html In a few days, I will turn 41. I will be offline, hanging out at one of my favourite places in the world. I am not sure how peaceful it will be (we will be there with four adults, two kids, two puppies and a grown up dog) but I know it will be happy. Last year my birthday was a very big deal. My friends and co-workers pooled their resources and sent me to BlogHer in Chicago. And there was a whole month of celebration leading up to the day itself. I was celebrating being alive, turning forty and my first clean scan after the metastasis. This year I am happy to have things be much lower key. I am feeling pretty lucky these days. In January, I acknowledged to myself that there were two things I really wanted this year, to attend BlogHer in San Francisco and a puppy. Thanks (again) to ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1671610 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:12:00 +0100 1671610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1482137&cid=t_99883_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F302040711%2F New CT technology is offering a quicker and more cost effective way to manage chest pain complaints in the ER. CAT (Computed tomography angiography) aids in identifying patients at low-risk of cardiac problems like the blocked arteries that lead to heart attacks. The center for Medicare and Medicaid services have yet to decide on whether to pay for the service in the ER. What are the benefits of CAT? Costs for patients who received immediate CTA in the emergency department averaged about $1,240, while costs of stress testing and telemetry monitoring topped $4,000 for each patient. CTA also helped get low-risk chest pain patients home faster, potentially reducing emergency room crowding — study patients who received immediate CTA were discharged after an average of 8 hours, compared t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1482137 Sat, 31 May 2008 16:21:57 +0100 1482137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458628&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fthumpity-thump-or-rather-whoosh-whoosh.html Last week, my appointment with my oncologist was cancelled. Apparently, he was very sick with a high fever. Having a cancer patient's selfishness, my first thought was, "Oh! It's good that I won't be coming into contact with him then!" Then, my more empathic self remonstrated and I wished him well, poor man.The nurse who works with him was kind enough to confirm my CT results. The tech who did the scan (or rather her radiologist boyfriend) was right. My scan was clean and there is still no sign of cancer on the liver.However, the nurse also told me that my heart scan revealed that my ejection fraction (the measurement of my heart's ability to pump blood) was down to 48%. Fifty-five per cent is considered normal (before I started treatment, my EF was 56%), so this is not as bad as it sounds... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458628 Wed, 21 May 2008 16:04:00 +0100 1458628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1420509&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwhen-bizarre-begins-to-be-normal.html I have had two scans over the last few of days.On Friday, I had a CT scan and was taken aback (but pleasantly so) when the technician informed me that she had checked and that there was no change from my previous scan and that there is still no evidence of cancer on my liver.The events leading up to this conversation were a little outside the norm of what one should expect in a professional hospital setting, so I thought I would share them with you (actually, my spouse, when I told him, kept repeating, "You have to blog about this!).I left for the hospital at around noon on Friday, still a bit woozy from the chemo and light-headed from fasting all day. I dodged construction in order to check in and seat myself in an unfamiliar waiting room. A few minutes later, I was handed two half liter ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1420509 Mon, 05 May 2008 18:11:00 +0100 1420509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1417888&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fanother-clean-scan.html I am not even supposed to know this yet.I have just come from what was one of the strangest CT scan experiences of my life. But at the end, the tech told me that there is no change from my last scan.She's really not supposed to do that but I am glad she did.More on the scan tomorrow. Just wanted to share the good news. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1417888 Fri, 02 May 2008 21:24:00 +0100 1417888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402163&cid=t_99883_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F278455914%2F Duke University bioengineers can compensate for the thickness of the skull to see in real-time the arteries within the brain that most often clog up and cause strokes using new 3-D ultrasound technology they designed. This is believed to be the first of its kind- to see past the skull and actually view the major arteries. This could save many of lives, in emergent and routine situations. What are the real benefits? The 3-D ultrasound has the benefit of being less expensive and faster than the traditional methods of assessing blood flow in the brain — MRI or CT scanning, Ivancevich said. Though 3-D ultrasound will not totally displace MRI or CT scans, he said that the new technology would give physicians more flexibility in treating their patients. via Science Daily Tags: 3-d ultras... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402163 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:55:25 +0100 1402163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1261696&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fbeautiful-prose.html "There continues to be no evidence of recurrent metastatic disease on images of the abdomen." This means that I will continue to go for only one treatment a month, indefinitely.As for the long run, who knows? As my oncologist said today, 16 years ago women with liver metastases were dead within a few months. Given that this is my third CT in remission (the first was in June and the next in November), he is, in his words, "amazingly optimistic." We are travelling in uncharted waters, my oncologist and I (the drug combination I am on, herceptin and vinorelbine, is not even a recognized treatment yet in Ontario). Given the alternative, however, I am more than happy to keep paddling. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1261696 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:49:00 +0100 1261696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1233296&cid=t_99883_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fbloodbath-not-for-squeamish.html I had a CT scan yesterday.Since my life as a cancer patient began, I have had many, many tests and medical appointments. And I have had my share of bizarre experiences.But yesterday I experienced something new.I was very pleased that the nurse managed to get the IV needle into a vein on the first try (I had been really dreading that part, after the trauma of last time), albeit in the side of my wrist, right by the bone. I barely had time to register my relief, though, before I felt a warm liquid on my hand and looked over to see a jet of blood spurting from my wrist onto my hand and the floor."I dropped the locking clip!" exclaimed the nurse. "Could you grab me a new one, please?"What followed was more spurting and a great deal of confused fumbling. The nurse kept thanking the co-worker wh... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1233296 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:42:00 +0100 1233296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1062888&cid=t_99883_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F193090303%2Fpregnant_women_exposed_to_unpr.html Over the last 10 years pregnant woman have seen an alarming increase in the number of radiological exams they undergo according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. "Through medical imaging examinations, we are exposing pregnant women to twice the amount of radiation as we did 10 years ago," said Elizabeth Lazarus, M.D., assistant professor of diagnostic imaging at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University in Providence, R.I. "Overall, the levels of radiation to which we are exposing pregnant women are low, but they do carry a slight risk of harm to the developing fetus."The study conducted a retrospective analysis and complied data from radiological exams performed on women from 1997 to 2006. Resea... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1062888 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:00:09 +0100 1062888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1051276&cid=t_99883_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F190827539%2Fbrilliance_ct_scanner_from_phi.html Phillips Medical Systems' new CT scanner, Brilliance CT, is able to take a large number of X-rays and combines them using computer technology. The results; 3D images of unprecedented clarity that exposes patients to 80% less radiation than conventional X-rays. It is also capable of taking a complete body scan in under a minute.The 3D images can be rotated and viewed from various angles and thus give doctors complete visual access to abnormalities or disease. Images can also be accessed on any internal hospital computer and by colleagues or researchers remotely to allow for consultation.The cost of the machine is unknown and currently, only the Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio has been using it."This scanner allows radiologists to produce high qual... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1051276 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:00:33 +0100 1051276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015870&cid=t_99883_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F182176145%2F Very interesting considering I have been a cardiac nurse for near 10 years and have always been told and observed that a cardiac catheterization is the only “real” way to visualize blockages in the heart… A study by an international team of cardiac imaging specialists, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins, concludes that sophisticated computed tomography (CT) scans of the heart and its surrounding arteries are almost as reliable and accurate as more invasive procedures to check for blockages. The 64 slice CT scan that the researcher’s are talking about was first introduced in the US in 2005 and was tested at Johns Hopkins. Beware though, they are not saying that the CT scans will replace cardiac cath’s but to rule out patients that do not need the more invasiv... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015870 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:11:26 +0100 1015870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1005214&cid=t_99883_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F180206096%2Fcomputer_scans_effective_in_fi.html The findings of an international trial led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University were presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association. The trial details results of 64-CT scans on patients with possible blockage of the arteries.The 64-slice CT scan was introduced in the US in 2005 and helps cardiologists determine more quickly who can skip a more invasive procedure called cardiac catherization. In cardiac catherization a tube is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin area and maneuvered up to the heart where a dye is injected to enable a clear X-ray to be taken of the beating heart and its arterial blood supply. The CT scan passes x-rays through the body and produces digital signals that are detected and reconstructed for a precise picture.The CT scan will not... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1005214 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:15:58 +0100 1005214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=706535&cid=t_99883_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F30%2Fqueen-hatshepsut-please-tell-me-it-isnt-so.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DA few days ago the media were abuzz with the news that a tooth may have solved a mummy mystery (The New York Times, June 27, 2007 ). As a great fan of anything ancient and mysterious I ignored the really important news of Paris Hilton getting out of the slammer and delved into the article with great anticipation. Who was Hatshepsut? The 18th dynasty of pharaohs started at the beginning of the 15th century B.C. (that’s about 3500 years ago!), after about 200 years in which Egypt was in cultural, economic and military decline and was ruled by nomadic tribes, the Hyksos, that had come down from what is today Turkey. Ahmose I liberated Egypt , and established the arguably most powerful dynasty in ancient Egypt ’s history. Hatshepsut was his granddaughter.&nb... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=706535 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 01:14:16 +0100 706535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463380&cid=t_99883_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F09%2Fmdct_for_assess.html This article, by Itoh S et al , in the September issue of the AJR, shows how MDCT (using 4-slice) can depict the pancreatico-biliary ductal anatomy exceptionally well. This allows the diagnosis of the abnormal channel, especially in patients with choledochal cysts. Because of the superior spatial resolution with multi-slice scanners, it is highly likely that the results with MSCT for this particular purpose, will be better than MRCP. We have had a similar experience on our 64-slice CT. This is a child with a choledochal cyst (Fig. 1), where the abnormal pancreatico-biliary channel is extremely well seen (Figs. 2, 3). (Source: Spot Diagnosis) Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463380 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 03:12:00 +0100 463380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463382&cid=t_99883_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F09%2Fsolitary_pulmon_1.html (Source: Spot Diagnosis) Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463382 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 23:30:00 +0100 463382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463383&cid=t_99883_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F09%2Fcervical_verteb.html This 24-yeras old student had neck pain. An MRI revealed a C4 vertebral lesion. A contrast-enhanced CT scan prior to the biopsy showed an expansile osteolytic lesion involving the body and pedicle (Figs. 1, 2) with abnormal soft tissue. Under CT guidance, a core biopsy was performed, both of the soft tissue as well as from within the lesion (Figs. 3, 4). Adequate tissue was obtained, which was reported to be tuberculosis. (Source: Spot Diagnosis) Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463383 Sun, 10 Sep 2006 23:27:00 +0100 463383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463388&cid=t_99883_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F09%2Fradiofrequency_.html This is a 78-years old man, who had a 3.8cm sized mass in the left upper lobe (Fig. 1), which was proven to be a squamous cell carcinoma. There was marked surrounding emphysema and though the lesion was a T1 lesion, with no adenopathy or evidence of spread elsewhere on a PET study, he was not considered to be a candidate for surgery. He was referred for a radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We had to make sure that we did not penetrate the emphysematous lung. Using the CT fluoroscopy function, it was possible to find an oblique route into the centre of the lesion (Figs. 2-4) and the tines of the electrode were then deployed (Figs. 5,6). A successful ablation was obtained with peri-lesional ground-glass attenuation (Fig. 7). There was no evidence of a pneumothorax, but a plain-radiograph (FIg... Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463388 Sun, 03 Sep 2006 22:56:00 +0100 463388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463389&cid=t_99883_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F09%2Fneuroradiology_.html Every Friday, we will be putting up a new Neuroradiology case 1. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Source: Spot Diagnosis) Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463389 Fri, 01 Sep 2006 14:35:14 +0100 463389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463393&cid=t_99883_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F08%2Fsolitary_pulmon_1.html 1. Slides 1-3 2. Slides 4-6 (Source: Spot Diagnosis) Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463393 Mon, 28 Aug 2006 23:48:23 +0100 463393