MedNews — Radiology
New Procedures Save Frostbite Victims from Amputation
The standard treatment for frostbite has not changed in decades—re-warming the affected areas, with amputation in severe cases. Radiologists can now re-open recently frozen, clotted arteries with clot-busting and anti-spasmodic drugs, using imaging to visualize areas lacking blood flow and deliver drugs via catheter. More »
Researchers Advise Protecting Kidneys Before CT Scans
Dyes containing iodine used to enhance CT scan quality can seriously harm kidneys; and a new study recommends that patients take an inexpensive pre-scan drug, called N-acetylcysteine which protects kidneys from damage. These 'dyes' or contrast agents put many older people and those with diabetes or heart failure at the most risk, and they have the most to gain from taking the drug. More »
CT Heart Scan Reliable for Detecting Blocked Arteries
An international team of cardiac specialists, led by Johns Hopkins researchers, found that sophisticated computed tomography (CT) heart scans are almost as reliable as more invasive procedures.
The 64-slice CT scans, initially tested at Hopkins, will help cardiologists select patients who can avoid more invasive procedures. But the newer scans will not replace the cardiac catheterization, or coronary angiography, although perhaps 25% of the 1.3 million cardiac catheterizations performed annually in the U.S may be unnecessary. More »
Improved IMRT Cancer Treatment Reduces Radiation Exposure to Healthy Tissue
Recent studies by researchers at Montefiore Medical Center have shown that improved IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) treatment provides far better patient care than standard radiation procedures because it safeguards healthy tissue surrounding cancerous tumors. More »
Simple and Cost Effective Treatment of Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis
A simple and cost effective way of treating calcium tendinitis of the shoulder was revealed by Spanish researchers,led by Dr. Del Cura, publishing in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Calcium tendinitis presents as small calcium deposits (1 - 2 cm) on the rotator cuff of the shoulder in individuals over 35 years old. Often painful, some resolve spontaneously, but others persist and become disabling. More »
Annual MRI Recommended for Some Women at Risk for Breast Cancer
For some women who are at higher risk for breast cancer, the American Cancer Society's has new guidelines that recommend those women get an MRI scan along with their annual mammogram.
While MRI's are more sensitive and is likely to show more spots in the breast, it is often difficult to know if those spots are cancerous, and biopsy may be required. This is why the MRI is only recommended for high-risk women.
According to the American Cancer Society, an MRI screening in addition to mammograms is recommended for women who meet at least one of the following conditions: More »
High Res Heart CT Scans Risk for Patients
With more and more technologies becoming available, doctors are finding that they must increasingly weigh the side effects of testing procedures.
After gaining FDA approval in 2004, CT angiography, a high resolution scan of the heart for blocked arteries, has been much more widely used. However, there is a risk--especially to younger people, as these scans expose patients to 20 times the amount of radiation as a mammogram. More »
