A Possible Next Step in Imaging

When you think about diagnostic imaging, you think about the basic fun things like X-Rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and so on. Each modality has a number of functions but they all serve a similar purpose. The idea is to diagnose any condition early and create a treatment program that will help the patient. With conditions that are more complex it’s often necessary to do more than one procedure. As time goes on the machines that conduct these procedures become more and more sophisticated. We never actually stop to think about the level of technology that goes into these machines.

With the way technology has progressed, modalities are becoming more and more sophisticated. Terms such as hybrid modality have become the order of the day, partly because there is a great deal of R&D associated with the improvement of existing technologies. So what exactly is it that we can see next?

According to the latest news on imaging, microscopy imaging may be the next big development. While this development is still in research, it has already received a grant. There is definitely interest in microscopy imaging because the implication here is that it may well create something that allows physicians to develop treatments that would more easily combat complex conditions.

An article providing a thorough explanation of the purpose of microscopy imaging research stated that “A variety of sophisticated techniques have been applied in order to extend the range and versatility of modern microscopy, from traditional optical methods to scanning probe techniques, opening up previously inaccessible realms. Such methods have succeeded at imaging structures down to the single molecule level, i.e., fractions of a nanometer—an enormous achievement.” In easy to understand terms, this means that there is a road that’s been paved for a successful set of future developments in the imaging field.

Ultimately the patient will be the major beneficiary of this development. While it is likely that this development will not fully be perfected anytime soon, it’s also likely that when it is perfected it will be a huge turning point.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. We here at Clermont Radiology look forward to answering your questions.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst 
General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com 

References:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-08/asu-nmf080513.php

A Little Bone Densitometry Education

When getting an imaging procedure done it’s very important to know a little bit about what it is you are getting done. It doesn’t matter if it’s a CT scan, MRI, or X-Ray. Part of the reason why it’s so important to be properly educated is peace of mind. Some patients go a lifetime without imaging procedures so the first time can be a little scary. Let’s talk a little about bone densitometry procedures.

Bone densitometry is non invasive and it’s used to measure bone mass. Bone mass is the weight of certain regions of the skeleton. Often times it’s important to know what bones weigh for one reason or another. One big reason is finding out bone mass is the possibility of having osteoporosis. Osteoporosis hits over 20 million Americans every year. Having osteoporosis can lead to other complications like easily fracturing limbs due to low bone mass.

There are various reasons for bone densitometry such as leading to less fracture occurrences for patients. A bone fracture is unbelievably painful and more so if the person suffers from osteoporosis. It’s not just important to know why a procedure is ordered but it’s also important to understand what it is that makes these exams possible. What do physicians use to make this possible?

A bone densitometer tool that is often used is the DEXA scan. DEXA is an X-Ray used specifically for measuring bone mass. The DEXA is the gold standard much like the mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer exams. Like any procedures there are always certain associated negatives.

You may have low bone density but a densitometry exam will not necessarily determine cause unless it reveals osteoporosis. It’s important to be diligent and take the necessary steps in order figure out cause, which may require a different examination altogether. There are a lot of reasons to go ahead and get the test done and it’s always good to weigh the pluses. Some of the pluses include the following facts:

·       They can be done at the hip

·       Not a painful procedure

·       Low exposure to radiation

·       There are cost effective measures

·       Provide a good indication of therapy required

While bone densitometry has a relatively standard application chances are that it will evolve the same way as other exams have. Only the future will tell what’s in store for bone densitometry but keeping up with it and knowing a little bit about it makes the test a lot easier.

If you have any questions about DEXA scans or other imaging procedure, feel free to contact us. We here at Clermont Radiology look forward whatever questions you may have.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst 
General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23159464

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-density-test/MY00304/DSECTION=risks

Mammography: Past to Present

The mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer examination. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the ways that medical procedures are conducted. Various imaging procedures such as MRI scans, Ct Scans, and mammography. There are technologies that include using 3d and 4d imaging either seeking clearance or already in the market.

As with everything it’s always good to know some of the historical facts that made the mammography possible. It’s this type of knowledge that makes patients a little more able to relax when taking this type of exam. Often times relaxation is the best answer to what may come next as far as a diagnosis and subsequent treatment program.

Mammography is something that’s been associated with discovering complex conditions, as history will show. The following are some facts about mammography history over the last 100 years:

·       In 1913 Dr. Albert Solomon reported that the mammography helped him demonstrate the spread of a tumor.

·       In 1927 Dr. Otto Kleinschmidt mentioned the breast and alluded to some of the uses of mammography.

·       During the 1930’s the study of possible cancers took shape with the use of mammography.

·       Breast lesions were acknowledged in 1931 in a lecture, and breast cancer began to be looked at more closely.

·       By the late 1940 and early 50’s breast cancer was a prominent imaging topic.

In the 1960’s the gospel about early detection started becoming known through the US. What was being talked about in the 1960’s is still being talked about today; the difference is that it’s a worldwide phenomenon. During the 1960’s it was made popular to do mobile mammography in units that could service up to 70 women per day.

The mammography is always something of a daunting examination; it gives the patient a feeling that some doom maybe around the corner. Over the last 50 years there has been a great deal of progress in so far as the evolution of the mammography. There is use of 3d technology for the rendering of a better image, with far more accuracy. The result of newer technology has helped in early detection and effective treatment over all.

Mammography, and its early employment will continue to be a primary weapon against breast cancer and with the technology being developed currently it should only get better.

If you have any questions about mammography procedures please feel free to gives a call. We here at Clermont Radiology look forward to answering any questions that you may have.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst 
General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com

Fun Facts About Ultrasound

We never stop to really think about the history of a lot of the machines and procedures we undergo. Often times we don’t think of procedures such as MRI scans, CT scans, X-Rays, and others as fun to learn about. To a lot of patients an imaging procedure can be indicative of a complex medical condition. Sometimes it’s good to focus on the positive, the fun facts that brought these procedures to us. One such procedure is the ultrasound, what do we know about the ultrasound?

What we do know about the ultrasound is that it’s a non-invasive procedure that employs the use of gel. If you've ever had an ultrasound done then you know that gel will feel a little cool and very relaxed. Ultrasound is primarily associated with pregnancy but it can also be used for conditions affecting other organs along with tissue as well.

So let's look at some fun facts on Ultrasound:

·       Ultrasound dates back to 1794

·       Bats were the first to use it according to Lazzaro Spallanzani

·       The first tests conducted, to test actual sound waves, were conducted in 1826

·       In 1880 Pierre and Jacques Currie discovered piezo electric effect

·       1942 saw the use of the first ultrasound by Dr. Karl Dussik, using it to diagnose brain tumors

·       Dr. George Ludwig described the use of ultrasound for diagnosing gallstones.

It’s interesting to note that the progression of ultrasound went further as time passed. Developments in ultrasound as far as what could be discovered continued to take place over the 1950's alone. Multiple specialties began to use ultrasound in some way or another.

There are several uses for the ultrasound such as:

·       Determining viability of pregnancy

·       Diagnosis of gallbladder disease

·       Detecting Heart problems

·       Detecting the thyroid gland

·       Cyst and tumor detection

Yes, ultrasounds will always be primarily associated with letting us know about pregnancy, but they do have more than just that use.

If you have any questions about ultrasound procedures please feel free to give us a call. We at Clermont Radiology look forward to answering any questions that you may have.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst 
General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References:

http://www.instabriefs.com/medical-devices/ultrasounds/ultrasounds-fast-facts.php

http://www.wcume.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Tsung.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9602842

The Challenge of CT Screening for Lung Cancer

With the recent recommendation for lung cancer screenings there is hope that the survival rate for lung cancer patients will increase. A projected 20% improvement looks promising for all patients. There is a question of how this is going to be executed in terms of numbers. There is a projection of about 9 million scans being done every year for free. While the scan will not cure a cancer, it may likely go a long way toward stopping it.

While this screening has been recommended there is one thing that’s not certain, medicare. It was stated that “Medicare funding seems all but assured,” meaning that this will run into problems stemming from the many disagreements that it will bring. This must be done in order to boost the profile of preventive scanning and aid in the fight against lung cancer. One interested fact noted in the dotmed.com article was that “There's also discussion in the scientific community around other high risk patients who don't smoke — for example, people who are at risk due to occupational exposures or who have first-degree relatives with lung cancer.”

Lung cancer is a dangerous form that can affect a lot of people very negatively, even if they are not smokers. It’s unfortunate that for this type of screening there is a great deal of red tape that will need to be overcome. Chances are that a lot of people will simply say that smokers need to stop smoking in order to solve the problem. It’s important to have this type of CT screening done in order to help matters.

Chances are that this type of screening will be met with resistance from a lot of people simply because the implication of free scans or reduced prices means another limitation when you consider the limited reimbursements for radiologists on procedures. The article stated “However, another study shows that raising the size threshold to 8-9 millimeters would reduce unnecessary scans and testing while still catching almost all lung cancers.” The idea of reducing unnecessary scans while still performing a service for people is beyond appealing.

If you have any questions about lung cancer screenings please feel free to give us a call. We at Clermont Radiology look forward to answering any questions that you may have.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst 
General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References:

http://www.dotmed.com/news/story/21608

Boosting Efficacy in CT Scanning

As with most other things, diagnostic imaging has a lot of criteria that needs to be met in order to create the best results. According to the New England Journal of Medicine “Lung cancer screening with CT is far more efficient when screening criteria are refined with additional patient risk factors to identify the individuals at highest risk of developing lung cancer who would benefit most from screening.” Considering that lung cancer is the leading killer in terms of cancer and that there are so many variables in treating it, this is something that’s very important to know.

CT scanning done without a full determination of risk factors is not a scan done properly. Not only are there risk factors to consider but also the possible reaction to radiation dosages. While lower dose CT scans are being conducted without image sacrifice using lower doses, there is still some skepticism. Screening people for the study was based on risk factor. It seems like patients at higher risk were a better bet than patients at lower risks for lung cancer.

While screening for smokers has been touted as a way to reduce the mortality rates, having a refined criteria that helps groupings is far more effective. It’s vital that these studies go beyond a study phase and into universal implementation. Lung cancer is a killer that, unlike breast cancer, has yet to see any real reduction over the next several years. The numbers show a far greater expectation of death for patients that have lung cancer.

Screening helps early detection but the truth of the matter is that studies should also tailor certain age groups. With so many issues such as smokers starting younger and younger it is vital to see how they will be exposed to cancer risks and how the body is likely to react given that it has greater ability to fight at a younger age.

How this affects the future as far as lung cancer survival is concerned remains to be seen. The ultimate hope is that lung cancer starts declining in numbers and ultimately becomes easier to handle.

If you have any questions about CT scanning procedures please feel free to give us a call. We at Clermont Radiology look forward to answering any questions you may have about screening procedures.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst General
Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References:

http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=cto&pag=dis&ItemID=104007&wf=5536

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1301851

Kids and Radiology

It’s almost fair to say that children and radiology go hand in hand. While children are growing up there is always the need for some kind of procedure. If the little one breaks a limb or gets a fracture, perhaps a bump on the head, we need to get an MRI. If there is some sort of marble in the nose scenario we have to get an X-Ray. There is always some sort of diagnostic imaging procedure that’s necessary for the kids.

Does the early exposure to diagnostic imaging affect our children in some way? It depends on who you ask that question to, and what context you are asking it in. If you ask the FDA, it warns that when children are being put through diagnostic imaging procedure it’s good to take precautions. Children are more susceptible to low level radiology since their bodies are still developing. It’s estimated that as time goes on there is a fairly significant number of future cancers that may result. Is there a positive spin to kids and radiology in general?

The UK Radiological Congress thinks that there is a major silver lining to kids and radiology. The last day of the congress saw an open door to kids ages 11 to 18. The purpose of that particular get together was to show kids the positive uses in diagnostic imaging and also teach them the basics on operation for each modality. This is the kind of activity that helps kids overcome a lot of their fears in so far as diagnostic imaging.

Further educating kids on diagnostic imaging can serve a multitude of purposes. Kids would not only be put at ease in terms of their fears but also they could be further encouraged to develop an interest in becoming professionals in the diagnostic imaging fields. A fun education can help develop the next generation of radiologists, technicians, and even scientists attempting to advance imaging technology.

Only time will tell how much interest children are going to develop as far as radiology and diagnostic imaging in general is concerned. An early education on the very basics will encourage a far more positive approach not only from kids but also parents that may themselves have an aversion to testing.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging please feel free to contact us, we look forward to taking your call and answering any questions you may have.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst General
Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com 

References:

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048578.htm

http://www.auntminnieeurope.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=cto&pag=dis&ItemID=608374

Pushing for Higher Standards

Like everything in life, there’s always a need to push for a higher standard. It doesn’t matter what we do or how we do it, we always want to get better. Diagnostic Imaging is no different in the sense that the standards in terms of technology and performance are being pushed on a daily basis. As society advances, so to does the need for a stronger push for more effective healthcare on a worldwide basis.

Over the last 35 years we have gone from relying on the X-Ray's capacity, to the MRI, to the CT Scanner. So, how are the standards being pushed in technology today? The standards, according to a recent article, are being pushed in terms of education for professionals. It’s fair to assume that the reason for pushing higher educational standards is aimed at creating a far stronger core of future imaging professionals and also strengthening the one that exists now. The current manner in which educational standards are being pushed ranges from education to licensing.

There is currently a taskforce that was formed by the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section (SNMMITS) and the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT) that’s recommending additional education in forums such as Master’s Degrees. Considering that diagnostic imaging has become a major staple for prevention and treatment in issues from broken bones to complex conditions, it’s fair to shoot for higher standards in licensing. There are many great technologists out there already and to want to improve them as far as capability goes in only

Diagnostic imaging is not just a technology and it goes far beyond just being another test to perform. Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in treating patients and the better the professionals, the better the end result. Hopefully this push for higher educational standards will continue far beyond licensing and coursework and result in a greater and more effective professional.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging in general, please feel free to contact us.

Posted By: 

Charla Hurst General
Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 
www.ClermontRadiology.com

References:

http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=103790

http://www.ismrm.org/smrt/Consensus.pdf