Understanding the Importance of Imaging

When you tell someone about imaging the first thing that comes to mind is the X-Ray. The X-ray is the pre-cursor and cornerstone of every machine imaginable.  You have the MRI, the CT scan, and the Mammography machine among others. What people also tend to think of are dark rooms coupled with cold and some noise.

So does this all mean that we know what we need to know about imaging? Are we fully aware of how important it is to understand imaging? The answer to that is no. Most of the population is not comprised of imaging experts and for sure we have a field of understanding that’s not as broad as that of a radiologist, technician, or a physicist. The International Day of Radiology helps inform patients on the importance of imaging.

The purpose of the International Day of Radiology is not to merely push an agenda on the patient. It’s important that the patient understand the need for screening as well as the need for understanding whether or the patient should try for preventive imaging over certain periods of time. It’s stated on the site of the International Day of Radiology that “Medical imaging is one of the most exciting and progressive disciplines in healthcare and a field of great activity in terms of technological and biological research. X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound and numerous other medical imaging technologies, as well as the eye-catching images associated with them, are known to many people, but the exact purpose and value of these services is not widely understood.”

While advocacy has aided greatly in helping patients understand why certain tests are needed, often times patients still question the need for a specific imaging procedure. While the X-Ray is commonly and widely accepted, it seems like the MRI, and CT scan, among others, are not really accepted as much. Hopefully this will help people in general understand that a necessary imaging procedure often times means a real difference between life and death. Minimally it means a difference between proper treatment and inaccurate treatment of a complex condition.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our team of dedicated imaging professionals looks forward to answering all your questions and helping you in all your diagnostic imaging needs.

Charla Hurst General
Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References: http://www.medimaging.net/industry_news/articles/294748619/international_day_of_radiology_will_help_inform_public_on_importance_of_medical_imaging.html

http://www.internationaldayofradiology.com/about-idor/

Ambient Lights and Imaging

There’s something a bit somber about radiology, radiologists love to work in dark rooms. There’s a necessity to work in dark rooms, not because there is a desire to be in the dark but simply because image quality is a big deal. Diagnostic imaging relies on a quality image for various reasons, the most obvious one being the diagnostic and what it will mean to the patient. With the advent of the mobile device it’s interesting to know if ambient lighting is equally disruptive to the image.

Apparently ambient lighting can rapidly damage image quality on our trusted mobile friends. The Journal of Digital Imaging stated that “"Handheld display devices for medical imaging exhibit characteristics that may in some circumstances significantly affect image quality.” The authors further stated that “Users must be aware of the limitations when the screen is viewed under different ambient illumination." Ambient lighting is not a negative thing, it just isn’t ideal for radiologists.

It’s interesting to see what this means to handheld devices. Over the last couple of years iPads along with smart phones have become major players in the industry. From supplying patients with information and second opinions to helping radiology residents, there is a place for the handheld devices. Does the lighting issue become a problem? Does the issue become a problem when dealing specifically with handheld devices?

Further explanation on auntminnie.com shows that illumination is a hindrance. It was stated that “user performance generally deteriorated as ambient illumination increased from dark to bright. Observers achieved the best detection performance in dark conditions, while bright conditions (representing outside environments) provided the greatest level of difficulty.” On one end this may mean that handheld devices may well be on their way out, while on the other hand it may mean that mobile handheld devices are looking at an overhaul that will likely open up a brand new market altogether.

Only time can really tell how manufacturers and physicians will approach this interesting development.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our dedicated team of imaging experts looks forward to answering all your questions and helping you with all your imaging needs.

Charla Hurst General
Operations Manager
Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References: http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=pac&pag=dis&ItemID=105136

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10278-013-9636-1

It’s Always Important to Know Risks

With the population continuing to age in regions like Asia and across the world, it’s interesting to see what some of the conditions that are higher risk for people. While cancer is always the leading concern, it’s important to understand what some of the other conditions that they may develop as they age. So what are some of these conditions?

Let’s talk about the cerebral aneurysm and the possible ramifications of that.

A cerebral aneurysm is a weak area in a blood vessel that usually enlarges, by definition. Up to 5% of the population, well up to five million people in the US have that problem and often times that issue becomes far worse. An aneurysm can kill a person if it goes undetected and untreated.

A big problem is that after 40 aneurysms can be a concern. In a recent article published on www.diagnosticimaging.com it was stated that: “Researchers from Shanghai, China, undertook a cross-sectional study of adults, aged 35 to 75 years (mean age 53 years), to measure the prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCA) using 3D TOF MRA. The group was divided into four subgroups: those aged 35 to 44 years, 45 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years, and 65 to 75 years.”

A big reason for this type of study is figuring out the pattern of aneurysms. Diagnostic imaging procedures play a big role here. Without MR scans there’s likelihood that these things may not be discovered. If a patient past a certain age complains of headaches it may well be something to be concerned about.

Part of the reason why it’s important to use MR scans because, as stated in the article “The researchers noted that their higher number of detected aneurysms, compared with previous studies, may be related to their more specific MRI use, but they also wrote that their findings are limited by the ages of the subject (all were younger than 75 years old) and the subjects came from only two communities. Further research is needed, they concluded.”

As aging may increase the risks of certain conditions, it’s vital to understand what’s going to be a major risk in time. While it’s not good to think in fatalistic terms, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry.


If you have any questions regarding diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our team of dedicated professionals here at Clermont Radiology looks forward to answering any questions you may have and aiding you in all your diagnostic imaging needs.

Charla Hurst

General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References: 

http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/mra/mr-angiography-may-help-detect-cerebral-aneurysm-risk

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/TypesofStroke/HemorrhagicBleeds/What-You-Should-Know-About-Cerebral-Aneurysms_UCM_310103_Article.jsp

Genetic Disorder Mapping

Genetic disorders are something to be really concerned about. When a genetic disorder affects the heart, the brain, or the nerves, it can be something horrendous. With factors such as age already being a big concern it’s not nice to have to think so much about health. So is there some sort of technique that allows us the ability to battle these issues?

There is a new MRI technique that does provide the ability to detect a disorder that actually attacks the nerves, heart, and brain.

Let’s start by understanding this particular triple threat disorder. The disorder is known as Fabry disease. Some things to keep in mind about Fabry disease are the following:

• Kidney Problems- GL-3 accumulation in the kidneys may lead to impaired function and may ultimately lead to kidney failure. Treatment depends upon the progression of the disease and the amount of kidney damage. If the problems are severe, dialysis (a system where an external machine filters the blood) or a kidney transplant may be required.
• Heart Problems- GL-3 accumulation can lead to several different types of heart problems, including enlarged heart and heart valve abnormalities. Heart problems are usually managed with medication, depending on how severe they are. If medication is not sufficient, other steps may be taken.
• Brain Issues- Significant GL-3 accumulation can thicken small arteries in the brain. To help reduce the risk of stroke, physicians may prescribe medication.
• Possible Psychological Problems- Patients with Fabry disease may demonstrate psychosocial trends common to other chronic illnesses, including clinical depression, denial of clinical symptoms, and feelings of alienation and loneliness.

This is a particularly difficult disease and being able to map it and figuring out a way to see it coming is vital to a patient’s well being. It was stated in medicalimaging.net that “The MRI technique known as T1 mapping, which can identify heart damage and changes at early stages, earlier than regular MRI scans or ultrasound. When this type of MRI technology is used on patients with Fabry disease, the scans can detect both the disease and the degree of damage to the heart. The T1 mapping technology developed by the group can be easily programmed onto MRI scans worldwide.”

The MRI is the gold standard of diagnostic imaging when dealing with multiple issues. It doesn’t matter the problem, everything from cancer to heart disease has some manner of MRI that helps in detection and proper treatment. It’s good to see that a complex condition that’s so serious can be properly spotted and taken out before it becomes an issue.

The article stated that “Fabry disease can look like other diseases if you only look at the whole heart structure or function, but this T1 mapping test, that can detect the tiniest changes in the heart, could identify all the patients with Fabry disease. It is very likely that this technique will become a key part in clinical examination of patients with Fabry disease. This finding will advance the clinical care of these patients around the world. The implications will be widespread. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for patients with Fabry disease. The earlier the disease can be pinpointed, the sooner treatment can start. The treatment for the disease halts the condition and prevents serious damage to the heart.”

Avoiding damage to the heart is important in any situation. Often the side effects of strong medications or other conditions include damage to the heart. While damage to the heart may not initially be seen or oven a concern, over time they can be disastrous and irreversible.

It’s important that this type of effective usage of diagnostic image technology be allowed to flourish and further enhance the profile of diagnostic imaging. Hopefully the future will see major improvements that will only aide the patient.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our dedicated team of imaging experts looks forward to answering all your questions and aiding you in all your diagnostic imaging needs.

Charla Hurst

General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References: http://www.fabrycommunity.com/en/Patients/Managing/Symptoms.aspx?gclid=CPPIkZ2IoboCFdJ9Ogod71UAaw&ef_id=UbXiBQAABezJknEX:20131018185804:s

http://www.medimaging.net/mri/articles/294748668/mri_t1_mapping_technique_diagnoses_genetic_disorder_that_attacks_the_heart_brain_and_nerves.html

Is Cancer Unpredictable?

Breast cancer is often in the cross-hairs of diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. When it comes to imaging procedures such as a mammogram, MRI, CT Scan, or X-Ray, the big concern is finding the tumor or where it may originate. The pharmaceutical side of the equation deals with developing the right drug, the one that may well signal a cure.

The problem with searching for the right drug and getting that cure centers on a couple of factors. Cancer is unpredictable in any form and can go into remission only to come back. Breast cancer is easier to manage in early stages and through early detection. A good example of the pharmaceutical side falling short is Eli Lilly and Co.’s breast cancer drug failure. It was stated in an article in Reuters that “Eli Lilly and Co. said its experimental breast cancer drug failed to improve patients’ survival without cancer worsening during late stage trials.” This type of development is not just a setback for investors but a setback for the hopes of patients attempting to find a new hope against breast cancer.

When we take a look back at the progress that has been made through heavy advocacy since 1974, it’s fair to say the battle against breast cancer has really moved forward. It’s still important to look at the statistics now though. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, roughly about 12% of women. Factors such as prohibitive cost, and no access to quality care and proper treatment programs can actually increase those negative numbers.

With the strength of advocacy it’s vital to see if better drugs can be produced and used as a replacement for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and drastic procedures. While Eli Lilly’s drug Ramucirumab has worked in trials for advanced gastric cancer, the issue with breast cancer still remains.

Concerns of radiation are being addressed and hopefully they will yield positive results, however it’s important to keep trying alternate routes. Hopefully the near future will produce more promising results on the pharmaceutical front.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our team of dedicated professionals here at Clermont Radiology is eager to answer your questions and aid you in your diagnostic imaging needs.

Charla Hurst

General Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 

www.ClermontRadiology.com  

References:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/26/us-elililly-study-cancer-idUSBRE98P0LK20130926