Articles tagged with Computerized Axial Tomography
Radiation exposure from CT scans in childhood may increase the risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer. A study published in The Lancet found that cumulative doses of around 50-60 mGy from 5-10 scans tripled the risk of these cancers.
A new tool embedded in patients' electronic medical records helps reduce the use of CT scans among ER patients with abdominal pain, resulting in a 10% decrease in potentially unnecessary tests. The study found no increase in hospital admissions, suggesting the tool is effective in balancing diagnosis accuracy with patient safety.
A new study calculates that obese patients receive 62% more radiation during a CT scan than normal-weight patients. New phantoms created by Rensselaer engineers can help physicians configure and optimize CT scanning devices to minimize radiation exposure.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that multi-detector CT scans pose a lower risk of developing secondary cancers among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from Medicare claims spanning eight years and estimated that only 0.03-0.04 percent of the population would develop radiation...
A new study shows that cardiac computed tomography angiography (CT) scans can quickly identify patients with chest pain who do not have coronary artery blockage. This allows doctors to safely discharge healthy patients within hours, reducing hospital stay times by 18 hours and cost savings of 10-20%.
A study found that single-pass whole-body computed tomography is effective at detecting injured tissue, but variable in excluding injuries. The scan's performance improves after 30 minutes of admission, allowing healthcare teams to prioritize treatment while minimizing missed injuries.
Researchers at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute have discovered a new way to predict recurrent stroke risk using CT scans. The study found that patients with blockages or narrowed vessels on their CT scans are at high risk for another stroke, with similar accuracy as MRI scans.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that less than 1% of CT scans performed in emergency departments revealed a serious underlying cause for dizziness. The study suggests that stricter guidelines could be implemented to reduce unnecessary CT scans and save costs.
A Mayo Clinic study found that dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) CT scans can accurately identify patients with gout, even in those who receive negative results from traditional joint fluid analysis. This non-invasive method is particularly helpful for diagnosing people who cannot undergo the standard test.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) CT scans can accurately diagnose gout in patients who test negative for the condition. The scans are valuable for diagnosing people with joint fluid that cannot be obtained or fluid analysis comes back negative, especially during acute gout attacks.
A team of experts used cutting-edge diagnostic tools to analyze the ancient Egyptian mummy, discovering that it was a child from a wealthy family during the Roman period. The scans also found evidence of embalming techniques and the brain, heart, and lungs being left in the body.
A study published in JAMA suggests that CT scans used for lung cancer screening can help identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in heavy smokers. The research found that adding an expiratory CT scan to the baseline inspiratory scan improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly for individuals with severe obstruction.
The Boston University School of Medicine is developing novel technologies to detect lung cancer early, using advanced imaging techniques and molecular biomarkers. The goal is to reduce mortality among high-risk individuals by identifying those at risk for future development of the disease.
A study by researchers at UC Davis found that white children are more likely to receive CT scans for minor head trauma than Hispanic and African-American children. This overuse of CT scans may lead to unnecessary radiation exposure and increased health-care costs.
African-American and Hispanic children are less likely to receive cranial CT scans following minor head trauma compared to white children. Higher rates of CT scans may represent overuse and increased radiation exposure among white children in low-risk populations.
A new study found that CT fluoroscopy for spine injections can reduce radiation exposure when the planning CT scan is optimized. The study suggests that reducing the coverage of the planning CT to only areas of interest and adjusting tube current or peak kilovoltage can lower the dose.
Researchers analyzed CT scans of fossil skull fragments from five Australopithecus species and found distinct internal structures in the anterior pillars. This suggests different evolutionary pathways for different species, contradicting previous theories on shared ancestry.
The study found that CT scan use grew 11 times faster than the rate of ED visits during the study period, increasing from 3.2% to 13.9% between 1996 and 2007.
A large national multi-center study found that most children with minor blunt head trauma and normal CT scans do not require hospitalization for further observation. Children who were hospitalized after normal CT scans did not have subsequent abnormal CT scans or MRIs, and none required neurosurgical intervention.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that ultrasound scans are as effective as CT scans for diagnosing head and neck ailments, suggesting a safer alternative. The study's results have implications for the use of CT scans in medical procedures, particularly those involving radiation exposure.
Researchers found an 81% increase in PE incidence after CTPA introduction, with a decrease in mortality and case fatality rates. However, CTPA also led to a significant increase in presumed anticoagulation complications, highlighting the need for more precise diagnostic tools.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that frequent CT scans for testicular cancer surveillance are associated with a higher risk of secondary malignancies in older men. The study suggests that alternative imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and MRI, may be more suitable.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that CT scans significantly improved physicians' confidence in their diagnosis, changing treatment plans for almost half of patients with abdominal pain. This resulted in reduced probable hospital admissions by 20% and lower overall costs.
A new U-M study shows that children frequently receive medical imaging procedures using radiation, with an average of 7 procedures by age 18. The study raises awareness about the issue and highlights the importance of initiatives to ensure necessary and low-dose tests.
A long-term study found that children exposed to head and neck radiation have a lifelong increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. The study, published in Radiation Research, indicates that even low doses of radiation can increase the risk, and that this risk continues for at least 57 years.
A recent study suggests that radiation exposure from CT scans is lower than previously estimated, with cancer incidences related to ionizing radiation found to be 0.02% and 0.04% in two groups.
The American Ceramic Society has awarded Corning Inc. and GE Healthcare with the 2010 Corporate Technical Achievement Award for their development of Gorilla Glass and the Gemstone CT Scan Scintillator, respectively. These products have enabled significant advancements in smartphone technology and medical imaging, respectively.
A new ASIR technique can reduce the radiation dose associated with abdominal CT scans by 23-66 percent. The study found that patients with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 20 experienced an average dose reduction of 66 percent.
A new guideline recommends using diffusion MRI scans instead of CT scans for diagnosing acute ischemic stroke within 12 hours. MRI scans are found to be more accurate in detecting stroke damage and identifying severity, leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.
A new research project at the University of Leicester aims to develop a reliable and cost-effective system for diagnosing coronary heart disease using CT scans. The technology will enable visualisation of coronary arteries in cadavers, making diagnoses comparable to current autopsy practice.
A new technique called z-axis modulation can significantly reduce the radiation dose associated with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the head. By applying this simple method, radiologists can achieve a 35% reduction in patient dose while maintaining optimal image quality and noise levels.
A new study from Henry Ford Health finds that patients with high levels of abdominal aortic calcium (plaque) are nearly 60% at risk of coronary artery disease and dying. Conversely, those with low AAC scores have a lower risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that CT scan screening for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is cost-effective among non-smoking women aged 25-54 with a collapsed lung. The study suggests that early diagnosis can improve quality of life and treatment outcomes for patients.
A world-renowned radiologist advocates for using ultrasound as the first-line imaging test for better diagnosis capability in evaluating acute female pelvic and lower abdominal conditions. Ultrasound is considered safer, radiation-free, and superior in diagnostic capability compared to CT scans.
A new study introduces the CATCH rule to guide physicians in determining whether a child with minor head trauma should receive a CT scan. The 7-simple findings from history and physical exam have the potential to standardize CT scans and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, while also minimizing healthcare costs.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that a simple educational intervention and routing patients to V/Q scanning or CTPA based on chest X-ray results significantly reduced CT scan usage and radiation exposure. The medical center saw a 20% reduction in radiation dose from 8.0 mSv to 6.4 mSv.
Researchers found that physicians' bedside exams did a better job than CT scans in predicting which patients would need to return to the operating room to treat complications such as bleeding. The low-cost, simple exam appears to be superior to routine CT scans in determining return to the operating room.
Studies quantify radiation doses and cancer risks from CT scans, revealing wide variations in doses and estimated lifetime cancer risks. The studies estimate that tens of thousands of future cancer cases may be related to CT scans performed annually.
A new study reveals significant variation in radiation doses for CT procedures, with some patients receiving up to 13-fold more exposure than others. The research highlights the need for standardization to reduce the risk of cancer associated with CT scans.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans are more effective than standard X-rays in detecting abnormalities in patients with the H1N1 virus. The extent of disease was better characterized on CT scans, making them a superior imaging modality for high-risk patients.
Researchers have found that severe H1N1 cases are associated with an increased risk of developing acute pulmonary embolism. A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology used CT scans to identify patients at risk, highlighting the importance of monitoring for this serious complication.
A national study of over 42,000 children with head trauma found that one in five over 2 and nearly one-quarter under 2 did not need CT scans due to low-risk brain injury. The study provides guidelines for doctors to safely reduce CT use in these patients, aiming to minimize radiation exposure risk.
Using validated prediction rules, researchers found that 1 in 4 children under 2 years and 1 in 5 older than 2 years could avoid CT scans without increasing the risk of clinically-important traumatic brain injuries. The study analyzed over 42,000 children and identified accurate prediction rules for low-risk patients.
University of Bath Professor Cathryn Mitchell has been awarded a Royal Society-Wolfson Research Merit Award for her independent, original research in tomography. Her work applies mathematical algorithms to image the Earth's upper atmosphere, enabling new challenges in medical imaging and research.
A new low-dose unenhanced CT scan has been shown to correctly identify patients with appendicitis while delivering 50% less radiation than traditional standard-dose enhanced CT scans. The study used this method on 78 patients and achieved high accuracy rates from two independent radiologists.
Researchers explore health outcomes of IBD, finding increased radiation exposure among patients, especially those with Crohn's disease. Growth hormone therapy shows promise in reducing symptoms and improving disease activity in pediatric CD patients.
A study by Brown University researchers found that ER physicians do not follow established clinical guidelines for diagnosing suspected pulmonary emboli. According to the study, many patients receive CT scans despite having low clinical suspicion of PE, resulting in unnecessary radiation exposure.
A study found that half of patients with multiple CT scans within a year accrued additional radiation-induced cancer risks above baseline greater than 1 in 110. Researchers advise reviewing patient's CT imaging history and cumulative radiation dose before performing another CT exam.
A study found that patients diagnosed with lung cancer through CT scans had a significantly higher 5-year survival rate (91.2%) compared to those diagnosed with x-rays (77.8%). The study suggests that early detection of the disease using CT scans improves patient prognosis.
A study found that most ordering physicians underestimate radiation doses from CT scans and overestimate their cancer risk, according to the American College of Radiology. The study suggests that improved radiation education is needed for medical professionals.
A study published in Radiology found that patients who undergo numerous CT scans over their lifetime may be at increased risk for cancer due to cumulative radiation exposure. The study estimated lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer for each patient, based on their CT exposures.
A study published in The Lancet found that whole-body CT scans improved survival rates for patients with severe injuries, with a relative risk reduction of 25% and 13%. The procedure was shown to be an independent predictor of survival.
A new study found that endovascular repair is effective and durable with low re-intervention rates comparable to open surgery. The minimally invasive procedure redirects blood flow and stops pressure on the weak aortic wall, avoiding major abdominal surgery.
A new study found that cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography scans may expose patients to high doses of radiation. The study suggests that using available strategies to reduce radiation dose can substantially decrease patient exposure, and that educating physicians and technicians on these methods is essential
Researchers found that lambeosaur crest shapes don't match internal nasal passages in closely related species, suggesting a special function. The crests likely produced low-frequency calls for mating or warning other predators.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3D CT scans significantly aid surgeons in treating varicose veins in the lower extremities, with excellent imaging results in 76% of patients. The scans also provided detailed views of the great saphenous vein, allowing doctors to make more accurate surgical plans.
A study found that CT scans changed the initial treatment plans of emergency physicians in over 29% of patients with suspected appendicitis. This alteration was largely due to CT results ruling out appendicitis when surgical consultation was initially recommended, reducing unnecessary surgeries.
Merging multiple CT images simplifies probe repositioning during radiofrequency ablation treatments, according to a recent study. The summation method allows for rapid and accurate visualization of treated areas, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
A study found that only 23% of stroke patients arrived at the hospital within two hours of symptom onset, making them suitable for time-dependent therapies like tPA. Patients who arrived by ambulance or received care at Primary Stroke Centers were more likely to receive a timely CT scan.
A large study found incidental adrenal masses on abdominal CT scans to be almost always benign and require no imaging follow-up in low-risk patients. Most lesions were adenomas or myelolipomas, with myelolipomas being more common than previously thought.