Articles tagged with Computerized Axial Tomography
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.
Researchers found that multislice CT scans (MSCT) combined with D-dimer measurement were as effective as using MSCT alone and venous ultrasonography of the leg in detecting pulmonary embolism. This approach eliminates the need for venous ultrasonography, making it a cost-effective diagnostic strategy.
A new study suggests that taking N-acetylcysteine before a CT scan or angiogram can protect at-risk patients from kidney damage caused by iodine-containing contrast agents. The inexpensive drug, which is quick, convenient and widely available, appears to be the best choice for those with weakened kidneys.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has issued a report recommending standardized ways to measure, manage, and prescribe radiation dosages for CT scans. The report aims to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining optimal image quality.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have created updatable three-dimensional holographic displays that can be erased and rewritten in a matter of minutes. These devices have potential applications in medicine, industry, and military fields, such as tracking progress during surgeries or showing hazards to pilots.
A recent study found that 318 of 321 benign-appearing adrenal masses were confirmed to be clinically insignificant. The study showed no malignant adrenal lesions, even among patients with other malignancies elsewhere.
The overuse of CT scans in the US may result in a future public health problem, with an estimated 1.5-2% of cancers potentially caused by radiation from CT scans. Columbia researchers suggest reducing CT-related radiation dose, replacing scans with non-radiation options, and decreasing total scans to prevent unnecessary irradiation.
A study presented at RSNA suggests that CT scans can diagnose heart disease in low-risk patients, reducing hospital stays from 12 hours to just over 9 hours. This could lead to significant cost savings and improved resource utilization in emergency departments.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology recommends using immediate brain CT scans to screen patients with seizures in the emergency room. This helps doctors select the right treatment option, especially for young children and those with AIDS. The scans can detect abnormalities such as tumors, traumatic brain injury, or s...
Researchers found that pre-operative CT scans in patients experiencing acute appendicitis symptoms may delay surgery, increasing the risk of appendix rupture. Colonoscopies are recommended over flexible sigmoidoscopy for detecting advanced neoplastic lesions, with notable racial disparities observed.
A study of 150 healthy married couples found that hostility in women was associated with atherosclerosis, while controlling behavior in men or their wives was linked to increased hardening of the arteries. The findings suggest that low-quality relationships are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Rochester researchers emphasize the need for more accurate and rapid diagnostic tests for concussions to improve treatment outcomes and prevent long-term neurological damage. Current CT scans are often biased, leading to underdiagnosis of significant axonal injuries.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that sinusitis is a leading cause of chronic cough, affecting an estimated 23 million Americans annually. The study found that 37.1% of patients suspected of having sinusitis were ultimately diagnosed with the condition as the cause of their chronic cough.
Researchers developed criteria to evaluate CT scans for cancer-free lymph nodes, showing a 94% accuracy rate. Patients who met the criteria were spared from unnecessary surgery, reducing recovery time and complications.
A study found that coronary calcium scans can predict heart disease in healthy men, particularly those between 40-50 years old. The scans detected coronary calcium in approximately 20% of the men, and they were 11.8 times more likely to suffer a cardiac event than those without deposits.
The study found that using a 180-degree X-ray tube position, minimum current, and 80 kVp settings can significantly reduce radiation exposure in CT scans. This approach allows the table to absorb low-energy X-rays, minimizing breast exposure without compromising image quality.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans significantly reduced the need for appendectomies from 20% to 3% at an urban hospital. The technology's accuracy in imaging the appendix and detecting mimic conditions led to a dramatic decrease in unnecessary surgeries.
A study by Dr. Linda Tang found that radiology residents can reliably interpret head CT scans for initial triaging of acute stroke patients, achieving a 97% agreement rate with attending physicians. The results have affected hospital protocol and require certification prior to taking call.
New CT scan technology uses multiple planes to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, reducing reading time by up to 40%. The approach increases confidence in diagnoses, particularly for complex cases like metastatic tumors.
Researchers found that smokers receiving multiple abnormal CT scans were more likely to quit smoking and remain smoke-free. The study suggests that abnormal lung cancer screening results can serve as a psychological push for smokers to quit, leading to increased success rates.
Researchers found that 39% of healthy patients with mesenteric lymph nodes had no evidence of disease one year after their initial examination. Follow-up imaging is not necessary for patients with multiple small nodes scattered throughout the abdomen.
A study analyzed CT scans of 366 patients with abdominal pain to investigate the likelihood of acute appendicitis when the appendix is not visible on the scan. The researchers found that only one out of 46 patients who had an unseen appendix actually had appendicitis, suggesting a very low chance of this condition.
Researchers found that a blood test, CA125, was 2.6 times more accurate than CT scans in predicting patient survival. The study suggests that tumor-marker guided response criteria like CA125 may be superior to imaging-based response criteria in predicting treatment outcomes.
A study of 100 patients found that 16-MDCT and electron beam CT were almost equivalent in detecting coronary artery calcifications. The new technology offers thinner slice images, overlapping image reconstruction, and reduced breath-holding time, while still being comparable to the gold standard in terms of calcium scoring.
A recent study examining whole-body CT screenings for gastrointestinal (GI) disease found that only 9% of patients had abnormal findings, with most being benign or non-significant. The study's lead author warns that final results are still pending and more data is needed to confirm the findings.
A recent study has found that 18F-FDG PET scans are more accurate than CT scans in predicting post-therapy Hodgkin's disease relapse. The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET was 92%, while CT results were only correct in 56% of cases.
A new study suggests that CT radiation dose can be reduced by 50% for patients who are small or have low weight, providing acceptable image quality. The researchers used a state-of-the-art CT scanner to assess the quality of liver, spleen, and abdominal wall images in 39 patients aged 65 years and older.
A study of 716 consecutive emergency head CT examinations found general radiologists and neuroradiologists were in agreement on 95% of studies. The study suggests that general radiologists can accurately interpret emergency CT scans with high accuracy rates, similar to neuroradiologists.
A recent study found that two-thirds of referring physicians had a suspected diagnosis before CT scans were ordered. The scan confirmed the diagnosis in 50-60% of cases. However, one-quarter of CT scans revealed diagnoses not considered based on symptoms. Abdominal CT is being used more often for appendicitis and other diseases.
A recent study reveals that emergency room physicians often fail to inform patients about the risks and benefits of radiology procedures, including abdominal pelvic CT scans. The study found that only 22% of physicians accurately explained the radiation dose, while 74% underestimated it.
A recent study found that patients who have already had a silent stroke are at an increased risk of having another devastating stroke. The study, conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, also found that diabetes and high cholesterol levels can increase this risk.
A recent study found that injecting contrast material before a CT scan can increase lung tissue volume in critically ill patients with ALI. This increase is attributed to fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing harder for these patients. The authors recommend avoiding this procedure in critically ill patients.
The National Lung Screening Trial will enroll 50,000 current or former smokers in the US to compare the effectiveness of CT scans and chest X-rays in detecting lung cancer. The trial aims to determine if early detection can lead to a reduction in lung cancer deaths.
A new study contradicts European clinical trials that excluded stroke patients with early ischemic changes from thrombolytic treatment. After analyzing CT scans, the study found no association between t-PA treatment and increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with early ischemic changes.
A study found excessive inflammation and abnormal markings in lungs of healthy, middle-class children exposed to high levels of air pollutants in Mexico City. The research suggests a significant link between pollution and lung disease in otherwise healthy children.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new CT scan technique that allows for precise diagnosis and quick treatment of acute strokes. This technique involves perfusion-weighted CT scans that help physicians predict patient outcomes and administer the appropriate treatment, resulting in improved clinical recovery.
Hospitals have made significant progress in improving stroke treatment, reducing CT scan interpretation time from an average of 219 minutes to 115 minutes, and increasing tPA treatment administration. Training and organizational improvements have enabled rapid response 'stroke teams' to diagnose and treat patients effectively.
The NYU Medical Center is launching a large-scale study to determine the effectiveness of combining CT scans with gene markers in detecting early-stage lung cancer in women. The study aims to identify reliable screening tools for women at high risk of developing this deadly disease.
A computerized system, developed by Purdue University engineers, matches patient CT scans with images in a large data base of previous patients' scans. This allows less-skilled medical personnel to aid in diagnoses by reducing the need for manual comparisons.