Is It Safe to Schedule Mammograms, CT Scans, and Bone Scans on the Same Day?
Contrast agents, radiation, and isotopes? Hello Dr. Lin, the outpatient physician has scheduled a mammogram, a chest CT scan with contrast, and a whole-body bone scan with isotope. The chest CT requires the use of contrast agents, and the whole-body bone scan involves radioisotop...
Dr. Lin Lifang reply Nuclear Medicine
Hello, in response to your inquiries: 1. Radiopharmaceuticals do not have renal side effects; theoretically, they do not harm the kidneys, and the likelihood of allergic reactions is quite low. However, contrast agents may cause renal impairment under certain conditions: if you...[Read More] Is It Safe to Schedule Mammograms, CT Scans, and Bone Scans on the Same Day?
Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results for Dementia Diagnosis
CEREBRAL PERFUSION SCAN WITH SPECT examination report for consultation? Dear Director, Thank you for taking the time to assist with my inquiries. Below are the results of my father's (78 years old) Cerebral Perfusion Scan with SPECT conducted on February 21, 2024. I would l...
Dr. Lin Lifang reply Nuclear Medicine
Hello Ms. Lin: The cerebral perfusion score is typically assessed through visual interpretation of the areas and locations of perfusion deficits, in conjunction with the clinical history. The report mentions that there is poorer metabolism in the bilateral parietal lobes and the ...[Read More] Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results for Dementia Diagnosis
Understanding Abnormal Brain Perfusion Scans: Implications for Cognitive Function
Cerebral perfusion computed tomography (CT perfusion) 1. I underwent a cerebral perfusion CT at National Cheng Kung University, and the doctor informed me of abnormalities. I would like to know what these results signify and whether they are related to my cognitive decline. (Bila...
Dr. Lin Lifang reply Nuclear Medicine
Hello, based on your description, you have undergone a nuclear medicine brain perfusion scan, which is typically used to help diagnose potential cerebral ischemia (such as stroke) or degenerative diseases (such as dementia). Brain perfusion refers to the distribution of blood flo...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Brain Perfusion Scans: Implications for Cognitive Function
How Long Does Thyrogen Last for Thyroid Cancer Treatment?
How long can two doses of Thyrogen be maintained? Hello doctor, a family member has been diagnosed with stage I thyroid cancer. Before the first iodine-131 treatment of 30 mCi, they received two injections of Thyrogen. After the scan, the doctor mentioned that 3 to 4 more treatme...
Dr. Lin Lifang reply Nuclear Medicine
Hello: According to the literature, the half-life of Thyrogen in the body is 22 ± 9 hours, meaning that the efficacy of the drug may be insufficient more than a day after each injection. Additionally, to enhance thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, the package insert states that o...[Read More] How Long Does Thyrogen Last for Thyroid Cancer Treatment?
Impact of MRI on Artificial Hip Joint in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Artificial hip joint and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Hello, Director Lin! I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and have an artificial hip joint, so I have been using CT scans to examine my lumbar and cervical spine. The results confirmed that I need surgery on the C3-C4...
Dr. Lin Lifang reply Nuclear Medicine
Hello, first let me explain the differences between computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). CT uses X-rays as the energy transmission method, combined with scanning patterns and computational algorithms to obt...[Read More] Impact of MRI on Artificial Hip Joint in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients