Concerns About Gadolinium Contrast Agents in Pediatric MRI Scans
Issues Related to Contrast Agents in Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans Hello Dr. Yang: My younger brother is scheduled for an MRI of the brain next week, but I just noticed while filling out the consent form that the contrast agent used contains gadolinium. The con...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mrs. Chuang, The consent form for the examination must explain all possible scenarios. MRI of the brain in infants and young children is primarily used to assess structural issues or infections, and generally does not require the injection of contrast agents. Please confirm...[Read More] Concerns About Gadolinium Contrast Agents in Pediatric MRI Scans
How Long Can You Safely Be Exposed to X-Ray Radiation?
How long of X-ray exposure can cause harm to the human body? (Forwarded from the Minister's mailbox) Dear Sir/Madam: How long can a person be exposed to an X-ray machine before exceeding the safe dose? On November 12th, I underwent an X-ray for my lumbar spine at an orthoped...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
To msesewu: General radiography requires proper positioning to ensure the area of interest is imaged as clearly as possible. Therefore, the radiologic technologist will ask the patient to cooperate with positioning, which takes a few seconds to a few minutes. The actual X-ray exp...[Read More] How Long Can You Safely Be Exposed to X-Ray Radiation?
Is MRI Safe? Effects on Adults and Infants After Scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Hello, I have undergone MRI scans twice over the past two years. Will this harm my body? After the scans, I had contact with an infant (under 1 year old). Will this affect the child's health? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
To ASD/0/44: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generates images based on the variations in magnetic fields of various structures in the area being examined. Once you leave the examination table, you are no longer affected by the magnetic forces of the equipment. The electromagneti...[Read More] Is MRI Safe? Effects on Adults and Infants After Scans
Concerns About X-Ray Exposure in Infants: A Mother's Dilemma
Infant X-ray examination Dear Dr. Yang, When my baby was 8 months old, we went to the emergency room due to a fever. The doctor took an X-ray, and I regret not waiting a full week (we went to the ER on the fifth day of the fever). Initially, blood tests were planned, but they co...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Shun Shun's Mommy: Generally, the use of alcohol for cleaning and spraying does not pose a significant risk to the human body (I assume you wouldn't continuously spray it near the baby's mouth and nose). Intravenous injections in infants and young children are...[Read More] Concerns About X-Ray Exposure in Infants: A Mother's Dilemma
Safety Concerns for Pregnant Researchers in Radiation Oncology
Linear accelerator Dear Dr. Yang, I am currently working as a research assistant at Cheng Kung University Hospital, where my job involves simulating the survival rates of human cells after exposure to radiation. On average, I take the cells to the radiation therapy department on...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Ms. Tsai, Based on your description, if an accelerator is used for irradiation and no special drugs are employed to induce nuclear reactions, radiation is only produced during the exposure. Please confirm the details of the experiment. If the aforementioned phenomenon occur...[Read More] Safety Concerns for Pregnant Researchers in Radiation Oncology
Is It Safe to Undergo Multiple CT Scans in a Short Time?
Radiation issues Hello, Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again. Due to my abdominal issues, you have scheduled me for another abdominal CT scan in the next few days. I would like to ask if it is okay for me to undergo another abdominal CT scan? As I mentioned before, I have ...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Tian Tian: Computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray imaging that provides high resolution images; however, it involves a higher dose of ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, if clinically indicated, it can provide valuable information for physicians in diagnosing and tr...[Read More] Is It Safe to Undergo Multiple CT Scans in a Short Time?
Understanding MRI: Can It Accurately Diagnose Abdominal Pain?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Hello Doctor: I have pain in my left upper abdomen, and after examinations by a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist, no cause has been identified. A physician has suggested that I undergo an MRI. Can an MRI accurately determine the cause...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Tian Tian, Hello. Based on your description, there was no conclusion reached regarding your left upper abdominal pain after consulting with the gastroenterology and hepatobiliary department. Left upper abdominal pain can generally be caused by gastrointestinal discomfor...[Read More] Understanding MRI: Can It Accurately Diagnose Abdominal Pain?
Understanding CT Report: Total Lung and Liver Volumes Explained
Computed Tomography Report Dear Dr. Yang, Thank you for your response; I have gained a lot of relevant knowledge. Regarding the CT report from March 24, the findings are as follows: Total lung volume 4588 cc, Total liver volume 1902.8 cc, Right lobe 1303.2 cc, S4 185.5 cc, S2+S3...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Byron, Due to the nature of your inquiry involving two specialized fields, the response will be provided jointly by Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Regarding the examination of Technetium-99m macro-aggregated albumin (Tc-99m MAA) and the data derived from this examination, ...[Read More] Understanding CT Report: Total Lung and Liver Volumes Explained
Understanding CT Scan Reports: Insights on Liver Cancer Treatments
CT Report dated March 24, 2023, Part 2? Dear Dr. Yang, Thank you for your response; I have greatly benefited from it. Here is further clarification regarding the CT report from March 24: Question 1: I am unsure whether I have received specific hepatic arterial chemotherapy or r...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Byron, Thank you for your additional information. Firstly, the use of radioactive microspheres in the transarterial embolization treatment of liver tumors employs this radioactive isotope to generate beta radiation (i.e., electron radiation), allowing for short-range and po...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports: Insights on Liver Cancer Treatments
Understanding CT Reports: Analyzing Liver Tumor and Lung Volume Ratios
Computed Tomography Report Hello Doctor, due to a family member's liver tumor issue, the doctor used a catheter inserted through the femoral artery to deliver the radiolabeled albumin to the hepatic artery, in order to analyze the ratio of the radiolabeled albumin shunted fr...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Byron, Regarding your question, more detailed information may be needed for a complete response. 1. The liver is generally divided into two main lobes, with S2, S3, and S4 representing segments of the left lobe. 2. I am unsure if you have undergone specific hepatic artery ...[Read More] Understanding CT Reports: Analyzing Liver Tumor and Lung Volume Ratios
Does Breastfeeding Affect Abnormal Chest X-Ray Results?
Does breastfeeding affect abnormal findings in a mammogram report? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a recent job requirement for a medical examination. I have always passed the X-ray checks in the past, but this time there was an abnormality. Could this be due to not ...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Hello, first of all, congratulations on nurturing new life and finding a new job! During the lactation period, the breast tissue is relatively dense, which may interfere with the pulmonary assessment on chest X-rays. It is recommended to empty the breast milk before the examinati...[Read More] Does Breastfeeding Affect Abnormal Chest X-Ray Results?
Understanding Radiation Exposure in CT Scans: Key Questions Answered
Radiation issues Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to continue asking you some questions. I recently visited an orthopedic doctor who suggested that I undergo another CT scan of the painful area. I would like to know: 1. How much radiation is typically involved in a standard CT sc...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Ms. Chen, Hello. Computed tomography (CT) utilizes X-ray imaging, which results in ionizing radiation effects. Therefore, the radiation dose should be estimated based on the examination area. Currently, regulations and international consensus do not restrict medical radiati...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in CT Scans: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Safe Limits and Health Risks
Radiation Issues Hello Doctor: 1. What is the acceptable standard range of radiation exposure for an individual in one year? 2. I underwent a nuclear medicine bone scan, mammography, and low-dose computed tomography scan this year; has my radiation exposure exceeded the standa...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
1. Currently, there are no regulatory dose limits for medical radiation exposure received by patients; the dosage is primarily determined by clinical physicians based on medical necessity. Regulatory authorities both domestically and internationally have only established referenc...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Safe Limits and Health Risks
Do Zirconia Dental Crowns Emit Radiation? Understanding Safety Concerns
Does zirconia, the component of all-ceramic crowns, emit any radiation? Hello, I am currently undergoing dental treatment and will be getting five crowns. I am considering all-ceramic crowns, but I have heard that the zirconia component may emit slight radiation. Is this true? Si...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Xin: Regarding zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), it is a stable, white, odorless crystal. The atomic weight of zirconium is 91.224, and there are five isotopes found in nature: 90Zr, 91Zr, 92Zr, 94Zr, and 96Zr. The only component that produces trace amounts of radiation is 96Zr, whi...[Read More] Do Zirconia Dental Crowns Emit Radiation? Understanding Safety Concerns
Assessing Radiation Exposure from X-rays and CT Scans: What You Need to Know
X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. In October 2010, I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax, which has caused me to frequently undergo X-rays due to my anxiety. Below is a summary of the X-rays and CT scans I have had ...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dr. Wetin: Your inquiry is addressed in the attached document. Wishing you peace and joy! Yang Ching-Hua, Department of Radiology, Taoyuan General Hospital.[Read More] Assessing Radiation Exposure from X-rays and CT Scans: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Kids Wearing Lead Aprons During Dental X-Rays
Concerns Regarding Children Wearing Protective Clothing During Dental X-rays Hello Dr. Yang, My child recently had a cavity in the upper left tooth, and I learned that during the first visit to a pediatric dentist, at least four X-rays are taken from different angles. I am conce...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Jill, Thank you for your inquiry. Our living environment has background radiation (approximately 3 millisieverts per year). Currently, the dental X-ray machine we use delivers a single exposure of about 2.4 microsieverts (0.0024 millisieverts) for a child receiving four exp...[Read More] Concerns About Kids Wearing Lead Aprons During Dental X-Rays
Understanding DEXA Scans: Safety, Radiation Exposure, and Health Risks
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a type of imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density and body composition, including fat and lean mass. The radiation energy used in DEXA scans is minimal and considered...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Ms. Ginger, The term DEXA refers to Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, which is primarily used for material density analysis. In the medical field, it is utilized for bone density analysis. This type of equipment falls under the regulations for ionizing radiation protection ...[Read More] Understanding DEXA Scans: Safety, Radiation Exposure, and Health Risks
Understanding CT Scans: Radiation Concerns and Alternatives Explained
Inquire about issues related to CT (Computed Tomography)? Dear Dr. Yang, Recently, I discovered a hard lump in the deeper part of my jaw while touching it. I visited a nearby medical center's ENT department, and after the doctor performed a physical examination, they ordere...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Ms. Yuning, Hello. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the modern medical imaging techniques. Due to its rapid examination process and the ability to obtain extensive imaging information, it has become a widely used tool. Depending on different clinical needs and the varying...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans: Radiation Concerns and Alternatives Explained