Assessing Radiation Exposure Risks from Repeated Imaging Exams in Taiwan
Risk assessment for repeated imaging examinations this year? Hello Doctor: When I was young, I frequently underwent full spine X-ray examinations due to scoliosis, approximately 40 times between the ages of 1 and 20. Two years ago and four years ago, I had surgery for sinusitis, ...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
According to information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from a single head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), while a single abdominal and pelvic CT scan has a radiation dose of about 14 mSv. A Gallium scan, which is a nucle...[Read More] Assessing Radiation Exposure Risks from Repeated Imaging Exams in Taiwan
Understanding MRI Contrast Injection and X-Ray Imaging Procedures
Regarding the issue of using MRI contrast agents under fluoroscopy X-ray imaging? Hello Director Wang, I had an MRI scheduled due to a wrist injury, which required the administration of a contrast agent. I was not aware that X-rays would also be taken before and after the inject...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. The process of injecting contrast agents will be adjusted based on the specific examination being performed. What you described resembles the procedure for arthrography. Some physicians may arrange for arthrography before an MRI, injecting the contrast agent into the ...[Read More] Understanding MRI Contrast Injection and X-Ray Imaging Procedures
Understanding PET Scan Results: What Do Bright Spots Mean?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Issues Hello Doctor, I have a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my oral and pharyngeal walls, which becomes more pronounced when swallowing saliva. There is also sharp pain and a foreign body sensation near the left base of my...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, positron emission tomography (PET) is a specialty of nuclear medicine. The reports for PET scans are issued by board-certified nuclear medicine physicians. I recommend searching for "nuclear medicine" on the Taiwan e-Hospital platform and consulting a nuclear med...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: What Do Bright Spots Mean?
Does a Cervical MRI Also Examine Other Neck Organs?
Will the cervical spine MRI results also examine other organs? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask some questions regarding the MRI. Last month, I visited the hospital due to discomfort in my neck and consulted a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI of my cervical spine to check for any...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. The MRI imaging scan is set to focus on the cervical spine, utilizing a cervical spine coil. Other head and neck tissues may not be included in the scanning range, and the image signals may be affected by poor magnetic field quality in non-target areas, which can inte...[Read More] Does a Cervical MRI Also Examine Other Neck Organs?
Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns About Lymph Nodes and Throat Symptoms
MRI Report Issues (Continued) Dr. Wang, thank you for your response. I have a few more questions I would like to ask you: 1. You mentioned that the report indicates bilateral non-specific lymph nodes in my neck. Why didn't my attending physician mention this, and why does t...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, if your symptoms have persisted for more than two months without improvement, it is advisable to consult a physician for a reevaluation. Please inform the doctor that your symptoms have not resolved as initially expected. The diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies can be i...[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns About Lymph Nodes and Throat Symptoms
Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns in Throat and Neck Symptoms
MRI Report Issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my oral and pharyngeal walls, as well as a similar sensation and pain in the mucosa next to the left base of my tongue. Additionally, I have had inflammatory symptoms with int...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the imaging report you uploaded refers to the examination area of the head and neck, while the uploaded images focus on the area below the neck, specifically the thyroid gland. The MRI of the head and neck encompasses the nasopharynx to the area near the cervical thyroid. ...[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns in Throat and Neck Symptoms
CT Scans for Newborns: Safety Concerns and Alternatives Explained
Computed Tomography for Newborns The baby is one week old and suspected to have a spinal defect. An ultrasound was performed, but the doctor indicated that the images were unclear and recommended an MRI. However, after the baby was given sedatives, they still woke up, and the doc...
Dr. Ye Weicheng Reply:
Please refer to the attached information. Director Yeh Wei-Cheng, Department of Radiology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] CT Scans for Newborns: Safety Concerns and Alternatives Explained
Can MRI Effectively Measure Lymph Node Size in Head and Neck Exams?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Follow-up Questions Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions. I would like to ask if an MRI of the head and neck can show the size of lymph nodes. Since I have a health check-up coming up, I thought that MRI, which does not involve radiation, mig...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, MRI is a valuable imaging assessment and monitoring tool, but it has some drawbacks such as long examination times, unsuitability for patients with claustrophobia, and poor image quality in agitated patients. In addition to MRI, ultrasound can also be considered as a non-r...[Read More] Can MRI Effectively Measure Lymph Node Size in Head and Neck Exams?
Understanding MRI and PET Scans for Lymph Node Evaluation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Issues Hello Doctor, recently I had some swollen lymph nodes and underwent a PET scan. The nuclear medicine physician mentioned that there are faint uptakes in my nose and neck, but he believes they are likely benign. I understand that both inflam...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of diseases requires relevant medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, or pathological examinations, with all related data being comprehensively assessed by a specialist physician. For certain diseases, even the highest qualit...[Read More] Understanding MRI and PET Scans for Lymph Node Evaluation
Assessing Annual Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging: Is It Too High?
Whether the annual examinations and radiation exposure exceed the standard limits? Hello Dr. Wang, I had a sarcoma last year and underwent radiation therapy. For follow-up, I had MRI with contrast; subsequently, I had two PET scans and lung CTs. At the beginning of this year, I h...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, MRI is a radiation-free examination, while positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), and mammography involve radiation exposure. Each imaging modality has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some examinations may not have alternative options. The ...[Read More] Assessing Annual Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging: Is It Too High?
Safety Concerns About MRI Contrast Agents for Pelvic Exams
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Contrast Agent Hello, doctor. I have uterine fibroids, and my physician has assessed that I need to undergo an MRI of the pelvis with contrast prior to surgery. Although my attending physician mentioned that it is a very safe procedure and I have ...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, referring to the information from the website of the Radiological Society of the Republic of China, specifically the "2020 Handbook of Contrast Agents" on pages 32 to 40, the information regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents is as follows: MR...[Read More] Safety Concerns About MRI Contrast Agents for Pelvic Exams
Impact of Chin Augmentation with Titanium Screws on Brain MRI
Mandibular artificial bone + titanium alloy bone screws MRI Dear Doctor, I underwent chin augmentation surgery using artificial bone and titanium alloy screws for fixation. Will this have any impact if I need to undergo a brain MRI? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, some slices of a brain MRI scan may include the jaw. If the acquired imaging signals include areas with metal bone screws, the images may be affected by artifacts due to the metal implants. However, if the imaging slices do not include the areas with the metal screws, the ...[Read More] Impact of Chin Augmentation with Titanium Screws on Brain MRI
Understanding MRI Findings of Liver Nodules in Cancer Survivors
MRI of the liver shows nodules? Hello, doctor. My mother is 60 years old. She was diagnosed with stage 1A gastric cancer in August 2018 and underwent surgical treatment. Since then, she has been undergoing annual check-ups. In July 2020, an abdominal CT scan revealed a small nodu...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, your mother has a history of gastric cancer and requires regular follow-up. The imaging report consists of a written description, and the diagnosis and treatment of the disease should be based on a comprehensive analysis of the actual imaging and relevant clinical data to ...[Read More] Understanding MRI Findings of Liver Nodules in Cancer Survivors
Understanding Safe Radiation Exposure Limits for Medical Imaging
The acceptable amount of radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging procedures in one year? Due to my autoimmune disease, I have experienced various health issues this year. Since April, I have undergone numerous imaging studies, including several abdominal and cervical spine X-r...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, MRI is a radiation-free examination. Additionally, according to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, a dose below 100 millisieverts (including single or multiple exposures) does not cause clinical functional impairment. Following your ...[Read More] Understanding Safe Radiation Exposure Limits for Medical Imaging
Understanding the Impact of X-rays and MRI on Your Health
I underwent an X-ray due to discomfort in my chest, neck, and lower back? I had a lateral and oblique X-ray of the neck, approximately four chest X-rays, about two lateral X-rays of the lumbar region, totaling eight X-rays, along with an MRI of the brain. I would like to know if ...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the examinations you mentioned are reasonable and safe. The purpose of imaging studies is to assist physicians in diagnosing and identifying the underlying causes of illness, so that appropriate interventions can be made to help patients recover their health as soon as pos...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of X-rays and MRI on Your Health
Understanding Pain After TMJ MRI Contrast Injection: Is It Normal?
TMJ MRI contrast agent Hello, doctor. Recently, I went to the hospital for an examination due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. It has been four days, and the area where the contrast agent was injected still hurts, especially when I open my mouth. Is this normal? I ha...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you experience persistent pain at the injection site after the examination and there is no improvement, it is recommended to return to the original hospital for evaluation. A physician should perform a physical examination or discuss the exami...[Read More] Understanding Pain After TMJ MRI Contrast Injection: Is It Normal?
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Concerns for Patients with Multiple Imaging Tests
Radiation issues Hello doctor, I am a health anxiety patient. Due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, I have undergone the following examinations in 2018, 2019, and this year: one head computed tomography (CT), one head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), approximately 18 ch...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
According to the data from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a 30-year-old female undergoing a head CT scan (1 time) is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), for a chest X-ray (about 18 times) it is approximately 1.8 mSv, for a cardiac CT (1 ...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Concerns for Patients with Multiple Imaging Tests
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Addressing Patient Concerns in Imaging
Radiation Issues Thank you for your response, Doctor. I have been experiencing health anxiety along with autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and I have visited outpatient clinics multiple times over the past three years. In 2018 and 2019, I underwent the following examination...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello Ms. Pan, according to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from three chest X-rays (anterior-posterior and lateral views) for a 30-year-old female is approximately 0.3 millisieverts, while a cardiac CT scan (one time) has...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Addressing Patient Concerns in Imaging
Understanding Full Spine MRI: Diagnosing Disc Issues and Soft Tissue Problems
Spinal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about undergoing an MRI of the entire spine. Besides identifying issues such as herniated discs, can it also detect problems with bones or soft tissues (like muscles or ligaments)? What information can the...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include the complete absence of ionizing radiation risk and excellent imaging resolution for structures such as the spine, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and soft tissues of the organs. The disadvantages include l...[Read More] Understanding Full Spine MRI: Diagnosing Disc Issues and Soft Tissue Problems
Concerns About Radiation Exposure and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
Radiation Issues Hello Doctor, due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, I underwent the following examinations in 2018 and 2019: head CT scan, head MRI, chest X-rays (about 10 times), abdominal CT scan, neck ultrasound, echocardiogram, breast ultrasound, gastroscopy, abdomina...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello: According to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), 10 chest X-rays (both frontal and lateral views) is about 1 mSv, an abdominal CT scan is around 8 mSv, and an a...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know