How Small of a Lesion Can a Brain MRI Detect?
How small of a lesion can be detected on a brain MRI? Hello, doctor. I previously experienced prolonged dizziness (which has since resolved on its own), and I was concerned that there might be something wrong in my brain. Therefore, I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital's healt...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the size of the lesions observed in brain MRI scans is related to the strength of the magnetic field of the machine, the thickness of the images during scanning, and various parameters. If a contrast agent is administered, it will also depend on the concentration and dosag...[Read More] How Small of a Lesion Can a Brain MRI Detect?
Safety Concerns of Metal Dental Implants During MRI Scans
MRI Metal Issues Hello, doctor. Due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, my doctor has arranged for me to undergo an MRI for further examination. I would like to ask if there are any safety concerns regarding the metal posts that were placed in the crowns of three teeth ...
Dr. Ye Weicheng Reply:
Metal dental implants do not pose safety concerns when entering an MRI room, so there is no need to worry. As for whether they will affect the examination results, generally they do not, unless the area being examined coincides with the location of the dental implant.[Read More] Safety Concerns of Metal Dental Implants During MRI Scans
Is a Standard Abdominal MRI Enough to Check for Pancreatic Issues?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pancreas? Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask if a general abdominal MRI is sufficient to check for any abnormalities in the pancreas during a health examination (without needing to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors), or i...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the injection of contrast agents (contrast media) can enhance the detection and assessment of diseases. It is also possible to choose not to administer a contrast agent; however, for specific conditions, especially tumors, this may reduce the diagnostic value and accuracy ...[Read More] Is a Standard Abdominal MRI Enough to Check for Pancreatic Issues?
Impact of Metal Dental Work on Brain MRI Imaging Results
When undergoing a brain MRI, there may be concerns regarding metal in the teeth? Hello doctor, last week I had a brain MRI. After I returned, I suddenly remembered that I have a fixed dental crown on my upper left tooth (with a ceramic outer layer and a metal inner layer) and ano...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the MRI images of the oral region may be affected by the metal from dentures, resulting in image artifacts, while the rest of the brain is not significantly impacted. Additionally, the scanning parameters of the equipment can be adjusted during the examination to improve i...[Read More] Impact of Metal Dental Work on Brain MRI Imaging Results
Understanding Radiation Risks from Chest CT Scans and Cancer Concerns
Chest Computed Tomography Radiation Hello, I had a low-dose chest CT scan during my health check-up in early May this year due to a lung nodule. My doctor has scheduled another chest CT scan with contrast for follow-up at the end of December, which will not be low-dose. Additiona...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the data from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the risk of developing additional cancer from a single low-dose chest CT scan is 0.010114%, while the risk from a standard chest CT scan is 0.035398%. The combined radiation dose from both sc...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks from Chest CT Scans and Cancer Concerns
Can Heart Stents Safely Undergo MRI Scans? A Patient's Dilemma
Can a patient with a stent installed during cardiac catheterization undergo an MRI examination? Dear Director Wang, I am a heart disease patient who had three coronary stents implanted at Medical Center A in mid-March 2017. Additionally, I am receiving treatment for cervical and...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello Mr. Li, regarding the explanation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), here are the details: MRI is a specialized examination conducted in a strong magnetic field environment, and a thorough safety assessment of the patient prior to the MRI is essential. Certain metals may ...[Read More] Can Heart Stents Safely Undergo MRI Scans? A Patient's Dilemma
Can MRI and CT Scan Detect Brain Imbalance Issues?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain Hello doctor, can brain imbalance (as indicated by the eye movement test and visually evoked potentials) be detected through a head MRI (with contrast) and a CT scan?
Dr. Ye Weicheng Reply:
There are many causes of brain imbalance. It is recommended that you first consult a neurologist. After evaluation by the neurologist, further imaging such as a CT scan or MRI may be performed based on clinical necessity.[Read More] Can MRI and CT Scan Detect Brain Imbalance Issues?
Understanding Radiation Risks: Pregnancy, MRI, and Leukemia Concerns
Radiation issues in examinations? Hello Dr. Sun, my sister-in-law had leukemia when she was young, and I am concerned about the potential hereditary risk. I am worried that radiation may increase the likelihood of my child developing leukemia. I have the following questions for y...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe for both pregnant women and fetuses, and it does not increase the risk of leukemia in the unborn child. 2. The radiation dose from low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs is not sufficient to harm the ova; it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks: Pregnancy, MRI, and Leukemia Concerns
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Multiple CT Scans and MRI
Health check-up includes 640-slice cardiac CT, pulmonary CT, and MRI? Hello, my parents are planning to undergo health check-ups and have scheduled a 640-slice CT scan of the lungs, a 640-slice CT scan of the heart, and a whole-body MRI. Although I have done some research online ...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
The radiation dose for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs is approximately 2 millisieverts, while a coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) is about 16 millisieverts. The combined risk of these two examinations resulting in additional cancer is over 99%....[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Multiple CT Scans and MRI
Can You Undergo MRI After Venous Sinus Embolization with Metal Dental Braces?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) I would like to ask the doctor if I can undergo an MRI scan for follow-up after having undergone embolization of the cervical cavernous sinus fistula this year, considering that I have fixed metal braces and the consent form for the vascular embol...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
MRI poses no radiation risk and provides high resolution of brain tissue, making it suitable as an imaging diagnostic tool for the repeated monitoring of brain lesions. Common fixed braces and platinum embolization coils can undergo MRI examinations, but they may cause image arti...[Read More] Can You Undergo MRI After Venous Sinus Embolization with Metal Dental Braces?
CT Scans During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Considerations
Abdominal CT scan during pregnancy? Dear Dr. Sun, I recently underwent a health check-up and, unbeknownst to me that I might be pregnant (six days after intercourse), the physician performed an abdominal ultrasound and suspected a renal tumor. They recommended a contrast-enhance...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Abdominal ultrasound revealed a suspected renal tumor, and the next step in diagnosis is a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, which is the first choice for further evaluation. The urinary system examination should include both the abdomen and the pelvic ca...[Read More] CT Scans During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Considerations
Understanding MRI Contrast Agents: Safety and Kidney Health Concerns
Regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents? Dear Dr. Sun, I have two questions to ask you: 1. I have scheduled MRI scans for both my head and mediastinum, and both require the use of contrast agents. How long should I wait between the two scans to avoid putting ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
MRI contrast agents pose minimal burden on normally functioning kidneys, except for unexpected and very rare allergic reactions. For safety reasons, repeated injections should be avoided to prevent excessive dosage. There is no specific safety standard for the interval between in...[Read More] Understanding MRI Contrast Agents: Safety and Kidney Health Concerns
Is MRI Safe for Infants with Breathing Difficulties?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The child is currently under 4 months old, and the doctor has scheduled an MRI for further examination. If the child experiences difficulty breathing while lying down (only sleeps on their side), frequently wakes up gasping for air, has tongue ret...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe for children and does not involve radiation exposure, the procedure requires the child to remain still for at least ten minutes, which may necessitate sedation or anesthesia. The lying position during the scan can be adjusted; if ...[Read More] Is MRI Safe for Infants with Breathing Difficulties?
Radiation Exposure and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Radiation and Pregnancy: Related Issues Hello, Director. I have been experiencing shoulder pain, so I visited an orthopedic doctor today. The doctor had me undergo four X-rays of my shoulder and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that lasted about 20 minutes. I would like to...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
There are multiple factors to consider regarding pregnancy status. It is recommended to visit an obstetrics and gynecology clinic for evaluation. After a consultation with a specialist, further management should be based on the obstetrician's recommendations.[Read More] Radiation Exposure and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Alternatives to X-Ray for Monitoring Calcium Masses: Safety Concerns
Chest mass, X-ray radiation dose? Hello, Doctor. My mother recently underwent a breast examination that included an X-ray, which revealed a calcified mass. The outpatient physician has advised her to have X-rays every six months for monitoring. My mother is concerned about radiat...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
If the results of a mammogram are classified as category 3 by the American College of Radiology's Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR BI-RADS category 3: probably benign finding), it is recommended that the patient undergo follow-up mammograms every six months unti...[Read More] Alternatives to X-Ray for Monitoring Calcium Masses: Safety Concerns
CT Scans for Liver Tumors: Radiation Risks and MRI Alternatives
Liver CT scan Hello Dr. Sun, I recently had an ultrasound during my health check-up that revealed a liver tumor. The doctor has arranged for a CT scan. I would like to know if the radiation exposure from the CT scan poses a cancer risk for my future, or if I can opt for an MRI in...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
The radiation dose from computed tomography (CT) scans of the liver can vary significantly depending on different factors such as the number of scans, body composition, and the scanning area, with an average dose of approximately 14.0 mSv (ranging from 8.0 to 21.0 mSv). This dose...[Read More] CT Scans for Liver Tumors: Radiation Risks and MRI Alternatives
Does a Coin in Your Pocket Affect MRI Brain Scan Results?
MRI of the brain shows a coin in the chest pocket? I underwent a brain MRI and found coins in my chest pocket when I finished, but I didn't feel anything during the examination. Will this affect the interpretation of the results?
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Having coins in the pocket of the examination gown likely indicates that the patient did not change into the appropriate examination attire before entering the MRI room. Whether this will affect the interpretation of the results depends on the imaging outcomes, which can only be ...[Read More] Does a Coin in Your Pocket Affect MRI Brain Scan Results?
Techniques for Rib Examination: Diagnosing Rib Stability Issues
Techniques for Rib Examination Hello, Dr. Sun. I would like to ask you, if I have previously experienced external force that straightened my spine on both sides, what kind of examinations can I undergo to determine whether my ribs on both sides are resting on the vertebral bodies...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
General X-ray examinations related to the skeletal system are performed at specific angles for different body parts. Due to overlapping factors, it can be challenging to detect subtle, non-fixed changes between the thoracic vertebrae and ribs. If there is a possibility of unstabl...[Read More] Techniques for Rib Examination: Diagnosing Rib Stability Issues
Understanding Radiation Exposure: X-rays vs. MRI for Sinus and Head Issues
MRI Radiation Dose The radiation dose from a sinus X-ray is approximately 0.1 mSv, while a head MRI does not involve ionizing radiation and therefore has a radiation dose of 0 mSv. In contrast, a head CT scan typically exposes a patient to about 2 mSv of radiation. If your doctor...
Dr. Yang Jinghua Reply:
To lo2285: Regarding the implementation of medical imaging, clinical symptoms should be taken into consideration. For the evaluation of sinusitis, X-rays and computed tomography (CT) should be the primary modalities. When assessing the brain, computed tomography and magnetic reso...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: X-rays vs. MRI for Sinus and Head Issues
Understanding the Differences in MRI Scans: Brain vs. Head and Neck
Differences in MRI Regions Hello, doctor. I looked up MRI examinations online, and I found that there are different prices for brain, head, and neck scans. Aren't the brain and head the same area? Why is there a difference? Additionally, I had a CT scan of the head ordered b...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
In MRI examinations of the head and neck, the scanning parameters and coil selection vary based on clinical needs related to the intracranial region (primarily the cerebrum and cerebellum), sinuses, pharynx, cervical spine, or vascular structures. It is not always possible to com...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MRI Scans: Brain vs. Head and Neck