Here is some expert advice!

Sherene asks... What are the advantages of a 128 slice CT over a normal CT scan?
Basically, there isn't any big advantage of having a CT performed on a 128 slice vs. 6 slice machine.
However, having a CT performed on a 128 slice is better for the following reasons:
Faster scan (patient is in the machine a shorter amount of time)
Better imaging for CT perfusion and Angiogram study

Please know that the best procedure for a person that had a stroke would be an MRI.

Patricia asks... Are you familiar with Tarlov Cysts? Do you believe they can cause pain?
From Mayo Clinic's website:

It's possible. However, Tarlov cysts are an uncommon cause of back pain.

Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs that most often affect nerve roots at the lower end of the spine (sacrum). Such cysts typically cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies done for other reasons.

However, in some cases, the cysts expand, compressing or distending the affected nerve root. This irritation of the nerve root results in pain, weakness or numbness. Rarely, the cysts enlarge so much that surrounding bone is eroded, which may cause localized pain as well. The cause of Tarlov cysts isn't clear.

In most cases, Tarlov cysts require no treatment. But treatment for painful Tarlov cysts typically involves corticosteroid injections or other medications to relieve pain. Innovative surgical treatments - such as draining the cyst or amputating the affected nerve root - have not been highly successful and are usually reserved for cases in which conservative treatments have been ineffective.

Khanda asks... Is a 128 ct scan is better than Angiogram?
There seems to be confusion as to a procedure and the machine that is used.

Please know that an Angiogram is a procedure that takes images of the blood vessels. A 64/128 slice CT Scan is used to image tissues throughout the entire body. With clarity and detail, patients can potentially avoid exploratory surgery.

CT scans provide much greater detail than a regular X-Ray and give a more detailed visualization of internal organs and soft tissues. Using a 64/128 slice CT Scan, CT Angiography (CTA) pinpoints cardiovascular disease early and is non invasive. The unprecedented resolution and speed, combined with 2D and 3D reformatting, leads to the most extensive evaluation and highest level of diagnostic confidence.

Elliot from Baldwin asks... is it possible to have an MRI of the right hand without placing your entire body into the machine?
Absolutely! An MRI of the hand does NOT require your whole body to be in the MRI machine.
Thank you for your question.

John from Garden City asks... If the 128 cardiac ct scan can be used with good results regardless of heart rate, why do you recommend medication to slow the heart during the test?
When a Cardiac CT is performed on a patient, the patient's heart rate needs to be slowed to 60-75 beats per minute.
Using a 64 Slice, the heart beat must be under 60 beats per minute Using a 128 Slice, the heart beat must be under 80 beats per minute

When a Cardiac CTA is performed, a patient's concern over the procedure often raises the heart beat. It is very rare a patient's heart beat is below those requirements indicated above. Thus, medication is recommended to slow it down as indicated above.

Can ovaries enlarge after two different 1st trimester ultrasounds that are one week apart?
While it is unusual, anything can happen.  It is highly suggested that you speak to your OB/GYN for further information and evaluation.

Brittany asks... Please, what will a leaking cyst look like on an ultrasound film?
While this is a good question, we need to know where in the body is the cyst. I am going to "assume" the cyst is in the pelvic region. Normally a cyst is in the shape of a circle. When a cyst leaks, the cyst deflates and becomes irregular in shape (like when a balloon deflates) and the fluid is seen.

If the cyst is in a different body party, please let us know.

Ken from Franklin Square asks... I was told I have a 2mm nodule on my right lung. After the second c/scan the specialist told me no more testing was necessary. Does this sound right to you? I was told it took 2 years of monitoring.
Here's the reply from our top CT/MRI person:

Please check out the following link for what we consider the perfect MRI markers.
http://www.beekley.com/products/mainframect.asp#mrspots  - Code #185 is the markers we prefer.

Unfortunately, it doesn't state, to our knowledge, what the chemical composition is. In addition, we don't feel they don't produce any artifact. Per our point person, we don't see a need for a dual modality marker.

 

Roberta from East Meadow asks... Since I have breast implants and am terrified of a rupture, I’ve never had a mammogram. Is there another type of test I can take without the fear of rupture?
It has been reported that, even with proper technical applications, rupture of breast implants during a mammography exam is a possibility. Many physicians recommend patients have Breast MRI’s performed.

However, be advised, that it is highly recommended that the patient research their medical carrier as a medical authorization might be required for a Breast MRI.

Q. What is MRI?
A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a patient examination utilizing a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of your body. It is a painless and extremely safe procedure because no radiation is used. Aided by a computer, MRI is able to produce an image of bone and soft tissue from many different body angles or planes. This enables Zwanger-Pesiri physicians to quickly and precisely diagnose a wide variety of conditions.

Q. What are the advantages of MRI?
A. This ground breaking technology identifies the tiniest of abnormalities, making early treatment possible. There is no exposure to X-rays or radioactive substances. MRI is painless, accurate, quick and safe. There are no known side effects.

 

Q. What is a CT Scan?
A. CT stands for Computerized Tomography, which refers to the way this exam is performed. In actuality, a CT scan is an x-ray procedure which is enhanced by a computer. This results in a three-dimensional view (referred to as a "slice") of a particular part of the body.  During a routine x-ray, dense tissues can block other areas. Aided by the computer, a CT scan is able to put together the different "slices" and create a three-dimensional view, clearly showing both bone and soft tissue.  Zwanger-Pesiri performs state of the art CT scans at every location. Utilizing our revolutionary 128 slice CT scanner in East Setauket, the Siemens Definition, and our 64 slice scanner in Plainview, the Siemens Sensation 64, Zwanger-Pesiri has acquired the most extensive CT experience on long Island.

 

Q. What is ultrasound?
A. Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to obtain a medical image or picture of various organs and tissues in the body. It is a painless and safe procedure.  Ultrasound produces very precise images of your soft tissue (heart, blood vessels, uterus, bladder, etc.) and reveals internal motion such as heart beat and blood flow. It can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of changing conditions including fetal development, which enables our physicians to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.