Tag: Side Effects

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Everything You Need to Know About Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a type of ultrasound imaging that uses a contrast agent to improve the quality of the images. This type of imaging is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.

When is contrast-enhanced ultrasound performed?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is typically performed when a standard ultrasound is not able to provide enough information to make a diagnosis. It is also used to monitor the progression of a medical condition or to assess the effectiveness of a treatment.

Who performs a contrast-enhanced ultrasound?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is typically performed by a radiologist or a sonographer.

How does contrast-enhanced ultrasound work?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound works by using a contrast agent, such as a gas or a liquid, to improve the quality of the images. The contrast agent is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and then circulated throughout the body. The contrast agent helps to make the images clearer and more detailed.

What happens during a contrast-enhanced ultrasound?

During a contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the patient will be asked to lie on a table and the ultrasound transducer will be placed on the patient’s body. The contrast agent will then be injected into the patient’s bloodstream and the ultrasound images will be taken.

Routine Ultrasound

A routine ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses sound waves to create images of the body. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses a contrast agent to improve the quality of the images. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions.

How do I prepare for the test?

Before a contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the patient should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking, as some medications can interfere with the contrast agent. The patient should also inform their doctor of any allergies they may have, as some contrast agents can cause allergic reactions.

What are the risks of this test?

The risks of contrast-enhanced ultrasound are generally mild, but there is a risk of more serious side effects.

Mild Side Effects

Mild side effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include nausea, vomiting, and itching.

Moderate Side Effects

Moderate side effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and hives.

Severe Side Effects

Severe side effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

How often do side effects from the contrast occur?

Side effects from the contrast agent are rare, but they can occur. The risk of side effects increases with the amount of contrast agent used.

When should I know the results of the test?

The results of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound will typically be available within a few days.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/contrast-enhanced-ultrasound/about/pac-20384717

2. RadiologyInfo. (2020). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=ceus

3. American College of Radiology. (2020). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Contrast-Enhanced-Ultrasound

Keywords: contrast-enhanced ultrasound, CEUS, ultrasound imaging, contrast agent, side effects

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Everything You Need to Know About Cardiac PET Scans

A cardiac PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to create pictures of the heart. It is used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease, assess the extent of damage after a heart attack, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

When is a cardiac PET scan performed? A cardiac PET scan is typically performed when other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test, have not been able to provide enough information about the heart.

How does a cardiac PET scan work? During a cardiac PET scan, a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream. The tracer is absorbed by the heart muscle and emits gamma rays, which are detected by a special camera. The camera creates a 3-dimensional image of the heart, which can be used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.

How do I prepare for a cardiac PET scan? Before the scan, you will need to fast for at least four hours and avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before the scan.

How long does a cardiac PET scan take? The scan itself typically takes about 30 minutes, but the entire process, including preparation and recovery, can take up to two hours.

What to expect during a cardiac PET scan? During the scan, you will lie on a table and a technician will inject the radioactive tracer into your arm. You may feel a slight burning sensation when the tracer is injected. The technician will then move the camera around your body to take pictures of your heart.

What to expect after a cardiac PET scan? After the scan, you may experience some fatigue and a metallic taste in your mouth. These side effects should go away within a few hours.

What are the risks of a cardiac PET scan? Are there side effects? The risks of a cardiac PET scan are minimal. The most common side effects are fatigue and a metallic taste in the mouth.

What type of results do you get and what do the results mean? The results of a cardiac PET scan will show the size and shape of the heart, as well as any areas of decreased blood flow. If there is decreased blood flow, it may indicate the presence of coronary artery disease.

When should I know the results of a cardiac PET scan? The results of a cardiac PET scan are usually available within a few days.

If the results are abnormal, what are the next steps? If the results of a cardiac PET scan are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment.

When should I call my doctor? If you experience any unusual symptoms after a cardiac PET scan, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor right away.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac PET scan. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-pet-scan/about/pac-20384790

2. American Heart Association. (2020). Cardiac PET scan. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-pet-scan

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Cardiac PET scan. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-pet-scan

Keywords: cardiac PET scan, imaging test, radioactive tracer, gamma rays, coronary artery disease, side effects, results, next steps