Low-Dose CT Scans: The Answer to Reducing Radiation Exposure

Imaging tests are vital to doctors for discovering and diagnosing disease and injury. CT (Computed Tomography) scans can mean the difference between life and death. But that doesn't mean they should be administered without thought to the amount of radiation they expose you to. Think about it. At some point, you've likely had a CT scan or will have a CT scan performed. But do you know how much radiation was used? At Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, new CT software significantly reduces radiation exposure and improves image quality, surpassing most CT systems in use today. And the radiation dose is documented in your report each time you have a CT scan, so it can become part of your medical record.

Depending on the imaging test used and the part of the body focused on, radiation levels vary. However, if you’re facing health issues, the benefits of having a CT scan greatly outweigh the risk of receiving a small amount of radiation. But it makes sense to be as mindful as possible.

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptions/imagingradiologytests/imaging-radiology-tests-rad-risk

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology follows the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), and participates in Image Wisely and Image Gently, awareness programs that encourage smart medical imaging by eliminating unnecessary scans and using lower radiation doses. Patients are exposed only to the minimum amount of radiation needed to form an accurate diagnosis. SAFIRE, dose reduction software used in the low-dose CT scans at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, utilizes a complex algorithm to minimize graininess that results from imaging at a low dose and can mean up to a sixty percent dose reduction.

https://www.healthcare.siemens.com/computed-tomography/options-upgrades/clinical-applications/safire/features

How do you prepare? Click here. What happens during the test? Click here.

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is dedicated to providing Long Island with the latest CT technology, which greatly reduces the radiation dose to patients while still maintaining the highest resolution. You can be assured that our CT technologists and radiologists are fully dedicated to your comfort and safety.

Cardiac CT Calcium Scoring

Are you at risk of a heart attack?

More than a million Americans have a heart attack each year according to the American Heart Association, and almost half of them are fatal. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/104/11/1212.full

As with many things in life, some of the factors that could contribute to you having a heart attack are out of your control. Take your age, for instance. If you’re a man over the age of 45, or a woman over 50, you are more likely to be at risk. Then there’s gender. Men are at greater risk of heart attack than women, and have attacks earlier in life. Last, there’s your family history -- you’re more likely to be at risk if your parents had heart disease. Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and African Americans are at higher risk because they typically have more severe high blood pressure.

While you have to play the cards you’re dealt when it comes to age, sex, and heredity, there are even more things that are in your control: smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and being overweight. Reducing these factors won’t necessarily guarantee you won’t have a heart attack, but it can definitely improve your hand. Another thing that can help stack the deck in your favor? A calcium scoring CT (Computed Tomography) scan.

Calcium builds up in our heart vessels along with plaque from fat in our diet. This can stiffen the vessels and form fissures or cracks that can turn into clots. When clots rupture, they block blood flow triggering a heart attack. We can use drugs to treat the high blood pressure that can cause tension in blood vessels, and statin medications like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Crestor to lower cholesterol and limit the buildup of plaque. But it’s important to know how much plaque is in your arteries. That’s where the calcium scoring test comes in.

Calcium scoring scans are painless, easy, and can be completed within 10 to 15 minutes. A technologist positions you on the table, electrodes are attached to your chest connecting you to an electrocardiograph machine that records the electrical activity in your heart, and then the CT table moves slowly through the machine as the scan is done. The only thing you have to do is hold your breath for up to 15 seconds while images are recorded. Because these scans are noninvasive, you can usually resume normal activities immediately.

Having an accurate idea of your calcium buildup can help your doctor to prescribe the best course of action to heart health. If you're currently taking heart medication, it doesn't necessarily have to be a life sentence. Based on a total examination, including a calcium scoring test, your physician may advise that certain cardiac medications are no longer needed. 

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is dedicated to providing Long Island with the latest CT technology, offering low-dose CT at 11 of our offices.  Ask your doctor if a calcium scoring CT scan is right for you.

Walk MS: Long Island 2014

For the fifth year in a row, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is the lead sponsor of Walk MS: Long Island, a two-day fundraiser to benefit members of the community suffering from multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis, known as MS, is an unpredictable, disabling disease of the central nervous system that affects more than 2 million people worldwide. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and body, resulting in symptoms including numbness of limbs, tingling or pain, slurred speech, fatigue, double vision, and dizziness. Walk MS: Long Island is an opportunity to connect people living with MS and those who care about them.

The first Walk MS: Long Island fundraiser will take place on Sunday, May 4^th, in Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon where the site will open at 8 a.m. The opening ceremony for the 1.5 mile walk begins at 9:45 a.m. (actual start time is 10 a.m.). Man’s best friend can get involved in the effort to stamp out MS too! There’s a Pooch Parade that starts at 10:30 a.m. The second walk takes place two weeks later on Saturday, May 17^th, on Field 5 at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh at 10 a.m., with a new family friendly 5K Fun Run beginning at 8 a.m.

While there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, there is promising research, and early and ongoing treatment with FDA-approved therapy can make a difference. When you participate in Walk MS, the funds you raise give hope to more than 42,000 people affected by MS in our community. The dollars raised support critical MS research and programs, as well as services for people living with MS.

To register or volunteer for Walk MS, visit www.walkMSlongisland.org or call (631) 864-8337.

http://walknyh.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=22968&pg=entry

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/basics/symptoms/con-20026689

7th Annual OMG! Cancer Summit for Young Adults

Late April marks the 7th Annual OMG! Cancer Summit for Young Adults, an amazing high-energy event at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas that demonstrates the passion, fight, and human spirit of hundreds of cancer survivors and caregivers, and for the first time Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology (ZPR) will be an official bronze sponsor.

“As one of the top radiology groups in the country, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology understands the needs of these young adults affected with cancer and therefore will become the first outpatient facility in the USA to acquire the first-ever simultaneous MRI/PET scanner,” noted ZPR’s Clinical Specialist MRI/PET, DebbieAnn Pustam.

Cancer touches every American, whether you experience it directly or through a friend or family member. And while it’s hard to watch anyone  fight this fight, it’s even more difficult to see young adults fight. There’s something about the insanity of a young adult with cancer, well… it’s just  not fair. Stupid cancer.

And that’s just the driving force behind the OMG! Cancer Summit: Stupid Cancer.  OMG! Cancer Summit is the signature program of Stupid Cancer, the nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by Matthew Zachary, a young cancer survivor, and is among America’s largest support communities for a population that’s added to by some 72,000 new diagnoses each year.

During the summit’s four days, April 24^th through the 27^th, OMG!’s agenda gives cancer fighters, survivors, and caretakers the opportunity to gather, join together, and celebrate life and the fight for it against this disease in one of America’s most vibrant cities. After getting settled by viewing some of Sin City’s highlights and a pre-celebration pool party, participants can join a fun walk and sit in on panels and discussions centered on a variety of topics from those centered on caregivers and how their lives have changed, to no-holds-barred talks about the effects of cancer on youths, and gender-specific issues related to the disease. It’s a real chance to address real issues for a good cause.

For more than 60 years, ZPR has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art radiological services to their patients with a level of care unmatched in the industry.  The Siemens Biograph MRI/PET scanner offered at ZPR will decrease cumulative radiation exposure over a lifetime, provide a more accurate tool for diagnosing, staging, evaluating and detecting recurrence of cancer, and help those affected with the disease get back to living faster by combining two scans in one (MRI & PET).

50 Percent of Breast Cancer Deaths Occurred in Women Under 50 Years Old

An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. Cliche, right? Maybe. But it’s really common sense. And there’s some truth behind this and other timeworn aphorisms like it. Two recent studies confirm that early detection can be a big plus, especially for women between 40 and 49.

The journal, Cancer, published a study just last September illustrating how important early detection through mammograms can be. Previous studies show a range of benefits, but this one, involving 7,301 patients, discovered that 71 percent of confirmed breast cancer deaths happened in the 20 percent of the women who didn't get regular mammograms. In fact, 50 percent of breast cancer deaths occurred in women under 50. Most who died from breast cancer never had a mammogram.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.28199/abstract

These findings were reinforced earlier this month when researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine published findings in the American Journal of Roentgenology comparing two groups of women between 40 and 49: those being screened and women with symptoms. After reviewing 230 primary breast cancers, the study concluded that women between 40 and 49 who underwent routine screening mammography were diagnosed earlier with smaller tumors. They were also less likely to require chemotherapy.

http://www.medimaging.net/radiography/articles/294750653/for_younger_women_study_
reveals_mammography_saves_lives.html

Being careful and proactive about screening for breast cancer isn’t about paranoia, nor is it something to put off. Mammograms, which take so little time, can give you the chance to have and spend so much more of it with your friends and loved ones.

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is the leading breast imaging facility on Long Island, featuring 3D mammography, groundbreaking technology that generates 3D images of the breast that gives physicians better views through overlapping breast tissue. Studies demonstrate that 3D mammography is superior to conventional mammography in detecting cancer and lowering the risk of false-positives. ZPR is the only radiology practice using all Hologic 3D machines -- the gold standard in 3D mammography -- in every location.

Paving the Way: Patient Access to Radiology Results

A recent article in DiagnosticImaging asked the question "should patients have access to images and reports?" The answer, according to Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology's CEO and Medical Director, Steven L. Mendelsohn, MD, is a resounding "yes!"

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology was an early adopter of the patient portal idea. ZPR's portal, launched almost two years ago, allows patients to access their exam results via their own computer. Patients can now view and print their reports. But patient portals have been met with some concern by doctors who worry that patients will get results online rather than from their referring physician. Mendelsohn, quoted in DiagnosticImaging, laid those fears to rest. "It's such an overwhelming benefit to give patients the results. I cannot think of a practical downside, whether the results are good or bad," he said. Plus, he added that an extra set of eyes is always a good thing. "The patients may pick up on stuff in their report that the referring doctor didn't notice," said Mendelsohn.

According to Mendelsohn, some referring physicians have even called to thank him for providing the reports online to patients. It ensures that patients get their results without delay, and speeds the whole process. Best of all, it gives patients a feeling of control, and the ability to be involved in their own health care.

Patients have greeted the portal with great enthusiasm. "Thank you for instituting the use of the patient portal," wrote one patient. "It is so wonderful to be able to access a record of all procedures and reports, appointments, etc. So much better than asking doctors for copies or to fax results. Having this kind of record at our fingertips is invaluable on so many levels. I will be sure to have all procedures done at Zwanger-Pesiri in the future."

Have you tried Zwanger-Pesiri's patient portal yet?

Zwanger-Periri Radiology is the leading Long Island provider of diagnostic imaging, with 12 offices throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

it’s such an overwhelming benefit to give patients the results. I cannot think of a practical downside, whether the results are good or bad, - See more at: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/pacs-and-informatics/patient-portals-should-patients-have-access-images-reports?GUID=D19C12D8-83B1-4869-969F-926B0ADB9D75&rememberme=1&ts=15112013#sthash.jmseAhuq.4PQSCKgQ.dpuf

it’s such an overwhelming benefit to give patients the results. I cannot think of a practical downside, whether the results are good or bad, - See more at: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/pacs-and-informatics/patient-portals-should-patients-have-access-images-reports?GUID=D19C12D8-83B1-4869-969F-926B0ADB9D75&rememberme=1&ts=15112013#sthash.jmseAhuq.4PQSCKgQ.dpuf he said.

“If I estimate one to two calls per week per radiologist, I may be overestimating it, - See more at: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/pacs-and-informatics/patient-portals-should-patients-have-access-images-reports?GUID=D19C12D8-83B1-4869-969F-926B0ADB9D75&rememberme=1&ts=15112013#sthash.jmseAhuq.4PQSCKgQ.dpuf

Two are better than one: Adding tomosynthesis decreases recall rates

Patients undergoing conventional mammography paired with tomosynthesis had significantly lower screening recall rates than those receiving mammography alone, according to a study published in the December issue of Radiology.

The impact on recall rates was particularly strong for those younger than 50 and those with dense breasts, reflecting tomosynthesis’ ability to reduce false-positives in that patient population.

“Recent work has evaluated the performance of tomosynthesis in a variety of observer performance studies, which collectively have established that the combination of digital breast tomosynthesis with conventional digital mammography can decrease screening mammography recall rates without having a negative effect on sensitivity in the detection of malignancy,” wrote Brian M. Haas, MD, of Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., and colleagues.

Haas and colleagues created a study to evaluate the performance of breast tomosynthesis in clinical practice by identifying which patients experienced the greatest reduction in screening mammography recall rates and to assess the cancer detection rate.

Participants were selected from patients presenting for screening mammography in a one year period between October 2011 and September 2012 at four clinical sites. These sites all used digital mammography and included breast imaging clinics in an academic tertiary care hospital, two outpatient radiology centers, and a mobile van-based mammography unit. Tomosynthesis was the preferred method of screening when available, and was performed in combination with mammography when feasible.

Eight breast imaging radiologists interpreted the exams. Recall rates were calculated for the two groups and stratified by breast density and age. During the study, 13,158 patients underwent screening mammography, 6,100 underwent tomosynthesis plus mammography, and 7,058 underwent digital mammography alone.

The overall recall rates for patients in the tomosynthesis group were 8.4 percent and 12 percent for the conventional imaging group. When the recall rates were stratified according to breast density, results demonstrated reduced recall rates for the combination compared with mammography alone for all breast density groups. Significant differences were found for scattered fibroglandular breast density, heterogeneously dense breasts, and extremely dense breasts.

When stratified according to patient age, reduced recall rates were evident with tomosynthesis plus mammography for all age groups. Significant differences were found in patients younger than 40, patients 40 to 40 years old, and patients 60 to 69 years old.

Both younger age and greater breast density were significantly associated with higher risk of recall.

There was a 9.5 percent increase in the cancer detection rate with tomosynthesis; 2,018 women would need to be screened with tomosynthesis to detect one additional cancer beyond that detected by mammography individually. 

“When adopted, tomosynthesis promises to alter the mammography workflow by decreasing screening rates and to subsequently improve the mammography experience for many women,” wrote Haas and colleagues. 

Steere, Anna. "Two are better than one: Adding tomosynthesis decreases recall rates." HealthImaging. 24 November 2013.

Web. 3 December 2013. <http://www.healthimaging.com/topics/womens-health>.