Medical imaging in disease prevention
Modern healthcare is about more than just picking up diseases after it is too late, it is also about preventing the deterioration in your health before the damage becomes irreversible. To that end, modern medical imaging can help. There are several tests that can be used to pick up signs of early disease so that appropriate lifestyle changes or medications can be implemented that will hopefully halt any progression. These preventative measures include the following imaging tests...
Bone Densitometry
Bone density assessment helps to identify those at risk of fracture due to softening of the bones. If potential problems are identified early, then diet and supplements are often all that are necessary to lessen the risk. In some cases if this is not enough, then appropriate vitamins and medicines can also help.
Calcium Scoring
A low dose CT cardiac calcium score, along with a general clinical check up and cholesterol check is an excellent way to pick up those people at increased risk of a heart attack in the future. If an increased risk is found, then lifestyle changes and diet modifications may be enough to stabilise things and even to reduce future risk. In addition if there is very high risk, then further tests or treatments may be suggested. Early medical intervention may well save your life.
Aortic aneurysm screening
The abdominal aorta is prone to degenerative change as one gets older, and as part of that deterioration can occasionally develop some weakness in it's wall and start ballooning out. If left unchecked this will eventually rupture which can be fatal and without any prior warning. A screening procedure with ultrasound for men 65 to 79 years of age who have ever smoked is recommended and by early detection and subsequent elective repair, can reduce mortality from aortic aneurysm rupture by up to 68%.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Low dose CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) may be indicated if a special test of your faeces (Faecal Occult Blood) shows there to be any trace of blood present which can be an indicator of bowel cancer. Virtual colonoscopy using CT is as sensitive as traditional colonoscopy in detecting those lesions that are likely to be cancerous. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, CT is much better tolerated by patients, and is safer - it is associated with a much lower risk of complications such as bowel perforation, and a sedative is generally not required.
Ultra low dose CT Chest
For those at high risk of lung cancer because of a substantial smoking history, ultra low dose CT scan of the chest is an excellent way of picking up early cancer and is more sensitive than a traditional chest xray. Early detection of lung cancer correlates well with improved survival and cure rates.
Body fat and lean muscle mass analysis
As part of a healthy lifestyle, particularly in athletes and those undertaking lifestyle modifications, it can be very useful to accurately assess the amount and distribution of fat in the body. Athletes and those undertaking an exercise program, especially in the context of professional athletes may find it very helpful to know whether the training is contributing to an increase in lean muscle mass. Our DXA equipment ( the same as that used for bone density assessment ) is extremely low dose and very safe. It can even be helpful is assessing children with endocrinological problems.
