Nuclear Oncology

Posts Tagged ‘Pediatric’

A VCUG is a pediatric X-ray exam of the bladder and lower urinary tract of a child who uses a special x-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast material.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The imaging X-rays involves exposing a body part to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images inside the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used for medical imaging.

Fluoroscopy allows visualization of internal organs in motion. When the bladder fills with contrast material soluble in water first and
Some common uses of the procedure

A VCUG allows the radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, abnormalities in the flow of urine through the urinary tract.

Usually this test is recommended after a urinary tract infection, to detect a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux (VU).
About VUR

Urine is produced in the kidneys and flows through the ureter, the tube that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. A valve mechanism prevents the return of urine to the kidneys as the bladder fills. Urine leaves the bladder through the urethra and out of the body during urination.

In some children, an abnormality in the valve or the ureters allows urine to flow backwards, a condition called vesicoureteral reflux. In mild cases, the urine backs up into the lower ureter. In severe cases, urine may back up into a swollen kidney. Usually, children with this condition are born with it. Other causes are: Read the rest of this entry »

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases including many cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body.

Nuclear medicine in children (Pediatric) refers to tests performed on infants, young children and adolescents.

Imaging procedures in nuclear medicine or radionuclide are noninvasive and with the exception of intravenous injections are usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose health problems. These imaging scans use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers.

Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, taken orally or inhaled as a gas and eventually accumulates in the organ or body area being examined, where it emits energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is detected by a device called a gamma camera, a scanner and / or probe for PET (positron emission tomography) and / or probe. These devices work together with a computer to measure the amount of radiotracer absorbed by the body to produce special pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues. Read the rest of this entry »