When should we request radionuclide brain scans in elderly patients?
The radionuclide brain scans performed on a gamma camera (GC scans) in 146 patients over 65 years of age during a 6-month period are reviewed. Forty-four scans (30.1%) were reported as showing an abnormality. Three patients subsequently underwent surgery and drug therapy was commenced in 11 cases. However, in most cases the GC scan proved unhelpful in the patients' management. The usage and role of GC scanning in elderly patients admitted with a neurological disorder is examined.
Jaspan
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Morris
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Rose
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Mulley
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D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003704:Dementia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m
D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m