A meningioma is a benign tumour that arises from the meninges. Meningiomas are often slow-growing, however in some instances, they may be fast-growing and their effects on 
adjacent brain tissue, nerves or vessels may cause serious disability. Timely access to a Bulk Billable MRI scan can enable a quick diagnosis and appropriate referral for neurosurgery without the patient requiring a CT scan with the associated ionizing radiation, especially relevant given the patient’s age.…
Spectrum
Paediatric MRIs – which ones are Medicare rebatable?
One of the problems of MRIs coming on and coming off Medicare rebates over time is the immense confusion to us GPs. This is especially so in the area of Paediatric MRIs. Fortunately, our colleagues at Spectrum Radiology has put together a quick reference guide for use in practice. The guide is now available under GP Resources and Tips.…
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy – a real case study
We read last fortnight about cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). I am not sure that I can pick up a CAA when I see one. I mean, we are not experts in CT or MRI of the brain. A fairly obvious, bit chunk of an infarct is easy to spot. I can also pick up any asymmetry in the scan. Any more than that, i will have reached out to the printed report.…
The role of breast MRI in breast cancer detection
Many countries now recommend annual MRI screening in conjunction with mammography for high risk groups. The only problem is that different countries define high risk differently. Medicare item 63464 can be used for the surveillance and diagnosis of women under 50 years of age at high risk of developing breast cancer, and who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.…
Case Study – man with increasing neck pain for one month
44-year-old male with 1 month of increasing neck pain was referred for a cervical spine injection. A CT scan of the cervical spine two weeks prior (Figure A), revealed foraminal narrowing at the C5-6 level. There was a significant difference between the new scan and the previous scan. There was severe destruction of the C5-6 disc and of the adjacent C5 and C6 vertebral end plates with retrolisthesis of C5 on C6.…
Undiagnosed pelvic pain – is it pelvic congestion syndrome?
22nd December 2018, Dr Chee L Khoo
Endometriosis is the most frequently diagnosed condition in women with chronic pelvic pain. What if they can’t find endometriosis on laparoscopy? In 60% of women with chronic pelvic pain, the cause remained unknown. A significant proportion of these women may suffer from pelvic congestion syndrome (PVC). Is this one of those “idiopathic” type condition which is diagnosed when all tests are negative?…
Medicare rebatable MRIs – November 2018 Rules
Our job just got harder. The bureaucrats keep changing the ground rules. We are expected to know who qualifies for what every so often. But here it is for your reference.
Click here to enlarge
…Metallic implants/prosthesis – are they MRI safe?
28th October 2018, Dr Chee L Khoo
Metallic objects, implants or prosthesis can render magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unsafe or affect the quality of the images. Our patients who have metallic joint prosthesis in-situ not uncommonly require further imaging. This can pose a bit of a challenge as many of the same patient population who require the joint replacement are the same population of patient that require further imaging.…
3D Mammogram – is there a role in clinical practice?
30th September, 2018, Dr Chee L Khoo
There is no question that screening mammograms have led to a decline in late stage breast cancers. There have been a gradual decrease in breast cancer mortality, at least partly, due to the introduction of screening mammograms over the last 25 years. But screening mammograms are not perfect. In women with dense breast tissue, the sensitivity of mammogram decreases.…
Non-invasive prenatal screening – A package deal
Increasingly, women are now requesting non invasive prenatal screening. Spectrum Medical Imaging now offers a comprehensive non-invasive prenatal screening at Liverpool.
For patient convenience, they provide pre-test discussion, a viability/dating scan, GeneStyle NIPS and 13 week structural scan. NIPS results are available within 5 days. Genetic counselling for NIPS if required post test.
Click here for more details.…
Prostatic arterial embolisation – another option for BPH
1st August, 2018, Dr Chee L Khoo
Ben
ign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is increasingly more common when men gets older. Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is still the gold standard treatment for most patients. Since alpha-adrenergic antagonists (also called alpha blockers) came to market, TURP is performed a lot less often. 5-alpha reductase convert testosterone into 5-alpha-di-hydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for prostate hypertrophy and blocking this enzyme prevents further prostate growth.…
Interventional Radiology – so many places you can stick a needle at!
July 1st, 2018, Spectrum Radiology
It’s absolutely amazing where and what they can inject or biopsy these days. The list is just mind boggling. Ok, not everyone is equipped and experienced to do those procedures. And the outcome does depend on the expertise of the operator. Have a look at the list of interventional procedures possible here.
Dr. Glen Schlaphoff and Associates, in collaboration with Spectrum Medical Imaging have established an integrated clinical service for interventional radiology. …