Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Treatment And Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Emboli In Ct, Jacob Gardner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2024

This research project elaborates on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary emboli, and how computed tomography can provide a quick and accurate diagnosis. Statistics, symptoms, computed tomography pulmonary angiography protocol, and pulmonary emboli radiographic appearance are also discussed to provide information on how a diagnosis is achieved and which treatment is used. Pulmonary emboli are a life-threatening condition that, if untreated, can potentially be fatal. Pulmonary emboli are the third most frequently occurring cause of cardiovascular death behind a stroke and myocardial infarction. Deaths in the United States from pulmonary emboli are approximately 300,000 deaths per year. In addition, 5-10% …

Detecting A Pulmonary Embolism Using Computed Tomography, Marissa O'Brien

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

A pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal disease in which a blood clot obstructs the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary emboli affect thousands of people every year in the United States. A timely diagnosis is vital to ensure quick and proper treatment and resolution. Signs and symptoms can vary among different patients, but some include shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, and leg pain. Computed tomography (CT) is the golden standard for diagnosis, specifically a CT pulmonary angiogram, which quickly and accurately visualizes clots in the pulmonary artery using iodinated contrast in the form of a bolus better than any other …

When Should Screening Mammograms Begin?, Michaela Cragle, Lynn Blazaskie

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

When Should Screening Mammograms Begin?

Michaela Cragle

Lynn Blazaskie M.S., R.T. (R) (ARRT)

Abstract

Screening mammograms are imaging exams performed yearly to evaluate breast tissue. As women age, changes in breast tissue can be normal or can be an early sign of cancer. The age women should begin screening mammograms is not clear. According to literature it has created much controversy over the years. Most women begin the screening process at the age of 40, and even earlier depending on family history. Research groups from multiple institutions followed and evaluated women who received yearly mammograms. Most women were divided into …

Prone Versus Supine Position For Breast Cancer Treatment, Alexis Wychock

Student Research Poster Presentations 2022

This project explains the two most common positions to treat breast cancer: prone and supine. Radiation therapy, breast cancer, complications of radiation therapy to the breast, and the new set-up for prone positioning called Crawl Couch are also discussed on the poster. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States. Men can also develop breast cancer, but it is less common. Supine is performed utilizing deep inspiration breath hold and the prone is completed using free breathing. Prone and supine are the two positions used but some researchers found a better way to treat …

The Use Of Nuclear Medicine In Detecting And Treating Mental Health Diseases, Jena Simmons, Gina Capitano, Walter Kierzkowski

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Mental health disorders affect over 792 million people around the world, and a leading cause for disability. Mental health disorders include a plethora of conditions that affect mood, thinking and behavior, including but not limited to, depression, dementia, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. The most common method of diagnosis is a psychological evaluation, which can lack accuracy if performed as the only method of diagnosis. Nuclear Medicine helps aid in diagnosis of these disorders in conjunction with psychological testing. Brain scans can help determine if there is a pathogenic cause for the symptoms. Brain scans are done utilizing Positron Emission Tomography …

Clinical Indication Appropriateness Of Bilateral Lower Extremity Venous Exams, Kristina Horan, Breana Doyle

Student Research Poster Presentations 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of bilateral lower extremity venous exam orders. The study encompassed final reports of 216 bilateral lower extremity venous exams that took place in December 2021 from three separate medical facilities. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Appropriate Use Guidelines for Non-Invasive Vascular Studies were used to determine if the exams were ordered appropriately. The results were 159 duplex exams were ordered appropriately and 57 were not appropriate. The findings concluded that a majority of the bilateral lower extremity venous exams were ordered appropriately.

Diagnosis Of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (Tnbc) Using Mammography, Sarah Mihalka

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a malignant, aggressive cancer that can affect men or women. Mammography is very helpful in diagnosing this type of cancer. The only option at this time for treatment for TNBC is cytotoxic chemotherapy. There is research being conducted to obtain more treatment options for patients. This is proving to be difficult because TNBC is negative for all hormone receptors. On a mammogram, this cancer may present as a lobulated mass with or without calcifications. This comes as a surprise because most masses present on a mammogram tend to be spiculated. This proves for an …

Mri-Guided Breast Biopsy, Makayla Franko

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project explains the role MRI has in performing breast biopsies. MR imaging is used along with mammogram and ultrasound to detect and monitor lesions. Traditional imaging of the breast is explained to understand how images of the breast are obtained. The grade of the lesion and how the lesion is found indicates the type of biopsy performed. MRI provides superior visibility for lesions within the breast. MRI-guided breast biopsies are indicated in patients with lesions only visible on MRI. The equipment required for an MRI-guided breast biopsy includes the breast coil, grid, and vacuum-assisted breast biopsy apparatus. Experienced breast …

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (Tavr), Emily Wentzel

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Emily Wentzel

Lynn Blazaskie

Abstract

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, is a procedure that is performed when a patient is in need of a new aortic valve. This is a procedure done to relieve symptoms of aortic stenosis. TAVR first began in France in 2002 and came to the United States in 2005. Cardiac Catheterization is the modality that is utilized in order to perform this procedure along with a cardiac catheterization team. The team includes cardiac catheterization technologists, doctors, nurses, cardiovascular surgeons, and ultrasound technologists. Cardiac Catheterization is a minor surgical procedure that …

Magnetic Resonance Neuroblate Fusion For Treating Glioblastomas, Amanda Goldy

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

The Neuroblate Fusion system utilizes magnetic resonance guided laser therapy to ablate tumors and lesions. The system requires the use of Laser Interstitial Thermo Therapy (LITT) to activate thermocoagulation and focus of tissue destruction. This is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery, giving patients a shorter recovery time and fewer complications. Neuroblate Fusion may also be an additional treatment to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Neuroblate Fusion is best used for treating glioblastomas in the brain and occasionally for reducing the potential for seizures. Under sterile conditions, a small burr hole is made in the patient’s skull which allows …

Treatment Of Orbital Lesions Using Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Emily Morahan

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

The purpose of the research done was to evaluate the use of CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for treating orbital lesions. Efficacy and tolerability of such treatment was analyzed with data drawn from multiple sources, regarding dose and fractionation, quality of life following treatment(s) and prognosis. CyberKnife SRS is the newest, most advanced model of radiation delivery systems, featuring a robotic arm capable of manipulating the linear accelerator into thousands of unique angles. The addition of new angles allows for a more precise concentration of radiation delivered to the lesions. In the case of optic lesions, it is crucial to minimize …

Architectural Distortion With The Use Of Tomosynthesis, Madison Skwirut

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

Abstract

Architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can occur due to benign and malignant causes. DBT is a mammographic technique that incorporates multiple angular projections of the breast to enable three-dimensional reconstruction while only compressing the breast once. DBT creates a better detection of distortion compared to a 2D mammography. Architectural distortion is found when the two breasts are compared and one breast has an abnormal tissue pattern. When examining the two breast with each other they should mirror one another, so when there is architectural distortion there could be contour abnormalities, trabecular thickening, and trabecular disorganization. When architectural …