Leading Medicine Winter 2018, Houston Methodist Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE W INT ER 2018

HELP FOR CHRONIC PAIN HURRICANE HARVEY’S HIDDEN HEALTH HAZARDS

WHY WOMEN SHOULD LISTEN TO THEIR HEARTS Symptoms can vary when compared to men

YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS FROM HOUSTON METHODIST

IN THIS ISSUE - WINTER 2018

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W eighing the Facts of Weight-Loss Surgery For people with severe obesity, it’s often difficult to maintain weight loss through diet and exercise alone.

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C ould Surgery Reduce Your Migraine Pain?

A new migraine headache surgery is showing promise for relieving migraine pain for patients who don’t respond well to other treatments.

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K eep Your Knees Young Your knees depend on the muscles around them to stay strong as you age.

Why Women Should Listen to Their Hearts Learn more about steps you can take to reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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A Stranger’s Donation Starts Six-Way Kidney Transplant Swap A stranger began a chain of events that eventually saved the lives of six people in need of new kidneys.

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H urricane Harvey’s Hidden Health Hazards As our community rebuilds from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, the immediate worries for personal safety and property have given way to longer-term health concerns.

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Help for Chronic Pain For people living with chronic pain, it’s common to wonder why and feel helpless in the daily struggle with pain.

Imaging Tests Help Detect and Treat Disease Diagnostic imaging helps health care providers determine the best treatment and care.

Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad A healthy new year starts in the kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

Chicken Salad ¼ cup plain nonfat yogurt 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise ¼ teaspoon salt-free dried Italian spice blend (or dried thyme, dried basil or both combined) 2 cups shredded chicken (from skinless breast of a rotisserie-cooked chicken) or 2 (10-ounce) cans salt-free white meat chicken, drained 3 tablespoons chopped unsalted, unoiled walnuts (or whatever nuts are on sale) ½ cup halved seedless grapes (or no sugar added dried fruit like prunes or cranberries) 1 red (sweeter) or green (more tart) apple, finely chopped Green Salad 1 head lettuce (green leaf, red leaf or romaine), chopped into small pieces ½ cucumber, chopped (optional to seed or peel) 1 large tomato, chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil 1 tablespoon red vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice

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DIRECTIONS

Chicken Salad 1. Combine yogurt, mayonnaise and spice blend in a large bowl with a fork.

2. Add chicken, nuts, grapes and chopped apple. Stir to combine.

Green Salad 1. In a bowl, combine chopped lettuce, cucumber and tomato.

2. Add oil and vinegar, stirring to combine with salad.

3. Serve salad greens with chicken salad on top.

COOK’S TIP

If you like sweetness, grab a red apple; if sour-tart is more your thing, pick a green one. Also, chopped apples will turn brown very quickly, but the yogurt in the chicken salad will stop this from happening.

Keep It Healthy: Combining a little light mayonnaise with nonfat yogurt is a great way to prepare a delicious and still tasty salad.

Storage Tip: When nuts are on sale, buy more than needed and store in a sealable bag in the freezer to keep fresh.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING Number of servings: 4 272 calories; total fat 13 g; saturated fat 2 g; transfat 0; polyunsaturated fat 5 g; monounsaturated fat 5 g; cholesterol 73 mg; sodium 334 mg; carbohydrates 8 g; fiber 5 g; sugar 11 g; protein 24 g.

This recipe is courtesy of the American Heart Association’s Face the Fats campaign. Recipe copyright © 2009 by the American Heart Association.

WEIGHING the Facts Of Weight-Loss Surgery

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f you’ve struggled with your weight for years, you’ve probably lost weight in the past, only to regain it later. It seems like a never-ending cycle, and it often is.

For people with severe obesity, it’s often extremely difficult to maintain weight loss through diet and exercise alone.

“On the other hand, studies Dr. Lee M. have found that most people who Morris have bariatric surgery are able to maintain a loss of at least 50 percent of excess weight, which is incredible for people who’ve been trying to lose weight for so long,” said Dr. Lee M. Morris, a bariatric surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital. “For most of my patients, they only regret that they didn’t do it sooner.”

WHY WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY WORKS

Consider these facts from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the largest national society for bariatric surgery.

Fact 1 Surgery doesn’t lower the body’s ability to burn calories or increase appetite. When you diet, your body compensates by burning fewer calories. In addition, diets increase hunger and desire to eat.

Fact 2 Surgery changes the size of your stomach to limit the amount you can eat. Depending on the type of procedure, your body will also be less able to absorb calories.

Fact 3 Surgery boosts hormones that promote weight loss.

Surgery increases the production of hormones that reduce hunger, decrease appetite and enhance feelings of fullness.

COMMITTING TO SUCCESS

Weight-loss surgery isn’t right for everyone. To be a candidate, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and higher, or a BMI of 35 and higher with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, you’ll need a willingness to undergo psychological and nutritional evaluations before surgery, and have commitment and motivation for maintaining healthy habits afterward.

“The surgery simply makes it easier to stick to nutrition restrictions and be active after surgery with less pain and more energy,” Morris said. “Choosing healthy foods and finding time for physical activity are still necessary for successful results.”

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BENEFITS OF WEIGHTLOSS SURGERY

Studies show that those who have weight-loss surgery experience several health benefits: 1 Lowered heart disease risk 2 Less risk of colon, breast, endometrial, kidney and esophageal cancers 3 Decreased risk of diabetes 4 Increased ability to become pregnant 5 Less sleep apnea 6 Less heartburn

Start Your Journey

Visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-losssurgery or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) to register for weight-loss surgery orientation sessions or to learn more.

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Could Surgery Reduce YOUR MIGRAINE PAIN?

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new migraine headache surgery is showing promise for relieving migraine pain for patients who don’t respond well to other treatments.

Migraine headaches can be painful, disabling and life-altering. Migraines are often accompanied by symptoms like nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and Dr. Anthony auras, such as shimmers of light or zigzagging Echo lines. They may last up to 72 hours if untreated and are a major cause of missed time at work and school. They can affect many areas of your life.

Migraines can occur when nerves in the head become irritated.

Migraine headache surgery releases tiny nerves in the scalp that are intertwined with blood vessels, muscle fibers or other tissue, easing compression on the nerve. “Once the pressure is released, headaches get better,” said Dr. Anthony Echo, plastic surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital, which is one of the only hospitals to offer this surgery.

UNDERSTANDING MIGRAINES

People can be affected by different types of headaches, such as migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. A common misunderstanding is that a headache is called a migraine when it’s severe. But that’s not the case; migraines can be mild or severe.

A migraine is characterized by the symptoms that accompany the headache. Each headache may have four stages:

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Prodrome. One or two days before the headache, subtle changes may warn of an upcoming migraine. These can include constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased thirst and urination or frequent yawning.

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Aura. Though most people with migraines don’t experience aura, some do. It may occur before or during the migraine, and most often takes the form of a visual disturbance, such as flashes or shimmers of light or zigzagging lines. It can also feel like someone is touching you, or cause muscle weakness.

Get Relief

If you’re debilitated by migraines, talk to your primary care doctor or neurologist about whether surgery is an option for you or call 713.790.3599 to find a doctor.

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Attack. A migraine usually lasts from four to 72 hours if untreated. Migraines often: Affect one side of the head Create throbbing and pounding pain Are associated with light or sound sensitivity Cause nausea and vomiting

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Postdrome. Some people feel drained or washed out after a migraine attack; others feel elated. For about a day after an attack, you may experience confusion, moodiness, dizziness, weakness and sensitivity to light and sound.

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ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR MIGRAINE SURGERY?

Good candidates for surgery are those who have exhausted more traditional headache management and who want more permanent relief than Botox® treatments can offer. About 85 to 90 percent of Houston Methodist patients who’ve had the surgery report significant reduction in symptoms or frequency of migraine headaches.

KEEP YOUR KNEES YOUNG

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s you age, it’s common to start experiencing some pain in your joints, especially in the knees.

“But you can combat the wearing down of Dr. Terry cartilage (osteoarthritis) Clyburn and the general wear and tear that your knees go through,” said Dr. Terry Clyburn, orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital.

STRENGTHEN YOUR LEGS

Your knee depends on the muscles around it to take some of the impact and pressure of everyday use. By strengthening your leg muscles, you can bolster the joint and relieve pressure. “The main muscles to focus on are your quadriceps (the muscles above your knee on the front of your thigh) and hamstrings (back of your thigh), though the muscles in your calves, hips and core also play important roles in stability,” Clyburn said. “The plain straight leg raise is the best quadriceps strengthening exercise. Leg-press and quad-setting exercises on machines, lunges and squats can cause further knee damage.” → TRY THIS: Start with low-impact exercises like walking, cycling and yoga to build strength. For help with building a tailored strength-training regimen, speak with a physical therapist or trainer.

LOSE WEIGHT

It’s estimated that for every extra pound we carry, we add 4 pounds of pressure to our knees. By staying within a healthy body mass index (BMI) range, usually from 18.5 to 24.9, you can prevent extra wear on your knees and ankles. → TRY THIS: If you’re overweight, set a more reachable goal for weight loss, such as aiming to lose 5 to 10 percent of your current weight.

IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY

A mobile, conditioned knee is less likely to develop overuse problems. By improving your flexibility, you can alleviate pain and stiffness. → TRY THIS: Work on improving flexibility by stretching the muscles in your legs (quadriceps, hamstrings and calves). Or, try a gentle yoga or tai chi class. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises that are right for you.

of services, from conservative, nonsurgical treatment options to the most advanced, surgical techniques, which include: Minimally invasive knee replacement Advanced techniques to minimize postoperative discomfort and accelerate recovery Partial knee replacement Complex joint revision surgery Therapy for arthritic knees Knee preservation surgery

SAY NO TO KNEE PAIN

If knee pain and stiffness interfere with your daily activities, it might be time to see an orthopedic specialist about treatment options. We can design a conservative care program for your knee including oral medications, physical therapy, bracing and various intraarticular injections, if indicated.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we offer a full spectrum

Take the Next Step

To schedule an appointment with one of our joint specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics or call 713.441.9000.

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WHY WOMEN SHOULD LISTEN TO THEIR HEARTS Symptoms can vary when compared to men

New High Blood Pressure Guidelines

Are you at risk?

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association released new scientific guidelines on what’s considered high blood pressure, lowering the threshold from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg. Recommendations focus on making healthy lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure, including quitting smoking, managing weight, being active and eating a heart-healthy diet. Some patients may also need medication.

The new blood pressure categories consider both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) pressure.

Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg levated: Systolic between 120–129 and diastolic E less than 80 mmHg igh Stage 1: Systolic between 130–139 or diastolic H between 80–89 mmHg igh Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least H 90 mmHg Talk to your doctor to learn if you’re at risk and how you can protect your heart.

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espite the perception that heart disease is a man’s disease, it’s the No. 1 killer of women, according to the American Heart Association.

Millions of women die Dr. Karla of heart disease every year, Kurrelmeyer yet many are unaware of their risk for the condition. Women often put off taking care of their health — and this inaction can put an extra burden on their hearts.

One form of heart disease, a heart attack, can strike suddenly and with no advance warning. Just like men, women can experience the crushing chest pain and discomfort typically associated with a heart attack. But, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience other common heart attack symptoms and frequently ignore them.

“A misunderstanding of gender-related heart attack symptoms could cause women to delay getting care because they aren’t sure if they’re having a heart attack, panic attack or indigestion,” according to Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

“It’s key to learn and watch for signs that something may be wrong — and if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek prompt medical care.”

Use these heart health facts for women to bolster your prevention and treatment efforts:

HOW A WOMAN’S HEART ATTACK MAY FEEL

You may already be familiar with classic heart attack symptoms for men, such as crushing chest pain that radiates down the left arm associated with sweatiness, paleness and shortness of breath. “Women are more likely than men to describe chest pain that is burning and sharp as well as experience extreme fatigue, pain in the neck, jaw, throat, abdomen or back,” Kurrelmeyer said.

“Breaking out in a cold sweat is also more common in women, as is lightheadedness,” she explained.

RISK FACTORS OFFER CLUES

Managing your risk factors for cardiovascular disease is only possible if you know what they are, and routine screening tests can reveal the answers.

At your next checkup, ask your doctor to assess your weight and BMI (body mass index), waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol and fasting blood glucose level. “These tests offer important clues to cardiovascular health as well as your overall health,” Kurrelmeyer said.

HEART ATTACK NOT SOLE SETBACK

With all the focus on heart attacks, some aren’t aware that cardiovascular disease can take many forms. Other heart problems include heart failure, in which the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should; arrhythmia, a too-slow or too-fast heartbeat that can affect its ability to meet the body’s needs; and heart valve problems, which can impede proper blood flow through the heart.

“Nearly all of these conditions are easily detectable with routine medical checkups,” Kurrelmeyer said. “It’s yet another reason why establishing an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician is so critical to your heart health.”

MENOPAUSE TOO LATE TO PREPARE

Women with heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a family history, shouldn’t wait until menopause to start a dialogue with their primary care physician about a prevention regimen to keep them healthy.

A recent survey published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 74 percent of women in the United States had at least one heart disease risk factor, but only 16 percent told their doctor about it.

“Women have such a low prevalence of heart disease until menopause that often times, the topic is ignored until women are well into their 50s and 60s,” Kurrelmeyer said. “But those with risk factors need to be 10 years ahead of the game when it comes to prevention. Unfortunately, too many women already have heart disease by the time they’re tested.”

LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY The role of genetics and family history is becoming increasingly clear when evaluating our risks of developing heart disease, said Houston Methodist cardiologist Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer. “That’s why it’s imperative to delve into your family tree and determine what your ancestors died from — especially if they died at a young age — as well as what your family members may be living with right now,” Kurrelmeyer emphasized. “Take the time to sit down with family elders and ask questions about what led to Great-Uncle Henry’s and Grandma Mary’s deaths, for example. The answers may surprise you.”

If you learn that heart disease runs in your genes — especially through several generations — share that information with your doctors. They may recommend certain dietary or lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, and/or perform various heart disease screening tests earlier or more frequently. You may also be referred to a cardiologist for regular care.

Heart Health Screenings

Houston Methodist provides heart and vascular screening packages to help you understand your risk. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ heart-scans for more information and to schedule online.

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A Stranger’s Donation Starts Six-Way Kidney Transplant Swap

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stranger began a chain of events that eventually saved the lives of six people in desperate need of new kidneys. One person’s organ donation triggered a six-way kidney swap, the second largest of its kind ever performed at one institution in Texas. Because of the Transplant Center’s extensive experience in performing kidney-donor swaps and capacity to perform these complex Dana Edson, donor multiple transplants simultaneously, Houston Methodist was able to coordinate a series of complex, same-day transplants involving 12 donors and recipients pairs, 25 doctors, and 25 nurses.

“For someone to give their kidney to someone they do not know is an incredible thing,” said Dr. A. Osama Gaber, director of Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center and one of the surgeons who took part in the swap. “These donors are true heroes.”

A nurse from Kerrville, Texas, Dana Edson, started the chain.

Earlier this year, an acquaintance from church came in for surgery.

During their initial visit, Edson asked if she had two healthy kidneys. The woman told her that she only had one because she had given her son one of her kidneys 16 years ago. She then told Edson that, unfortunately, he was in need of another transplant because his kidney was beginning to fail. After leaving the room for a few minutes, Edson came back and offered to be the man’s donor.

“It turned out I was not a match, but once I decided to donate my kidney, I felt it was no longer mine,” Edson said. “I knew I was being called to do this and I was going to do whatever it took to make sure he received a new kidney.”

Edson decided to take part in the six-way kidney swap, a process where she donated her kidney to an unknown recipient, so her recipient could receive a kidney from another donor who was a match. Ten other people, five recipients and five donors, were also part of the chain. The names of the donors and recipients were matched using a high-tech computer program.

A transplant through living donation is not only safe for those who donate, but it’s also much better for the recipient. Because donors receive a full workup, doctors can learn more about their

Pictured: Dr. A. Osama Gaber, director of Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center and one of the surgeons who took part in the swap, looks on as Dana Edson (in red) receives a hug from Rudyne Walker, the patient who received her kidney. Houston Methodist held a press conference for the donors and recipients who participated in the six-way kidney transplant.

medical history and their kidney function, therefore improving the chances of a better outcome and longer survival for the recipient. The process usually takes three to four months.

“Most patients who cannot find a living donor can be stuck on the national kidney waiting list anywhere from three to six years, and that can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety as well as many hours undergoing dialysis,” Gaber said. “We know that a living donor kidney can last anywhere from 12 to 20 years, while a deceased kidney’s viability is between eight and 12 years, so finding a living donor is always a good thing.”

Gaber adds that about 5 percent of patients on the transplant list will die each year while waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor. Edson and the other donors were all more than willing to give the gift of life to those in need to keep them off the list.

“It really is amazing to be a part of something so special,” Edson said. “Being able to give someone a part of yourself to help them live a better life has been an incredible experience. I feel extremely blessed that I was called to do this.”

Give the Gift of Life! April Is National Donate Life Month This April, people and organizations across the country will celebrate the incredible generosity of organ donors as part of National Donate Life Month. Dr. A. Osama Gaber, director of Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, says he hopes individuals will consider becoming a living donor or registering to become a donor after their death.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/living-donor-center or call 713.441.5451 to learn more about living donation or to register to become a living donor.

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Hurricane Harvey’s Hidden Health Hazards Be alert for symptoms of mold exposure

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s our community continues rebuilding from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, the immediate worries for personal Dr. Ghassan safety and property have Noureddine given way to longer-term concerns. One growing issue: the side effects of mold exposure. Staying alert for possible symptoms can help you address problems early, before complications or serious infections begin.

“Respiratory issues are among the most common health problems after a hurricane and flooding,” said Dr. Ghassan Noureddine, a pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Hospital. “Moisture promotes mildew and mold — especially in our warm, damp Texas climate — which can have significant effects on your breathing and lung health.” Allergy sufferers, too, may find their reactions worsened due to extra moisture in the already humid environment that’s caused an excess of weeds and pollinating plants.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

Those at highest risk include people with asthma and other breathing conditions as well as those with chronic health issues.

Noureddine advises Houstonians to be alert for these symptoms that can result from mold exposure: cough irritated eyes shortness of breath skin irritation stuffy nose wheezing “It’s possible to develop a mold infection in your lungs, especially if you have existing lung conditions or other health issues,” Noureddine said. “Whether now

Make an Appointment

If you’ve noticed symptoms of a respiratory problem, visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-center or call 713.790.3599 to find a doctor.

or after future storms, it’s important to let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms.”

Keep in mind that mold begins growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after exposure to moisture, and it’s not always easy to spot. Spores can lurk inside walls and even appliances that have insulation. If you’re experiencing symptoms even after cleanup efforts, consider whether mold may be hiding somewhere not immediately visible.

Noureddine also recommends, “If you are remodeling your home or cleaning after the flood, make sure to wear an industrial grade protective mask. If you have lung disease or are taking any immunosuppressive drugs, avoid working in demolishing or cleaning after the flood. You are more vulnerable to fungal infections when you get high exposure.”

TREATING THE PROBLEM

Your doctor may recommend prescription or over-the-counter medications to help treat your symptoms. Avoiding mold is one of the most important steps in treatment, which means eliminating the source. In addition to fixing leaking pipes or water problems, remove any housing materials that were wet, including drywall and flooring. Using a dehumidifier and cleaning of your HVAC system can help, too. For nonporous surfaces, like glass, metal and plastic, clean with a bleach solution. (Remember, never mix bleach and ammonia.)

If you already have medications for asthma or allergies, be sure to take them as prescribed and see your doctor for a checkup if your symptoms have worsened.

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HELP FOR

CHRONIC

PAIN W

hen will this pain ever end?

For people living with chronic pain and their loved ones, it’s common to wonder why and feel Dr. Sagar hopeless or helpless in Chokshi the daily struggle with pain. Chronic pain can occur as a result of a disease or condition, past injuries or for no known reason at all. It’s persistent pain that lasts for several months or years. “Sometimes chronic pain resolves with time, but, in many cases, treatment can help actively manage symptoms,” said Dr. Sagar Chokshi, a board-certified interventional pain physician at the Pain Management Center at Houston Methodist Neurological Institute.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAIN

Chronic pain can interfere with all aspects of your life, affecting your sleep and your mood. It may cause low selfesteem, depression, anxiety and anger.

It’s important to seek help to avoid worsening symptoms.

“Your doctor may ask you to describe your pain as aching or burning; sharp or dull; constant or intermittent; mild, moderate or severe. He or she may ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine,” Chokshi said.

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TREATING YOUR PAIN

Your doctor may suggest a combination of the following treatments to relieve your chronic pain.

Medications, including over-the-counter (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen) or prescription pain relievers. When taken as directed by your doctor, medications can be a safe and effective way to manage pain.

Nonsurgical therapies may provide effective, longer lasting relief than medication. Your doctor may recommend injections or nerve root blocks containing steroids and/or analgesic medicines to ease inflammation and relieve pain. Other treatments can include radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulation to block or disrupt painful nerve impulses.

These are used to treat a variety of chronic conditions, such as: Pain in the neck and back, arms, legs, or feet due to injured, diseased or herniated

discs; compressed or pinched nerves; or conditions like diabetic nerve pain Shoulder, knee, hip and sacroiliac joint pain as a result of injury, osteoarthritis or other illnesses Headaches caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves, which can cause piercing, throbbing or shock-like pain radiating from the upper neck, up to the scalp and around the back of the head Physical therapy can help you manage pain and maintain your mobility and flexibility.

Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, getting regular sleep at night, stopping smoking and doing low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming.

Yoga, massage or acupuncture may also provide relief.

Coping strategies, such as relaxation, deep breathing and meditation techniques help relieve stress and pain.

Find Relief from Pain

Don’t accept living with chronic pain. To explore your options with a pain specialist, call 713.441.2889 to schedule an appointment.

Imaging Tests Help Detect and Treat Disease

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hen facing an injury, unexplained illness or worrying symptoms, you want to know what’s wrong and what can be done to fix it. Diagnostic imaging gives health care providers an inside look at the body to locate broken bones, pinpoint diseases, guide cancer treatments and much more. Above all, diagnostic imaging aids in saving lives.

Most diagnostic imaging exams result in little or no discomfort.

For those who are sensitive to sounds or uncomfortable in tight spaces, our team helps you prepare for your test and addresses your concerns so you have the best experience possible.

Here are some common imaging exams you and your loved ones may need: COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT). During a CT scan, an X-ray tube inside the machine rotates around your body and produces detailed images of your internal organs. → WHY IT’S USED: Doctors use CT scans to detect cancer and heart disease; diagnose muscle and bone disorders; detect internal injuries; and locate tumors, infections and blood clots.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI). This tunnel-shaped machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures of your brain, neck, spinal cord and soft tissues. → WHY IT’S USED: MRIs produce high-resolution images to diagnose central nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and brain tumors. MRI also assists in identifying disorders of blood vessels and internal organs.

ULTRASOUND. A computer creates images from patterns created by the sound waves. During an exam, warm gel is applied to the skin and a handheld device (a transducer) is pressed against the part of the body being examined.

→ WHY IT’S USED: Although often used during pregnancy to check on the fetus, ultrasound exams can also be used to study the heart, diagnose some forms of infection and cancer, guide biopsies and treatment of tumors, check the thyroid gland, diagnose gallbladder disease and reveal abnormalities in the scrotum and prostate.

POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET). A type of nuclear medicine that uses radioactive materials, a camera and a computer to create 3-D images of internal organs and tissue. → WHY IT’S USED: PET scans help doctors detect cancer, assess the effectiveness of cancer treatment, or determine if cancer has spread. It’s also used to assess how well blood flows to the heart, and checks for brain abnormalities, such as memory and seizure disorders.

X-RAY. An X-ray machine uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of your bones, teeth and internal organs. → WHY IT’S USED: X-ray images assess for bone problems, joint infections, lung and heart diseases, abdominal pain, dental conditions and more.

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY. Utilizes multiple imaging technologies to assist and guide radiologists and physicians in minimally invasive procedures. → WHY IT’S USED: Assists physicians in procedures, such as the collection of specimens from internal organs and the placement of catheters and stents. It results in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times for a variety of procedures that once required open surgery.

Advanced Imaging When You Need It Most

If your doctor recommends diagnostic imaging, you can rely on the expertise of the board-certified radiologists and advanced technology at Houston Methodist Hospital. Visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging to schedule your imaging appointment.

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