Harry LeVine III - Böcker

A prize-winning medical writer offers an explanation of modern diagnostic medical imaging technologies—and the issues that result from their use and misuse.Medical Imaging describes the discovery and development of diagnostic imaging technologies, explaining how the technologies work and exploring some of the issues that such powerful and expensive technologies create. The book begins with the discovery of X-rays in 1895 and traces the history of imaging technology through today’s tools, such as X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The contribution of these expensive technologies to the rising cost of healthcare in the United States and the unequal distribution of imaging diagnostic facilities, particularly in developing countries, is also considered. In addition, the book explores ethical questions that have surfaced in the past, including the reportability of incidental findings during a scan and admissibility of medical images as evidence in courts of law , and such newly emerging issues as the application of imaging tools in lie detection and the mammography guidelines controversy of 2009.Various charts and illustrations show medical imaging modalities, Medicare medical imaging costs, distribution of imaging costs, physicians' fees by modality, nuclear imaging probes, and medical imaging physicsA glossary defines key terms necessary to understanding medical imaging technology such as "positron," "half-life," and “tomography," as well as acronyms such as "MRI,", "PET," "SPECT," and "CT"Presents documents including early popular science articles on X-ray technology and its abuse

This book offers an accessibly written introduction to ALS, focusing on the topics that matter most to anyone whose life has been affected—directly or indirectly—by this condition.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons that drive voluntary movement. Those diagnosed with ALS experience difficulty moving and speaking and, as the condition worsens, difficulty swallowing and breathing. Beyond this definition, however, what do those affected by ALS need to know?What You Need to Know about ALS is a part of Greenwood's Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, and distills vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of "Top 10" essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers' concerns. The text follows a standardized structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critical to understand, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.