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What Is The Best Whole Body Scan?

Posted on Mon, 3 Mar 2014

Question: What's the best whole body scan some1 can get to rule out everything at once? Was thinking of getting an MRI of the brain since i was worried about having had a stroke 2 years ago-would an old stroke still show up on an MRI if it was 2 years ago? Also am considering an Ultrasound to look inside of my arteries for build up. Is there 1 new technology that can do all of this plus more? Would like to avoid radiation and at the same time look at everything at once????

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You can go for whole body MRI scan. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to us You can go for whole body MRI scan. There is no radiation exposure to the patients so it is absolutely safe. MRI can show gliotic changes in brain tissues in response to previous stroke. You can go for Carotid Artery Doppler study. It will show atheromatous changes in carotid arteries due to long standing hypertension and altered lipid profile.Arterial Doppler study of peripheral vessels can also be done. Besides these radiological investigations I like to suggest you for some blood investigations and clinical examination as a part of screening. Investigations include routine hemogram,RBS(Random blood sugar),LFT(Liver function test),RFT(Renal function test),Lipid profile,Ultrasound of abdomen can be done.Further investigation can be done after clinical assessment. Detailed clinical examination by a neurologist is essential in every patient being evaluated for suspected stroke. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (18 minutes later)

Are the any cons from getting a whole body MRI vs. getting one part at a time? With whole body MRI can they still see up close or does one part need to be done at a time to achieve better results?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Detail study is done if there is any problem. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing back Whole body MRI is done for screening.If there is any abnormality detected then detail study of the concerned part is done. Detail study of the concerned part is needed for complete examination if there is any abnormality detected because all the sequences(these are the techniques of MRI) are not used during screening i,e whole body MRI. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar