What is a myocardial perfusion scan? A mycocardial perfusion scan is an imaging study that shows how well blood flows through the heart muscle. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of cardiac imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is between 44 percent and 70 percent depending on the blood vessels involved. In the United States, …
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What is Lupkynis (voclosporin), and how is it used? Lupkynis is a prescription medicine used with other medicines to treat adults with active lupus nephritis. Lupkynis should not be taken with a medicine called cyclophosphamide. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take this medicine. How does Lupkynis work? Lupkynis is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant. The …
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What is plasmapheresis? Plasmapheresis treats autoimmune diseases, toxins in the blood, neurological diseases, and very high levels of cholesterol that don't lower with medications or dietary changes. Plasmapheresis removes antibodies against the person's own body cells and tissues (autoantibodies) from the blood. Autoantibodies are proteins found in the plasma. They mistakenly attack the body's own tissues. In some cases, this …
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What is an umbilical arterial catheter? An umbilical artery catheter allows doctors to monitor a baby's blood pressure, collect blood samples, and perform exchange transfusion. The umbilical cord is a narrow tube-like structure that connects the baby in the womb to the placenta. The umbilical cord and placenta together act as a link between the mother and developing baby. They …
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What is an ultrasound procedure? Ultrasound devices send ultrasonic soundwaves through tissue. The device measures how long the waves take to “echo” or return to the device, much like SONAR used by submarines. The programming in the device uses that data to assemble an image nearly in real time; different densities of tissue show up as different concentrations of lighted …
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What Is jock itch? Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a common rash that primarily surfaces in the groin area due to a buildup of heat and moisture. The fastest way to cure it is to wash and keep the area clean and dry. Topical treatments and medications can also help speed healing. Tinea cruris, usually referred to as jock itch, …
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What is muscular dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy is a disease of the nerves and muscles. The best treatment for muscular dystrophy depends on the type and progression. It is treated with physical therapy, medication and surgery. There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatment can help you maintain your independence and strengthen your muscles. With an early diagnosis, it is …
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What are genital warts? Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and one of the most common of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While there is a vaccine to help prevent infection, there is no cure for HPV. The fastest way to remove them is through surgery, freeze them off with liquid nitrogen, or electric current or laser …
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Cabin fever is generally a temporary feeling of negativity, irritability, or listlessness due to being confined to a place for long periods. Some of you must have watched the movie “Cabin Fever.” The disease shown in this movie is an infection with a flesh-eating virus. This reel disease is similar to a real medical condition known as “necrotizing fasciitis,” which …
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How do medical professionals collect an arterial blood sample? An arterial blood sample analyzes the concentration of certain gases dissolved in the blood. There are three main types of blood vessels in the body, namely, arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries are the large blood vessels carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to body tissues. The distribution of the arteries in …
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