© 1985 Oxford University Press
research-article |
WHEN SHOULD WE REQUEST RADIONUCLIDE BRAIN SCANS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS?
Department of Radiology, City Hospital Nottingham
Department of Health Care of the Elderly, Sherwood Hospital Nottingham
The radionuclide brain scans performed on a gamma camera (GC scans) in 146 patients over 65 years of age during a 6-month period are reviewed. Forty-four scans (30.1%) were reported as showing an abnormality. Three patients subsequently underwent surgery and drug therapy was commenced in 11 cases. However, in most cases the GC scan proved unhelpful in the patients' management. The usage and role of GC scanning in elderly patients admitted with a neurological disorder is examined.
accepted in revised form October 1, 1984.