| 1. |
Should I perform CT on all suspected SARS patients? |
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HRCT should be used with caution as it may result
in over-diagnosis. It should be used only if there is a history of
contact OR the clinical signs, such as a continuing fever, leucopenia
etc., are strongly suggestive of SARS, AND the initial chest radiograph
is normal. |
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| 2. |
What are the findings on radiographs and CT? |
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Please refer to the section on imaging findings.
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| 3. |
Are the imaging findings specific? |
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The findings are non-specific and resemble those
of other types of atypical pneumonia, BOOP, eosinoplilic pneumonia,
Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis etc. This is why the clinical context
is very important for diagnosis. |
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| 4. |
What precautions are needed when scanning SARS
patients? |
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The area should be declared an Ultra-High risk
area when SARS are being examined. Infection control measures are
tabulated as a link at the end of the section the title MANAGEMENT AND INFECTION CONTROL IN A RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT DURING THE SARS OUTBREAK. |
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| 5. |
What preventive measures should our staff take? |
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Follow the infection control guidelines at work.
Infection control measures are tabulated as a link at the end of the
section the title MANAGEMENT AND INFECTION CONTROL IN A RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT DURING THE SARS OUTBREAK. |
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| 6. |
In what order showed I put on or take off the
protective apparel? |
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Please see the new link at the end of the second
last paragraph under the title MANAGEMENT AND INFECTION CONTROL IN A RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT DURING THE SARS OUTBREAK. |
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| 7. |
Does a normal HRCT exclude SARS? |
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Most probably it does. In our experience, no patient with suspected SARS symptoms and a completely normal HRCT at that time subsequently went on to develop SARS. |
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