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Zachary M. Kilpatrick

Radiologist

Dr. Zachary Kilpatrick is a radiologist practicing in West Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Kilpatrick specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging techniques such as X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography exams. These techniques offer accurate visibility to the inside of the patients body and help to detect otherwise hidden illnesses so that they can be treated quickly and efficiently.
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Zachary M. Kilpatrick
  • West Columbia, South Carolina
  • Mercer University
  • Accepting new patients

What will an x-ray show for back pain?

In a guy your age (if history of trauma), can show fracture. If no trauma, then early changes of degenerative disc disease or any number of forms of arthritis. There are numerous READ MORE
In a guy your age (if history of trauma), can show fracture. If no trauma, then early changes of degenerative disc disease or any number of forms of arthritis. There are numerous things that can also cause back pain, even in a young guy like you...kidney stone, for example. Kidney stone may be seen on spine X-ray, as well. If X-ray doesn't answer question, don't be
surprised when your provider orders an MRI.
All the best.

Will a CT scan show thyroid cancer?

The short answer is yes.

Is a heart CT scan safe?

The short answer is yes, particularly if you have significant risk factors. The primary value of a heart CT is in its negative predictive value. This is to say that if you have READ MORE
The short answer is yes, particularly if you have significant risk factors. The primary value of a heart CT is in its negative predictive value. This is to say that if you have a negative CCTA/heart CT, the likelihood of you having a significant coronary/cardiac event within the next 12-18 months approaches 0%.
All the best.

Can an X-ray show torn ligaments in the knee?

Can show a couple of indirect signs, but the short answer is no. MRI is king. If you can't have MRI, get CT Arthrogram.
All the best.

What are the most common side effects of radiation therapy?

Fatigue is a big one, but here's a good link. All the best: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/radiation-therapy/side-effects-radiation-therapy READ MORE
Fatigue is a big one, but here's a good link. All the best:

https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/radiation-therapy/side-effects-radiation-therapy

What foods to avoid during radiation therapy?

That’s up to your doctor, but historically, things like sushi and undercooked foods should be avoided.
Thank you and all the best.

Can CT scan contrast make you sick?

With regard to side effects, in the short term, you can get nauseated. If you are allergic, in rare instances, it can be lethal due to anaphylactic shock. However, this is extremely READ MORE
With regard to side effects, in the short term, you can get nauseated. If you are allergic, in rare instances, it can be lethal due to anaphylactic shock. However, this is extremely rare and the most common allergic manifestation is hives.
All the best.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to contrast dye?

https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=safety-contrast#safety-side-effects Typically hives, but can rapidly progress into anaphylactic shock. Reactions are usually mild. READ MORE
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=safety-contrast#safety-side-effects

Typically hives, but can rapidly progress into anaphylactic shock. Reactions are usually mild. Please see the above link regarding Iodine-based contrast material.
All the best.

What are the side effects of contrast dye CT scan?

Side effects include nausea, vomiting and a metallic taste in the mouth. These are typically almost immediate. Unless you have an allergy to CT dye, the likelihood is nothing. READ MORE
Side effects include nausea, vomiting and a metallic taste in the mouth. These are typically almost immediate. Unless you have an allergy to CT dye, the likelihood is nothing. Literature reports that kidney damage can occur, which it can. However, most of those reports come from cardiac catheter data which arrives at the kidneys in a much greater concentration and typical amount that that of a CT. The heavily favored odds is that you'll likely be fine.
All the best.

How long does an MRI of the abdomen take?

Typically, 45 minutes at the maximum.
All the best.

How long does it take for MRI results to be ready?

That all depends on where you undergo your MRI. With regard to my practice, we are held to 97% 24 hour turnaround time.
All the best.

Can I work while having radiation therapy?

The short answer is yes, depending on what's being irradiated. I don't know what you do, but radiation can wipe you out. Everyone's different.

What is a CT scan used to diagnose?

https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/submenu.cfm?pg=ctScan

Can I wear a bra during a CT scan?

The short answer is yes, but if there's an underwire, it may create artifact and could actually INCREASE your radiation dosage as the detectors may measure greater density than READ MORE
The short answer is yes, but if there's an underwire, it may create artifact and could actually INCREASE your radiation dosage as the detectors may measure greater density than what is actually there.
All the best.

Do you get CT scan results soon after?

Not to be trite, but is all depends on where you go....in my personal practice, we have a strict 24 hour turnaround policy.

All the best...

Is a head CT scan safe for children?

Yes on modern equipment. X-ray doses have plummeted over the past several years.

Does a sinus x-ray show infection?

It can. It's a minimal and inexpensive screening tool. If significant sinus issues, a Sinus CT is the way to go.

All the best.

How long does it take to recover from radiation fatigue?

Everyone is different, but about a month seems to be the most common. If longer, you might consider consulting your oncology team.
Thank you and all the best.

What does a full body CT scan show?

The short answer is a heck of a lot… Numerous, cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, G.I., and genitourinary as well as musculoskeletal abnormalities. Not to be trite, but almost too READ MORE
The short answer is a heck of a lot…
Numerous, cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, G.I., and genitourinary as well as musculoskeletal abnormalities. Not to be trite, but almost too numerous to count.

Do tooth infections show up on CT scans?

Indirectly, but the short answer is yes.