EXPERT

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.

Learn More About Me

Zachary M. Kilpatrick

West Columbia, South Carolina
Mercer University
Accepting new patients

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Lung nodule growth?

Enlarging lung nodules is ever a good thing. Do you smoke? Do you have other lung CA risk factors/family history? At 42, you're relatively young for lung CA, but caution is advised. READ MORE

Enlarging lung nodules is ever a good thing. Do you smoke? Do you have other lung CA risk factors/family history? At 42, you're relatively young for lung CA, but caution is advised. You will likely get a chest CT every 6 months for a period of two years....this is called the Fleischner Society Protocol.
All the best.

Can a bone bruise hide a tear in your knee?

Clinically, yes, but on imaging, no. MRI should very clearly distinguish between patellofemoral-induced pain and a meniscal tear.

Fluid in uterus?

Contraceptive coil? Fluid in the cervix can be due to estrogenic effects early in your cycle and can less commonly affect endometrium. As you know, endometriosis can be a miserable READ MORE

Contraceptive coil? Fluid in the cervix can be due to estrogenic effects early in your cycle and can less commonly affect endometrium. As you know, endometriosis can be a miserable condition. It can produce adhesions as can surgery....more surgery begets more adhesions, and adhesions can adversely affect bowels and induce pain.
Hope that helps.

All the best,

Do you ever fully recover from radiotherapy?

Yes, but the big question is do you recover from cancer.....

Can you tell by looking at an MRI of the knee, which knee it is?

Yes, for a right knee, an easy landmark is the fibula should be on the left side of the image...

How long does a brain CT scan take?

Actual scan time is seconds.....very quick.

Shortness of breath but normal EKG and x-ray?

Anxiety is indeed a possibility. Good thing that you have had COVID-19 and survived it. You do not need the vaccine at all. The best inoculation is the wild type disease. Anybody READ MORE

Anxiety is indeed a possibility. Good thing that you have had COVID-19 and survived it. You do not need the vaccine at all. The best inoculation is the wild type disease. Anybody who tells you different is either lying or dead wrong. Sequelae from COVID-19 can be long lasting.

Medical report CT pulmonary angiography?

Should be mild interstitial (not intestinal) thickening. Anyway, the overall pattern is non-specific, but can be seen with COVID-19, but again, nonspecific.....good thing no pulmonary READ MORE

Should be mild interstitial (not intestinal) thickening. Anyway, the overall pattern is non-specific, but can be seen with COVID-19, but again, nonspecific.....good thing no pulmonary embolus...

CT scan question?

Oral contrast is a contrast material that you drink to help see the stomach and bowel. IV contrast helps evaluate vascularity of normal and abnormal structures. Injection site READ MORE

Oral contrast is a contrast material that you drink to help see the stomach and bowel. IV contrast helps evaluate vascularity of normal and abnormal structures. Injection site pain is very common after COVID injection. There is a long list of other common adverse events.
All the best.

Do I have cirrhosis or cancer of the liver?

The short answer is no. Liver hemangiomas of that size are harmless and are of no malignant potential.....

Pulmonary function test results?

That’s a tough one… Pulmonary function tests are out of my area of expertise. There is a condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy that typically presents with congestive heart READ MORE

That’s a tough one… Pulmonary function tests are out of my area of expertise. There is a condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy that typically presents with congestive heart failure symptoms in pregnancy, but, I believe, can also present afterward. A normal echo is good.

Have you received the COVID-19 vaccination? Many cardiovascular complications are associated with that “vaccination“ and they are not rare. Have you had COVID-19? Pulmonary sequelae from that can be long lasting.
All the best and congratulations on your daughter… I have one daughter myself and she is everything.

Vape side effects?

Doubtful. The biggest problem with vaping and what makes them so dangerous is that they are very susceptible to being tampered with such as being laced with contraband – illegal READ MORE

Doubtful. The biggest problem with vaping and what makes them so dangerous is that they are very susceptible to being tampered with such as being laced with contraband – illegal fentanyl. If you were to take one hit half of a tainted vaping cartridge, you could very easily die from that. It’s just not worth it.

Could I have a head injury?

You could potentially have residual issues, but if you didn't lose consciousness, that's not likely. I frequently tell referring doctors and patients that if you ask yourself if READ MORE

You could potentially have residual issues, but if you didn't lose consciousness, that's not likely. I frequently tell referring doctors and patients that if you ask yourself if you need an imaging study, the answer is yes, otherwise you're just guessing. What if it's negative? You've purchased peace of mind. If positive, you may get an early jump on things.....my 2 cents.
All the best...

Is this scoliosis?

Looks like aorta to me.

What do my CT scan results mean? Is it serious?

Hemangiomas are very common and benign w zero malignant potential. If very large and peripheral, can cause bleeding but your size lesions (presuming hemangioma) you can essentially READ MORE

Hemangiomas are very common and benign w zero malignant potential. If very large and peripheral, can cause bleeding but your size lesions (presuming hemangioma) you can essentially forget about. Fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. Lung nodules 6mm are usually benign, but need follow-up. Lymph nodes 12 mm are slightly enlarged, but without any other abnormality, likely and hopefully a red herring.

What do the results of my full spine x-ray mean?

Segmentation anomalies and abnormal curvature. You’re young, so likely not significant now, but could be later.

Autoimmune diseases causing hypothermia?

I'm a radiologist and your question is out of my usual area. However, I will ask if you received the COVID vaccine. Dozens of complications associated with the vaccine are being READ MORE

I'm a radiologist and your question is out of my usual area. However, I will ask if you received the COVID vaccine. Dozens of complications associated with the vaccine are being elucidated all the time.
I wish I could provide you with more information. All the best...