The Comprehensive Gaucher Treatment Center for Gaucher Disease at Tower Hematology Oncology, Beverly Hills
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Gaucher Disease
Genetics
Hematology
Bony Disease
Radiology
  Evaluation Guidelines
Treatment
Monitoring Guidelines

Radiology

Radiological exams are an essential tool for the monitoring of disease status in Gaucher patients, providing insight into the degree of organ and bony involvement.  Ideally, radiological exams should be performed at qualified imaging centers that regularly evaluate Gaucher patients and staff radiologists who are familiar with Gaucher disease and its presentation.

At the time of initial diagnosis, the baseline status of each patient is obtained by performing a comprehensive radiological work-up, including MRIs of the abdomen and bilateral femurs, a complete set of skeletal X-Rays, and a bone density scan.  These evaluations are repeated on an annual basis for patients receiving therapy and every 12-24 months for those who are not receiving treatment.

The Comprehensive Gaucher Treatment Center works in conjunction with Mink Radiologic Imaging to ensure that optimal MRI and X-Ray studies are obtained.  Their state-of-the-art technology and equipment enables them to provide us with volumetric measurements of the liver and spleen – a crucial component of a proper Gaucher assessment (yet something that is often unavailable at even the most well-known hospitals and academic institutions).  In addition, the radiologists at Mink Radiologic Imaging have expertise in evaluating films obtained on patients with Gaucher disease.  They are located at 8670 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 101, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Complimentary valet parking is available on the Williaman side of the building. To visit their website, go to www.minkrad.com.

Bone density scans are also a critical, but frequently overlooked, part of a complete Gaucher work-up, providing useful information regarding the degree of bone loss.  Although different techniques are available to obtain this information, a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is the preferred method. Two areas of the skeleton are generally scanned – the lower spine and the hip – and the actual bone mineral density (BMD) results are reported as gm/cm2 (grams of bone mineral per centimeter squared).  This absolute number is further categorized into a T-Score  (how a patient’s BMD compares to that of an average 30-year-old of the same gender) and a Z-Score (how a patient’s BMD compares to the average for his or her age and gender).  The Comprehensive Gaucher Treatment Center collaborates with Tower Beverly Women’s Center to obtain these evaluations.  They are located at 455 N. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.  One-hour free parking is available on Camden and Bedford.  Pay parking is available in the building.  To visit their website, click here.

The images below demonstrate the usefulness of using MRIs of the femurs to help assess the degree of bony involvement in Gaucher patients.  The darkened patches visible on the bones are Gaucher cells, which have infiltrated the bone marrow.  Notice the improvement evident after the patient had received approximately 3 years of treatment.




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