MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
is
ordered by your physician to evaluate internal
body structures
without having to use X-ray or surgery. MRI uses the physical
properties of magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to
generate images of soft tissues within the body. MRI is a
non-invasive procedure and there are no known side or after effects.
Patients are asked to lie on a table and remain still for
approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the test ordered.
During the examination, a faint knocking sound will be heard, which
is normal and is the operation of the imaging process. The images
are formed from signals emitted by tissue in the body. The MRI
process captures different tissue characteristics and translates
them into different contrast levels on the image.
MRA
-----Brain/neck,
Circle of Willis,
Carotids, Vertebrals, Intra/extracranial
vessels, renal arteries/Abdomen, MRV
CatScan (CT)
Spiral
CT, Reconstruction. Computed Tomography is a diagnostic imaging
procedure that combines the use of x-rays with
computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (slices) of the body. The images
produced by this can are more detailed than
those of an ordinary x-ray (or radiograph).
Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology
Nuclear medicine is
a subspecialty within radiology. It comprises
diagnostic examinations that result in images of
body anatomy and function. The images are
developed based on the detection of energy
emitted from a radioactive substance given to
the patient, either intravenously or by
mouth. Generally,
radiation to the patient is similar to that
resulting from standard
x-ray
examinations.
Mammography --
Screening, Diagnostic
Mammography is a
specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose
x-ray system for examination of the breasts. The
images of the breasts can be viewed on film at a
view box or as soft copy on a digital
mammography
work station. Most medical experts agree that
successful treatment of breast cancer often is
linked to early
diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in
early detection of breast cancers because it can
show changes in the breast up to two years
before a patient or physician can feel them.
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS), the American
Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical
Association (AMA) and the American College of
Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography
every year for women, beginning at age 40.
Ultrasound----Vascular General, obstetrical,
vascular.
Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound
scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining
images from inside the human body through the
use of high frequency sound waves. The reflected
soundwave echoes are recorded and displayed as a
real-time visual image. No
ionizing
radiation (x-ray)
is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric
ultrasound refers to the specialized use of
sound waves to visualize and thus determine the
condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or
fetus.
Diagnostic Radiology
Radiography, known
to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most
frequently used form of
medical imaging. For nearly a century,
diagnostic images have been
created by passing small, highly controlled
amounts of radiation through the human body,
capturing the resulting shadows and reflections
on a photographic plate.
X-ray
imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a
physician to view and assess broken bones,
cracked skulls and injured backbones. At least
two films are taken of a bone, and often three
films if the problem is around a joint (knee,
elbow, or wrist). X-rays also play a key role in
orthopedic
surgery and the treatment of sports injuries.
X-ray is useful in detecting more advanced forms
of cancer in bones. Very early cancer findings
require other methods.
