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, 3D
Reconstruction, CT angiography/aorta, Circle of Willis,
Carotid
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 are more detailed than those of
an ordinary x-ray (or radiograph).
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy
is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray
“movie.” A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the
body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor
so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. This
allows observation of certain dynamic body processes and is useful
in certain surgical and diagnostic procedures. The radiologist
moves the screen up and down the patient’s body and observes
what is happening within the selected parts of the body.
Fluoroscopy is especially useful for identifying the presence of
restricted or blocked passages in the hollow organs of the
body.
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.
