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Medical Tests
Diagnostic
Imaging In recent years, the
medical community has greatly increased it’s emphasis
on preventative medicine. Alerting the public to the
warning signs for cancer and heart disease has greatly
improved our populations’ health. With the public’s
increased awareness of, and access to, the internet,
information and education about health and wellness is
readily available for everyone. Consultants in
Radiology, P.A. is a long-time advocate of patient
education from routine screenings to specific
procedures recommended by a patient’s physician. The
information in this web page is intended to provide
general knowledge about imaging procedures and does
not constitute medical advice.
The imaging procedures you will find discussed
below are: Open MRI, Computed Tomography (CT), DEXA
Scans for osteoporosis, Nuclear Medicine, and General
Radiology (Mammography, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy)
Open
MRI Consultants in Radiology, P.A. offers the
latest super-conducting Toshiba Open MRI at it’s Fort
Worth facility. Open on all four sides, patients do
not experience a "closed in" feeling. The
superconducting open MRI provides a "tight homogeneous
field" offering images of high quality. Below you will
see answers to the most frequently asked questions
about MRI.
What is an
MRI? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the
most accurate imaging modalities available today,
allowing radiologists to visualize the inside of the
human body without the use of ionizing radiation. For
many years, closed MRI units have been the standard in
helping physicians make a diagnosis. These closed MRI
units featured a long tube that the patient would be
placed inside during their procedure. This was often
uncomfortable for many patients due to the "closed in"
feeling and was especially stressful for patients who
suffer from claustrophobia. The newest generation of
MRI units are now open on all four sides which
completely alleviates the "closed in" feeling, while
still providing the physician with the most accurate
information possible to aid in diagnosis.
How does it
work? MRI technology works by using a magnetic field,
radio frequency waves and a computer. When a patient
is placed inside the unit’s magnetic field, water
molecules in the body naturally align themselves. The
MRI unit then uses radio waves to pass through the
body which cause the water molecules to move. The
computer generates these signals into images on a
special film giving a complete picture of the inside
of the patient’s body.
What is it
like to have an MRI? MRI imaging is painless
and non-invasive. As a patient, you will not see or
feel anything. A faint knocking sound may be heard as
the machine processes information. Patients may choose
to listen to music -- even having the option of
bringing their own CD’s to listen to. Most MRI
procedures will take less than an hour. During the
exam, you will be in constant contact with the
technologist, and may have a family member or friend
sit beside you for comfort.
Is an Open MRI
for everyone? Some medical conditions
may prevent you from having a MRI. An exam cannot be
performed on anyone with a pacemaker, certain cardiac
valves, aneurysm clips, certain types of inner ear
implants or anyone that has metal fragments in their
body. The technologist will carefully go over all
these questions with you before your examination.
Computed
Tomography (CT) For accurate diagnosis,
Consultants in Radiology, P.A. features the
state-of-art spiral double helix scanner. Unlike
conventional CT scanners, this unit acquires data
continually as the patient moves through the gantry,
greatly decreasing scan times. Lung scans with this
unit will last only as long as one breath hold of 20
seconds.
There are 2 new applications available with this
scanner. They are both now screening tests, one for
the heart and the other for the lungs.
Cardiac Scoring; a screening exam that takes only
20 seconds, can measure the amount of calcified plaque
in the blood vessels going to your heart. The computer
then calculates the score and can assess your
potential risk for heart disease.
Lung Scans; another screening exam now available,
that can assist in the early detection of lung cancer
in patients who smoke. With just one 20 second breath
hold, this fast scan can detect the early signs of
lung cancer, long before there are any symptoms.
*PLEASE NOTE: Screening exams and tests may not be
reimbursed by your insurance carrier.
Diagnostic
ImagingWhat is CT? Computed Tomography
imaging (CT) is an accurate imaging modality that uses
x-rays and a computer to create cross sectional images
of the patient. This type of imaging allows the
radiologist to visualize the inside of the human body
one "slice" at a time. These slices, commonly ranging
from 2.5mm to 5.0mm, clearly show both bone and the
underlying tissue. By looking at the images in
sequence, the radiologist can recreate a
three-dimensional picture of the body part being
examined.
What is it
like to have CT? You will be comfortably
positioned on the unit’s tabletop by the technologist.
During your scan, the only thing you will see or feel
is the tabletop moving back and forth through the CT
gantry. You may also hear the machine’s gears as you
move through the scanner. This type of examination is
completely painless, and the technologist will be in
constant contact with you during the scan.
Is CT for
everyone? Certain medical conditions
may exclude you from having a CT scan. You may also be
excluded if you have an allergy to iodine, or you are
breast-feeding or pregnant.
Dexa Scan for
Osteoporosis Over 25 million Americans
are affected by osteoporosis. Most people have heard
of osteoporosis, but mistakenly associate it
exclusively with elderly women. According to the
National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis and
related bone disorders, affect 25 million Americans.
Of these millions of Americans, 80% are women, and 20%
are made up of men and children. This disease
contributes to more than 1.3 million new fractures of
the hip, spine and wrist. As the first symptoms of
this disease do not often appear until the advanced
stages, only a small percentage of patients have been
diagnosed and are under treatment. With our HOLOGIC
QDR-4500 DXA scanners, imaging technology can provide
accurate bone density measurements, providing critical
information in detecting osteoporosis in its earliest
stages.
Bone densitometry accurately measures the density
of the spine, hip and other bones that are the most
frequent fracture sites. Evaluating bone density using
conventional X-ray techniques does not reveal a
problem until an individual has lost at least 30% of
his or her bone mass, and that’s just too late. Now,
with a safe, painless and non-invasive exam, in a
matter of minutes, we can provide an accurate picture
of a person’s bone density, early enough in the
disease to enable us to make a real difference in the
outcome. The bone mineral density score may be used in
combination with the physician’s assessment of the
patient risk factors (family history, race, body frame
etc.) Then a decision can be made concerning the
appropriate pharmacological therapy, which can prevent
or decrease further bone loss and minimize the
likelihood of future fractures.
What is it
like to have a Dexa Scan? It is a very simple test;
you do not even have to get undressed unless you have
metal zippers or fastenings near the hip or lower back
area. It just takes a few minutes for the technologist
to position you so that your bone density can be
measured in your lower back and hip area. The computer
calculates your score and from this information the
radiologist can diagnose whether your bones are
showing signs of osteoporosis.
When should
you have a Dexa Scan? It is recommended that
patients have a base line Dexa scan at 45-50 years of
age. Then all following exams can be compared to the
first scan to monitor the changes in the bone density.
Nuclear
Medicine Nuclear medicine imaging
is used when patients need functional or physiological
evaluation. A small mount of a radio- pharmaceutical
or "tracer" is injected into a patient’s vein to
evaluate how certain parts of the body are
functioning. The nuclear medicine gamma camera picks
up the signals from the "tracer" and a computer
translates these signals into images. The radiologist
will study these images and send a report to the
patient’s doctor.
This type of imaging can be used for:
Cardiac nuclear imaging, also known as a "perfusion
scan" evaluates the heart. It is a way to check the
blood flow through the muscle walls of the heart. A
camera scans the "tracer" in the blood as it passes
through the heart muscle. This test may be done
before, during and/or after exercise.
Bone scans can demonstrate the functioning of bone
tissue. They can be used to demonstrate fractures,
degenerative conditions or aid in the diagnosis of
metastases. The triple phase bone scans are excellent
in demonstrating stress or occult fractures as well as
osteomyelitis. Prosthetic implants such as an
artificial hip prosthesis can also be evaluated.
Thyroid scans evaluate the function of the thyroid
gland. After the radiopharmaceutical has been
ingested, scans are performed within 6 or 24 hours.
Functional scan may be combined with uptake scans for
any number of patient conditions.
Parathyroid scans are performed with dual isotopes
so that patient movement and motion are minimized for
better image quality.
Liver and spleen evaluation. The liver and spleen
can be assessed by using both SPECT and planar
studies. Hepatobiliary scans demonstrate liver
function, gall bladder function and can check the
biliary duct for obstruction.
Brain scans can be SPECT scans or can assess
perfusion (blood flow), inflammation, tumors or
dementia. Brain scans aid in documenting chronic
fatigue syndrome, cerebral vascular accident or
infarction.
Gastrointestinal evaluation, including HIDA scans,
can accurately calculate the time it takes the stomach
to empty. This study provides invaluable information
on digestive and motility disorders.
Lung scans can provide information on ventilation
and profusion in the search for possible pulmonary
emboli.
Kidney scans include dynamic renograms and renal
scans to diagnose renal arterial insufficiently,
pelvic retention or hydronephrosis.
Evaluation of tumors or inflammation are designed
to fit the patient’s individual needs. By "tagging"
the white or red blood cells, a thorough evaluation
can be obtained.
General
Radiology Under the heading of
general radiology, we have included information
concerning mammograms, ultrasound (sonography)
studies, fluoroscopy and plain x-rays.
Mammography For many years the
American Cancer Society and the medical community have
encouraged the early detection of breast cancer
through yearly mammograms. Mammography is a safe,
reliable imaging technique, and is an accurate method
for analyzing breast tissue.
How does
Mammography work? Mammography uses safe, low
doses of x-rays to image the inside of the breast. The
x-rays pass through the breast and form an image on
the x-ray film. Our radiologists are trained to
recognize any abnormality in the breast tissue. If you
have had previous mammograms, the radiologist will
compare those films with the most recent ones to see
if there have been any changes. As we get older there
are natural changes in breast tissue, but the
radiologist will be able to tell if these changes are
due to natural aging, or whether there is an area that
needs further evaluation.
What is it
like to have a Mammogram? Your breasts may be
examined before your procedure. Your breasts will be
compressed so a highly detailed image can be produced.
This compression is done with a smooth plastic shield.
You can expect to have two or three images made of
each breast. After your procedure, the radiologist
will study the films. Sometimes it is necessary for
more images for further assessment. A report will be
sent to your doctor.
Recommendations for mammography
The American Cancer Society recommends:
A baseline mammogram be performed at age 40. An
annual mammogram be performed every year after 40.
Ultrasound
(Sonography) How does an ultrasound
work?
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to form
pictures of your organs. The sound waves pass through
the body and are picked up by a computer, which turns
them into images on a film.
What is it
like to have an Ultrasound? A non-greasy gel will be
applied to the skin in the area to be examined. This
will feel wet but will not harm your skin or clothes.
This gel helps a hand-held transducer to glide over
the body, while collecting the information needed to
form an image on film to be used for diagnosis.
Doppler
Ultrasound This type of ultrasound
uses sound waves like the general ultrasound, but
specializes in imaging blood flow in veins and
arteries. This procedure is used on the neck, arms and
legs.
What is it
like to have a Doppler Ultrasound As in
general ultrasound, a non-greasy gel will be applied
to the skin in the area to be examined. This will feel
wet but will not harm your skin or clothes. This gel
helps a hand-held transducer to glide over the body,
while collecting the images needed for diagnosis. The
sound waves bounce off the moving blood and echo back
to the transducer. The echo is translated into an
image that appears on the screen. The computer directs
this information to form an image on film.
Flouroscopy This procedure examines
the upper or lower digestive tracks. Ordinarily,
x-rays readily pass through this type of soft tissue,
but with the use of barium, the stomach and small
intestine, colon or lower intestine can be visualized.
Using a fluoroscope, the radiologist can see the
barium outline the digestive tract.
Important For any type of radiologic
procedure, it is very important to tell the
technologist if you are pregnant or think that you
might be, if you have any allergies, or any other
information you feel is important.
The information in this web page is intended to
provide general knowledge about imaging procedures and
does not constitute medical advice.
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