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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This process uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field
rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed
pictures of internal organs and tissues. The technique has
proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range
of conditions in all parts of the body, including cancer,
heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal
disorders. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise
and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not
be as visible with other imaging methods.
Ultrasound
Vascular Ultrasound Imaging - images, radiologists can locate
and identify obstructions (stenosis) and abnormalities like
blood clots, plaque, or emboli, and plan for their effective
treatment. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning
or sonography, is a method of "seeing" inside the human
body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The
sound waves are recorded and displayed as a visual image.
No radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging. An ultrasound
is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal
organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen,
pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. Ultrasounds can show movement
of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to
see blood flow and heart valve functions.
PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography)
PET/CT imaging combines a PET scanner and CT scanner into one high-tech imaging platform "fusing" the different
images together. The highly sensitive PET scan evaluates metabolic (functional) activity in the body. The CT
scan provides a detailed icture of the internal anatomy. The combined images provide complete information on cancer location and metabolism.
As with other Nuclear Medicine procedures, a PET/CT scan requires a painless injection of a radioactive tracer called FDG. After
a brief period in a Quiet Room to allow this material to circulate sufficiently, the PET/CT scan is performed
and generally takes less than 30 minutes. PET/CT scanning excels in Oncology applications, but also has indications in Cardiology and
Neurology as well. There are tremendous benefits to having a combined PET/CT scan such as:
- Earlier diagnosis
- Accuate staging and localization
- Precise treatment and monitoring
The bottom line is that patients have a better chance for a positive outcome and avoid unnecessary procedures by having a PET/CT scan.
For more PET/CT information please visit www.rwjhamilton-petct.org.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine users small amounts of radioactive material (called radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat various diseases.
The amount of radiation used in a typical Nuclear Medicine procedure is comparable to a standard disgnostic x-ray. Nuclear Medicine specialists
use safe and painless techniques to image the human body and treat disease. Nuclear Medicine is unique in that it provides both structural and functional information.
Often, Nulcar Medicine imaging identifies abnormalities very early in the disease process - even before other diagnostic tests. Today,
Nuclear Medicine offers procedures that are essential in virtually every medical specialty, from cardiology to pediatrics.
Over 17 millian Nuclear Medicine prodedures are performed each in the United States.
Some examples of Nuclear Medicine Procedures are:
SPECT Imaging (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography)
SPECT imaging is another diagnostic tool used in Nuclear Medicine. With this imaging technique, the camera rotates
around the patient providing 3-D computer reconstructed images of the area or organ of interest.
Cardiac Scoring
Cardiac Scoring is a noninvasive CT test for determining
the amount of plaque buildup in your arteries. Plaque buildup
slows the flow of blood to the heart muscle and can cause
ischemia and increase the chance of fatal and nonfatal heart
failure. CT Cardiac Scoring utilizes computed tomography
(CT) technology, which is a simple and safe examination
that creates a cross-sectional image of a specific anatomical
part of the body. In this case, the body part being scanned
is the heart. You will be required to hold a single breath,
as a beam of x-rays records the quantity of calcium in the
coronary arteries. The computer constructs an image based
on the data and converts the amount of calcium into a score.
High scores are extremely predictive of coronary artery
disease.
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