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CT Scan of the abdomen
showing the kidneys, intestine
and vascular structures |
MRI of the lumbar spine
shows dark vertebral body
representing tumor. |
Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have became the mainstays of Diagnostic Imaging.
CT Scanning and MRI can:
- Help improve the accuracy of a diagnosis by providing a detailed anatomic image.
- Provide early diagnosis and stage of diseases.
- Examine the brain, a difficult area to study.
- Help reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures, which might have associated risks.
Although these tests have many similarities, they have many differences as well.
CT Scanning
CT Scanning entails placing the patient flat on a movable table that passes through a doughnut-shaped ring containing an x-ray tube. The x-ray tube goes around the circle taking pictures to produce a three-dimensional image of a cross-section of the body. The image is displayed on a computer screen in slices, usually about one centimeter thick, so that each organ can be seen in its entirety.
CT Scanning is safe, quick and painless. Today’s radiographic technology allows for rapid acquisition of high resolution images with extremely low doses of radiation.
Currently, SMH operates four Spiral or Helical CT Scanners and has recently acquired the latest generation of CT Scanning called the Multi-slice CT. These innovations allow faster scanning with thinner pictures to detect smaller areas of abnormality as well as 3-D Processing techniques including angiography and colonography. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring can also be undertaken with the Multi-slice technology. (see below)
MRI
MRI also gives thin pictures of the body using a strong magnetic field to create subtle differences in tissues. Incorporating an advanced technology, MRI produces images of the anatomy without the use of radiation, as in x-ray and CT scanning. MRI images are formed by a computer processing of signals that are emitted by body tissue. These signals are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio frequency waves, similar to what is used in radios in your home or car.
MRI is a safe, painless and noninvasive exam. There are usually no preparations required for the exam. MRI allows doctors to see images of your internal organs and structures in great detail from many different angles. MRI can help provide a quick and more accurate diagnosis for physicians. The exam is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions: brain disorders, traumatic injuries, spine diseases, tumor detection, eye disorders, liver and other abdominal diseases, knee and shoulder injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, facial and neck abnormalities, infection, blood flow and vessel disorders, and cardiac malformations.
SMH has both Open and Closed MRI units for your comfort.
SMH provides an Open MRI scanner for patients who are severely claustrophobic. Open MRI distinctly reduces the incidence of the need for sedatives or incompletion of an exam.
Contraindications for MRI
- Patients that have metal objects such as pacemakers, infusion pumps, aneurysm clips, inner ear implants and metal fragments in the eye (the MRI 's magnet may move the metal, endangering the patient).
- Patients with severe claustrophobia may not be able to tolerate an MRI scan, although more open scanners are now available, and medical sedation is available to make the test easier to tolerate.
- Patients that are extremely obese (over 300lbs--for most MRI machines).
- Patients that are pregnant-We do not yet know the long-term effects on the developing child.
- Patients that are confused and/or agitated.
- Patients that require continuous life-support equipment (the equipment will not fit in the MRI tube).
3D Processing
3D Processing is used for looking at the heart and coronary arteries, the kidneys and urinary system, as well as blood vessels throughout the body. 3D Processing is also used in virtual colonoscopy.
3D Image of Brain & Skull
3D Image of Spine
3D Image of Colon
Click here to view a virtual colonoscopy fly through.
Click here to view a 3D rotation.
To Schedule a CT Scan or MRI at SMH, please call (941) 917-7322
To Schedule a CT Scan or MRI at Prestige Imaging at University Groves, Please call (941) 487-2130
