Bone Densitonomy/Osteoporosis
A bone mineral density (BMD) test can help your health care provider confirm a diagnosis of osteooporosis. The test can help in several ways:
- BMD testing is one of the most accurate ways to assess your bone health.
- When repeated over time, it can be used to monitor your rate of bone loss.
- It can detect osteoporosis at its earliest stage, so treatment can begin sooner.
- If you are being treated for osteoporosis, BMD testing can help your health care provider monitor your response to the treatment.
For more information on Bone Densitonomy and Osteoporosis click here.
Coronary Calcium Scoring
Calcium scoring of the coronary arteries is done with a sophisticated, specially equipped 64 slice CT scanner and separate work station. The scan is done with a low X-ray dose (approximetely 1/4 the dose of a standard chest CT scan) and does not require an IV. Cardiac monitor leads are applied to the skin over the heart in order to sync the scanner with your heart rate. A calcium score is generated on separate work station.
Coronary artery calcification is a marker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and represents healed/calcified plaque. There is generally noncalcified/soft plaque when calcified plaque is present. The soft plaque is typically associated with heart attacks. Therefore the coronary calcium score correlates with future risk of cardiac events and the probability of having a significant coronary artery stenosis. The location of the calcium does not necessarily correlate with the location of a significant stenosis. Note that a score of zero does not exclude the presence of noncalcified/soft plaque. The presence or absence of risk factors such as diabetes, smoking history, hypertension, age over 50, gender, family history, elevated serum cholesterol and obesity also factor into a patient’s risk of CAD. The following table represents a summary of relative risk of a coronary event of asymptomatic individuals based on a calcium score compared to zero.
Relative Risk of Coronary Event
CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms, the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the physician.
For more information on CT Scan click here.
Coronary CTA
A sophisticated, specially-equipped CT scanner is used to obtain pictures of the coronary arteries (arteries that supply the heart muscle). An IV is placed in the arm to inject contrast medium (X-ray dye) and pictures are obtained. The radiation dose is carefully considered by the radiologist and the dose is tailored to each individual. Dose modulation is used to minimize radiation exposure and Bismuth Breast Shields are used when indicated. Breast shields can significantly decrease breast absorbed dose.
No surgery is needed. The scan is painless and safe. The coronary CT angiogram scan takes 15 to 20 seconds but you will be in the CT scanning room about 15 to 20 minutes. The entire CT process takes about 1 1/2 hours. A medication is often used prior to the procedure to slow heart rate, and other medications may be needed. Your radiologist will discuss these medications further with you at the time of the test.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous x-ray image on a monitor, much like an x-ray movie. It is used to diagnose or treat patients by displaying the movement of a body part or of an instrument or dye (contrast agent) through the body.
During a fluoroscopy procedure, an x-ray beam is passed through the body. The image is transmitted to a monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.
General X-ray
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines generates individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
Guided Imaging
Guided imaging is the general term used for any procedure where the physician uses imaging equipment to guide a procedure. Flouroscopy, CT, MRI or Ultrasound can be used to guide minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies or drainage tube placements.
Kyphoplasty
Mercy Hospitals are offering Kyphoplasty™, an innovative and minimally invasive surgical procedure that corrects spine fractures known as vertebral compression fractures (VCF).
Until the late 1990's, there were few treatments available to people suffering from vertebral compression fractures. Traditional surgical approaches were considered too invasive and high-risk, and the typical approaches were considered too invasive and high-risk, and the typical approaches of pain medications and braces did not correct the problem.
In 1998, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a special device, the KyphX Inflatable Bone Tamp, for use in reducing and repairing these fractures.
Over 36,00 vertebral compression fractures have been treated using Kyphoplasty; approximately 2,700 physicians are trained to perform the procedure in the United States.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way to take pictures of the body.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic CT scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet). When the magnetic field is temporarily turned off, the hydrogen atoms relax to their normal state and emit a radio signal that is captured and used to create and image. Different types of tissues send back different signals. For example, healthy tissue sends back a slightly different signal than abnormal tissue.
Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. MRI can easily be performed through clothing. However, because the magnet is very, very strong, certain types of metal can cause significant errors, called artifacts, in the images.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat disease and other abnormalities within the body. Nuclear medicine imaging procedures are noninvasive and usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose medical conditions.
PleurX Catheter
A PleurX catheter is a catheter placed into the pleural space of the chest or the peritoneal space of the abdomen that allows drainage of fluid. These are typically placed in cancer patients who need frequent removal of fluid from the chest or abdomen in order to remain comfortable. The advantage of these catheters is that the patient can drain the fluid themselves at home and does not need to return to the hospital for drainage.
PET/CT Scan
A PET/CT scan, is a dual imaging process that operates much like a cancer radar system: PET (Positive Emission Tomography) identifies a foreign body, and CT (Computed Tomography) pinpoints its location. PET technology is very good at detecting a tumor or cancerous cell and CT provides exquisite detail on exactly where it is located, for example whether it’s at the edge of a lung or in the lymph nodes. Knowing the exact location of a tumor is critical in developing the treatment plan; so is identifying the stage of the cancer.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.
An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test.
The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department. You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the area being examined. You may be asked to change position so that other areas can be examined.
Women's Imaging/Digital Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between non-cancerous or benign and cancerous (malignant) disease.
When it comes to having a mammogram, we want to do two things: put your mind at ease and make your body comfortable. Digital mammography delivers a clearer, more detailed picture, providing you with the most advanced technology available for the early detection of breast cancer. And to make sure you're as comfortable as possible during your mammogram, Mercy also offers MammoPads® free of charge. These soft, warm foam cushions are placed between the patient and the surface of the mammography device, resulting in a more comfortable mammogram.
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. Depending on the type of equipment used, you will sit or stand. One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that contains the x-ray plate. A device called a compressor will be pressed firmly against the breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. The x-ray pictures are taken from several angles. You may be asked to hold your breath as each picture is taken.
Millennium Radiology | 2446 Kipling Avenue | Cincinnati, Ohio 45239 | 513/853-5000
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