Durham Diagnostic Imaging

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, Carotids.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 can are more detailed than those of an ordinary x-ray (or radiograph).

Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within radiology. It comprises diagnostic examinations that result in images of body anatomy and function. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations.

Mammography -- Screening, Diagnostic
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts. The images of the breasts can be viewed on film at a view box or as soft copy

on a digital mammography work station. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.

Ultrasound----Vascular General, obstetrical, vascular.
Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves. The reflected soundwave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.

Dexascan
Dexa scan is a measurement of the bone mineral density (BMD) in your body. It will determine your bone density for the area measure and compare that result with the average of young adult normals of your sex and race as well as the peak BMD. This information is critical to your physicians’s ability to determine if you need

to take certain steps to protect your bone health that may result in osteoporisis.

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.