Medical Imaging Information

Physicians examine and diagnose many health concerns through imaging. A clear internal image of a patient’s body can tell physicians a great deal about what the cause of their pain or discomfort may be. Different types of imaging include X-rays, CT scans (computer tomography), MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine imaging including positron-emission tomography (PET).

With these images, trained physicians can examine and diagnose underlying issues of pain or other health concerns inside the body. These imaging methods can be used to examine specific body parts such as muscle tissues, bones, and joints, as well as entire systems ranging from the digestive tract to the reproductive system. Learn more about different kinds of imaging below. 

X-Ray

X-ray imaging uses ionizing radiation to take pictures of internal structures, especially bones. This form of imaging is painless and can be completed in just a few minutes. X-rays are typically used to diagnose: 

• Bone fractures
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Infections
• Breast cancer
• Swallowed items
• Digestive tract problems.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the body. This imaging process is used to diagnose:

• Gallbladder disease
• Breast lumps
• Genital/prostate issues
• Joint inflammation
• Blood flow problems
• Pregnancy monitoring
• Guided biopsies
• Obstetrics including abdominal, vascular, and cardiac echo

PET Scan (Nuclear Medicine)

PET Scans (Nuclear Medicine Scans) use radioactive drugs called tracers and a scanning machine to show how your tissues and organs are functioning. This method of imaging is used to diagnose or monitor:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Seizures
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s Disease.
• Whole-body bone scan 
• Lung ventilation 
• Renal function 
• Hepatobiliary 
• Myocardial Perfusion Stress Tests

CT Scan

CT Scans use a series of X-rays to create cross-section imaging of the inside of the body including bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. CT Scans are typically used to diagnose:

• Injuries from trauma
• Bone fractures
• Tumors and cancers
• Vascular Disease
• Heart Disease
• Infections
• Guided biopsies
• Routine Cardiac Calcium Scoring
• Bone Mineral Density
• CT angiography (Examining blood or lymph vessels carried out after introduction of a radiopaque substance)

MRI

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. MRIs could also utilize Fluoroscopy to help see contrasts within the tissues and joints.  A physician may order an MRI to help diagnose:

• Aneurysms
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Head or neck trauma
• Stroke, Spinal Cord Disorders
• Tumors
• Blood Vessel issues
• Joint or tendon injuries
• Routine head, spine, or joint examinations

Mammography

Mammography uses low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. This is the atypical screening exam for breast cancer and other breast tissue complications. This form of imaging is used to diagnose:

• Breast Cancer
• Benign breast tissue lumps or masses
• Other breast tissue deformities

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy utilizes X-ray imaging to take continuous images via an X-ray beam that passes through the body where a system needs to be thoroughly examined. Fluoroscopy used alone allows the doctor to see the movement of the intestines as barium (a digestible contrast agent) moves through the organs and allows the doctor to position the patient for spot imaging. This tool helps physicians look at whole-body systems such as:

• Skeletal
• Digestive
• Urinary
• Respiratory
• Reproductive

Please talk to your healthcare provider for more information about how imaging may help you. At CCMH, we have in-house radiologists with decades of experience to help diagnose whatever ails you.