Services

Imaging Technologies Available at Marshall Medical

MRI

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions through the use of a powerful magnetic field and radio frequency pulses. With MRI, detailed images can be produced of the brain, bones, soft tissue, organs and virtually any internal body structure. MRI does not use ionizing radiation, as with CT or x-ray.

MRI is used to study the spine, as well as other bones and joints. MRI is also used to determine the source of such concerns as pelvic pain, headaches, and back or neck pain and is often used to locate tumors or to help diagnose diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis or MS.

MRA, magnetic resonance angiography, is a type of MRI that is used to image the blood vessels and blood flow.

Some MRIs require an injection of a contrast material. When injected into the bloodstream, this contrast will enhance the images of certain types of MRIs, allowing the radiologist a better view of your internal body parts.

If you are claustrophobic, you may want to ask your physician to schedule you at our Open MRI. This scanner is located at Marshall Imaging Center in the Marshall Professional Center on Hwy 431 in Albertville (across from Zaxby's and just south of the new Cracker Barrel). Our Open MRI can perform most of the tests performed in the high field strength, short bore MRIs located at both hospitals; however, this machine is open on all four sides and offers a more comfortable atmosphere for the claustrophobic or overweight patients. If you prefer, you may also choose to ask your physician for a mild sedative to help you relax during the exam.

MRI is safe for most patients, however, due to the strong magnetic field, you should inform your physician or the scheduler in your physician's office, as well as the MRI technologist, if you have a pacemaker, any type of implant, clips used for brain aneurysms, or if you have had surgery recently. Most metal used for orthopedic surgery will not pose any risk; however, you should always inform the technologist of any metal that is implanted or embedded in your body.

CT

CT (Computerized Tomography) combines the technology of specialized computers with x-ray to produce images of the internal organs. The images provide cross sectional views of the area being studied, thus allowing the radiologist to more easily diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, injury or trauma to an internal organ or musculoskeletal problems. CT is often referred to as a CAT scan.

CT imaging is one of the best tools for studying the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis and can be used to detect or diagnose vascular diseases that may lead to stroke or kidney failure. It is an excellent means of assessing pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) and abdominal aortic aneurysms. For patients with cancerous tumors, CT is used to plan and properly administer radiation treatments.

You may be asked to not eat or drink for several hours prior to your scan. You also may be given a bottle or two of a contrast material that you should drink prior to your scan. Contrast is often used to aid in highlighting the areas of concern during your scan, allowing the radiologist the best view possible. You should inform the technologist of any allergies or previous reactions to contrast agents or "dye."

PET or PET/CT

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a non-invasive test that examines the cellular function of the entire body. It is used to locate diseased areas of the body and is most commonly used to locate or stage cancer. PET may also be used to diagnose or treat brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease or epilepsy and to detect heart disease.

PET scans begin with an injection of a radiopharmaceutical drug (FDG) which travels through the body and collects in the organs or tissues which are being examined. The patient lies on a table that moves through the scanner stopping at intervals for the scanner to detect gamma rays emitted from the patient. This produces digital 3-D images that detect diseased areas. PET can detect the disease earlier than MRI or CT alone

Detection of disease is an important use of PET; however, it is also useful in staging the disease. PET can determine if a tumor is benign or malignant, if it has grown or shrunk, and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When examining cancer patients, PET is always used in conjunction with CT to provide the most accurate information for diagnosis and treatment. With the benefit of the combined PET/CT scanner at Marshall Imaging Center, the patient does not have to be scheduled for two separate exams. The PET and CT portions are done at the same time, allowing the patient to complete their exam quickly and be on their way. This also provides the radiologist with all of the needed information to provide a complete and accurate report for your physician.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also called sonography, is a way of examining many of the body's internal organs. It involves exposing part of the body to high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation, as is used in x-rays or CT's and there are no known harmful risks.

Ultrasound images are captured in real-time, so they are able to show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs. Ultrasound may also be used for special procedures such as needle biopsies. These biopsies are used to extract sample cells for testing. Breast needle biopsies, one of the more common needle biopsies, are often done to test for cancer cells.

A Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel. It provides information about the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. Doppler images can help diagnose blockages, such as blood clots, narrowing of the vessels or tumors and congenital malformations.

Echocardiography is another special ultrasound that evaluates the structure and function of the heart. It provides your physician with detailed measurements of the efficiency of your heart's ability to adequately pump blood throughout your body.

Ultrasound Prep:

The preparation will be determined by the type of ultrasound you are having. Some scans require that you drink several glasses of water prior to the exam so that your bladder is full; while others require that you not eat or drink for up to 12 hours prior to the exam. Your physician will instruct you on the prep for your particular test.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine uses injections of specific radiopharmaceuticals into a vein in your body that flows and concentrates in the target organ. Our "state of the art" gamma cameras then image the target organ over a period of time. While we have the ability to perform a wide range of imaging procedures in nuclear medicine, scans of the heart, gall bladder, lungs, thyroid gland and bones are the most common. This type of imaging is mainly used to examine or measure blood flow to the target organs, as well as the determination of proper function of the target organs. Imaging time for these procedures vary greatly, but are usually completed in 2-3 hours. The amount of radiopharmaceuticals that are injected into a patient for nuclear imaging is exceedingly small and is usually excreted by the body within 24 hours.

Mammography

Mammography has been the "gold standard" for the early detection of breast cancer for many years. Mammogram technology has undergone a series of improvements over the years. Mammography uses breast compression and low-intensity radiation that is extremely sensitive to the soft tissue of the breast. Mammography gives clear, well-defined images of the breast that is then reviewed and interpreted by our radiologists. All of our mammography machines are also equipped with Computer Aided Detection (CAD) software to further aid the radiologist's ability to distinguish between benign breast calcifications and small breast malignancies.

Bone Density Scans

Bone Density (DEXA) scans are done with machines that utilize low-intensity radiation to produce images of specific parts of the body. These images are then evaluated by the computer to measure the bone density of these areas of the body. This type of imaging is a great screening exam for the detection of osteoporosis and is a low-cost procedure to our patients.

Heart Catheterization (Heart Cath)

Heart Catheterization is an invasive procedure used to diagnose patients with suspected coronary artery disease. In a sterile, surgical setting, a long, thin tube is carefully placed, under x-ray video (fluoroscopy) guidance, into the arteries of the heart. A small amount of contrast (dye) is injected into the artery while rapid imaging of the heart vessel occurs. Upon completion of the heart catheterization procedure, a cardiologist will review all of the still images and the video images of the heart. This technology is the "gold standard" for the detection of narrowed coronary arteries which, if untreated, will continue to restrict blood flow to the heart and could result in a heart attack.