Computed Tomography
Scan (CT or CAT scan)
A computed tomography (CT) scan (also called a computerized axial tomography,
or CAT, scan) is a special type of X-ray that can produce detailed pictures
of structures inside the body. CT scanning can be used to obtain information
about almost any body organ blood vessels, the abdominal cavity, bones and
the spinal cord. A CT scan produces clearer pictures of internal organs than
does a regular X-ray.
Dexa Scan
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (Dexa) is one technique used to measure bone
mineral density (BMD). BMD is a test that measures the amount of calcium
in a specific region of the bones. From this information, an estimate of
the strength of your bones can be made. DEXA is the most accurate method
for measuring BMD. It is fast and uses very low doses of radiation.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous beam of X-rays to evaluate structures and movement
within the body, such as blood traveling through a blood vessel, the diaphragm
moving up and down, or food moving through the digestive tract. A contrast
material that shows up on X-rays can be injected or swallowed during fluoroscopy
to outline blood vessels or organs.
Mammography
Mammography is the most accurate method of detecting breast cancer today. Women who follow a regimen of monthly breast self-exams, annual exams by their doctors and annual mammograms after age 40 can increase their breast cancer survival rates up to 97 percent.
Mammography is an X-ray test of the breasts used to diagnose breast cancer. The resulting X-ray picture is called a mammogram. A mammogram is done to help screen for or diagnose breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her doctor.
The Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) System utilizes breakthrough software technology to highlight potential areas of concern. The system provides radiologists a second review when reading a mammogram on an electronic Mammagraph™ report, which calls attention to subtle changes in tissue that may indicate the presence of cancer.
Digital Mammograpy
Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer, allowing the recorded data to be enhanced, magnified or optimized for further evaluation. A recent government study determined that digital mammography is better than traditional film methods in detecting breast cancer in women who are premenopausal, younger than 50 or who have dense breast tissue.
Digital mammograms offer significant advantages. Images are available immediately, and can be enhanced, stored digitally and transmitted instantaneously to a physician’s office or other facilities. These images are more detailed and can be acquired more quickly, reducing testing time.
Magnetic Resonance
Angiography (MRA)
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) scan. It uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide
pictures of blood vessels inside the body. MRA can detect problems with the
blood vessels that may be causing reduced blood flow. The test is often used
to evaluate the blood vessels leading to the brain, kidneys and legs.
 Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses
of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the
body. MRI can detect changes in the normal structure and characteristics of
organs or other tissues, which may indicate diseases caused by trauma, infection,
inflammation or tumors.
Myelography
Myelography uses X-rays and fluoroscopy to provide pictures of the cavity within
the bones of the spine (spinal canal). Myelography may be done to detect
blockage of the spinal canal caused by a tumor, infection, a herniated
disc or arthritis.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses computer technology and radioactive substances to produce
images of the body and treat disease. It is particularly useful for detecting
tumors, aneurysms, irregular blood flow to tissues and inadequate functioning
of certain organs.
Before an examination,
you will be given a radioactive tracer to make tissues visible on
the scans. Bones, organs, glands and blood vessels each use a different
radioactive compound as a tracer, which is either ingested or injected,
depending on the type of test. The radioisotopes have very low radiation
levels that decay in minutes or hours and do not harm the body.
Common uses of
nuclear medicine include diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism
(Grave's disease) and with cardiac stress tests to analyze heart
function, bone scans for orthopedic injuries, lung scans for blood
clots and liver and gall bladder procedures to diagnose abnormal
function or blockages.
 Positron
Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT scan)
PET/CT scans merge metabolic detection with computerized imaging
to precisely identify problem areas in the body. PET provides
the metabolic information, and CT simultaneously takes multiple
images to create a map of the body. This helps pinpoint the location
of cancerous tumors or metabolic activity in the brain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to show what
is inside your body. Unlike an X-ray, an ultrasound exam does not use radiation.
Instead, a small microphone-like transducer is placed on the area of interest.
High frequency sound waves are emitted and produce echoes from the internal
tissues and organs. The transducer converts the echoes to electric signals
to create an image.
X-ray
X-rays are a form of radiation that can pass through most objects, including the human body. When X-rays
strike a piece of photographic film, they produce a picture.
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Memorial Hermann Imaging Centers offer the full array of leading-edge technology, from the unsurpassed capabilities of the 