Tag Archives: digital medical imaging

Medical imaging is the technique, process and art of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention to reveal internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, as well as to diagnose and treat disease. Today we use computers rather than photo paper to take images, hence, digital.

CDI Miami | Monday October 11, 2021
Things You Ought To Know About Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PET/CT captures hidden source of neuroendocrine cancer

The origin of cancer is often obscured by metastases – tumors that have already spread to other tissues. This is especially the case for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), a malignancy of nerve cells scattered throughout various organ systems that are sensitive to the signaling of neurotransmitters and hormones. An investigational molecular imaging technique could be the key to finding the elusive primary tumor, say presenters at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

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CDI Miami | Tuesday October 5, 2021
Various Diagnostic Imaging Techniques

Bone Density Scan

 

What is a Bone Density Scan?

 

Bone density is the measurement that defines the mineral content of the bone. The bone density is an identification number that can be used to indicate the strength of the bone and can also help in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

 

A bone density scan is an imaging test that uses a specialized X-rays such that it causes a minimal damage on the body of the patient. For bone density a specialized X- ray test is mainly brought into use as if we go by a traditional method then it may be case that we are able to detect it only in the condition when the patient loses more than 50 percent of their bones.bone density scans

 

Do you need a bone density Scan?

The recent medical survey indicates that 1 in 4 men and 1 in 8 women who are over the age of fifty are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. To avoid such a condition it becomes necessary for the people to have a bone density scan at a regular interval. Other groups that should consider a bone density test:

 

– All postmenopausal women below age 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis.

– All women aged 65 and older.

– Women with medical conditions associated with osteoporosis. Your health care provider can tell you if you have a medical condition associated with osteoporosis.

– Men age 70 or older.

– Men ages 50-69 with risk factors for osteoporosis or medical conditions associated with osteoporosis.

– When the patient is experiencing any of the following problems they are advised to go for a bone density test:

 

Do you have Osteoporosis?

 

Osteoporosis is a condition that arises mainly when the mineral content in one’s body is less than the required. But then this is a very preventable condition, patients only need to adopt a correct diet and try to have a right lifestyle to prevent this problem.

 

What’s your age?

 

Women over the age of sixty five and the men over the age of seventy are advised to go for a regular bone density test. Whether it is men or women, if they are having a habit of smoking then also they are advised to go for a bone density check.

 

What is your family medical history?

 

The patients who are having a family history of Osteoporosis are at a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis. This test helps in earlier detection of thinning bones so that the required treatment can be pursued. People with Osteoporosis are advised to hold a proper intake of vitamin D and calcium. The people who are having continuous back pain or are having a stooped posture are also advised to go for a bone density scan.

 

What you need to understand when you are going for Bone density scan?

 

There are a number of bone density scans that a diagnostic center may provide you with. Following mentioned are some of the common test that can be used for the measurement of the bone mineral density of an individual:

 

    • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA): DXA is a bone density medical test that utilizes two different energies X-ray beams. Both the beams do individual scanning for the soft tissue and the bones of the individual. This test is mainly used for fetching the bone mineral density count in forearm, spine hip and also for a full body scan.

 

    • Qualitative ultrasound (QUS): as we know that ultrasound is and non invasive technique of getting picture of the affected body part. With the development in technology, an ultrasound termed as Qualitative ultrasound can be used to get the mineral density of the concerned heel within seconds and also provide the patient with an E-ray of the structure.

 

    • Single photon absorptiometry (SPA): As the name makes it clear this type of technique uses a single X-ray. For this the concerned body part whether it be heel or forearm is either enclosed in a tissue like structure or is submerged in water to obtain a reliable result.

 

  • Quantitative computed tomography (QCT): Quantitative computed tomography is a type of CT scan. This test can be expensive and doesn’t track the progression of the Osteoporosis as well as DXA or DEXA.

 

The patients are advice to go for a regular bone mineral density scan (BMD) as it can help is making Osteoporosis reversible.

 

CDI Miami | Friday September 10, 2021

Update: Top Trends in Diagnostic Imaging

futuristic radiologistThere are several new developments afoot in the medical imaging world. Trends such as: multidisciplinary teams, big data, tomosynthesis, and patient engagement, among others. These themes gained traction through highly publicized research, making 2015 an exciting year for diagnostic imaging. According to Norman Yung, Chief Marketing Officer of Carestream, “Last year marked the time when certain trends were shown to have benefits, and this year will be the time when these ideas are put into practice among a larger portion of the industry.” Continue reading

CDI Miami | Wednesday August 9, 2017

Demystifying the Differences between 2D and 3D Mammography

Every year over 200,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer, and every year breast cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body (“late stage” or “metastatic” breast cancer) kills about 40,000 women. When breast cancer is detected early—before it has spread—it is easier to treat and women have a much better chance of surviving breast cancer. For now, mammograms are the best way of screening women for breast cancer.

 

In the United States, tomosynthesis – another name for 3D mammography – has been available in leading breast care centers since 2011. The FDA originally approved 3D mammography to be used in conjunction with 2D (digital) mammograms for breast cancer screenings. However, the agency determined last year that a 3D mammography system is now accurate enough to be used as a standalone test.

 

Demystifying 2D and 3D Mammography

3D mammography generates images of the breast using technology similar to CT scans. Unlike 2D digital or film mammograms – which compress the breast and take images from only the front and side – a 3D imager takes multiple X-rays while moving across the breast in an arch. A computer then compiles the X-rays into a 3D reconstruction of the breast that can be analyzed by a radiologist. It takes just a few seconds longer than 2D mammograms, so the amount of radiation exposure is about the same. Patients generally experience no difference in the level of physical discomfort between 2D and 3D mammograms.

 

3D mammography has been a significant breakthrough in digital medical imaging. Unlike 2D mammograms that can obscure some cancers due to compressing and overlapping breast tissue, 3D mammography enables digital medical imaging specialists to examine breast tissue a layer at a time. A 3D mammogram is up to 40 percent more sensitive than digital or film mammograms, which means it can give doctors a clearer, more accurate picture of breast tissue and abnormalities.

 

3D mammograms can also be especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue as it’s more difficult to identify cancer in dense breasts. On a regular 2D mammogram, cancer and dense tissue appear almost the same, while a 3D mammogram can make better distinctions between the two.

 

The Center for Diagnostic Imaging is proud to provide patients and referring doctors with a comprehensive breast care center that has one of the only 3D mammography machines in the Miami area. We encourage all women to speak with their doctors right away if they experience any symptoms or suspect they are at high risk for breast cancer. Digital medical imaging plays an important role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

CDI Miami | Tuesday May 24, 2016

Nuclear Medicine – New World of Diagnosing and Treating Illness

Over the past century, radiology has evolved into more sophisticated forms of medical treatment. One of these forms is nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine features the ability to search for an array of diseases in multiple areas of the body. From heart, brain, lung and bone to different types of cancer, this new and improved medicine can correctly diagnose many diseases. Now, more and more medical professionals along with the Center for Diagnostic Imaging are adopting nuclear medicine for a painless and far more accurate scan.

 

Nuclear medicine is unsurpassed in accuracy by any other form of radiology, it is noninvasive and painless medical procedure used by physicians to help diagnose medical conditions. “During the first part of the test the patient will have to walk on a treadmill to increase the patient´s heart rate. Then, the patient will be injected with a thallium solution that will travel through the heart vessels and work as contrast. The heart will be scanned using a “gamma” camera that will track the injected solution and create a picture of the heart vessels. After the patient´s blood pressure has lowered, more images of the heart will be taken. The patient should expect to be in the office for at least four hours.” Says the Miami Center for Diagnostic Imaging.

 

There are a number of bodily functions, diseases, and cancers that can be identified through the use of nuclear medicine. Abnormalities of the brain, respiratory health, and blood flow can be properly visualized inside out. Not to mention bone scans are made possible thanks to nuclear medicine. Additionally, transplants in the previous body parts can be identified for rejection.

 

Diagnosable diseases include coronary artery disease, metastatic bone disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer disease. Of course, cancerous tissue can be detected in nearly all parts of the body, even rare tumors of the pancreas and adrenal glands. Other evaluations for hyperparathyroidism, lymphedema, spinal fluid and possible bleeding in the bowls are achievable through nuclear medicine.

 

One significant advantage nuclear medicine can provide in the evaluation and diagnosis of the patient is the ability to fuse images from both full body CT and MRI scans in order to create more precise measurements of the patients systems. This is called a PET/CT scan. The precision and accuracy provided by these scans is unparalleled.

 

While non-invasive there is preparation on behalf of the patient that must be taken. This can sometimes be up to a week ahead of time for the patient to be ready. Preparation can include stopping a medication regimen in which it is patient responsibility to consult their physician before doing so. All in all, though the patient should not experience any discomfort from nuclear medicine.

 

For more information about CDI Diagnostic and Preventive Services please call 1.800.371.0002 or contact us.

CDI Miami | Tuesday May 17, 2016

How to survive an MRI or CAT scan if you’re claustrophobic

For some people, just thinking about an MRI is enough to provoke anxiety. For the approximately 9 percent of people diagnosed with claustrophobia, or a fear of enclosed spaces, “anxiety” is an understatement. Even for those without a clinical diagnosis, feelings of claustrophobia during an MRI are common.

However, there are many ways to overcome your fears before an MRI. Here are a few suggestions:

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CDI Miami | Tuesday May 10, 2016

Mobile Diagnostic Imaging: The Next Big Thing?

ct scanner in a specialized stroke ambulance

A specialized stroke ambulance, called VIMED STEMO, carries a portable CT scanner and a point-of-care laboratory for nearly-instant diagnosis and initiation of treatment in stroke patients.
Source: http://www.medgadget.com/

Portable X-ray and CT scan devices are on the rise for patients with mobility issues. Portable X-ray and CT scan devices wirelessly communicate and share data, via cellular, WLAN, WMAN, WPAN, and WWAN (read: WIFI) communication networks. Furthermore, these devices act as intermediaries between patients and healthcare staff; monitoring patients and providing therapy, imaging, and diagnostics. The device is paired with a machine that allows it to transfer and store digital images almost instantly. Continue reading

CDI Miami | Wednesday April 20, 2016

US Medical Imaging Industry Makes Debut into Big Data

Big data has varying definitions, but in essence refers to the analysis of large volumes of data. The advantage of big data lies in its ability to analyze multiple patterns and arrive at a data-driven results; an attribute that can lead to more accurate medical diagnoses.

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CDI Miami | Tuesday December 8, 2015

3D Mammography Aids in Early Cancer Detection

According to a new study, digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, can improve the detection of breast cancer, according to a new study.

 

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CDI Miami | Tuesday September 22, 2015

5 Interesting Experiments Within MRI Scanners

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines are extremely sophisticated. They can detect tumors, see bone fractures, and examine electrical activity in the brain. You can conduct them in all sorts of positions: standing up, lying down, or when dancing a jig. It’s no surprise, then, that MRIs have been used for all sorts of off-the-wall experiments. Here’s some examples of the coolest types of MRI scanning:

  1. While Playing Jazz

Charles Limb, a hearing specialist at Johns Hopkins and a faulty member of the Peabody Conservatory, wanted to know hope some musicians are able to produce concert-length pieces of music that are entirely improvised, from beginning to end. So, he conducted MRI scans on the jazz pianists and rappers inside an MRI and had them perform. The imaging showed that the improvisers managed to shut off parts of their brains that handled self-monitoring.

  1. While reading T.S. Eliot

When an MRI scans an actor’s brain, it noticed a particular area of the brain – the infraparietal sulcus – light up. This area is important because it handles spatial memory.

A British researcher who was working on the project, commented: “I think actors’ brains are like musicians’ brains, in that they’ve been trained to learn enormous sections of language – not by rote, but by matters of association.”

  1. While giving birth

A woman in Germany gave birth in an MRI, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the inner-workings of the birth canal. Doctors could even watch the baby’s head change shape during the process.

  1. While playing video games

Researchers at the University of Illinois researched educational science by having test subjects play a game in various positions:

“We built in aspects of shifting your attention around to different objects in the display, remembering different pieces of information, using different rules depending upon the context and the changes in the game. There’s also a very complex psychomotor control in which you use a joystick to control a spaceship. We designed a somewhat entertaining task that was complex to learn, but built in various aspects of memory and decision making and control and attention. It was used very productively in studying learning and studying strategies that might be applied to enhance ideas about how we learn and how much and how quickly we learn.” – University of Illinois

  1. When introducing snakes and spiders

Bringing snakes and spiders in the room can definitely evoke the desired effect – fear.

“We are very grateful to Nachshon for inducing intense fear in the participants of our study,” deadpans Yadin Dudai, one of the lead researchers, in a video explaining the results.