Types of Imaging

For information and scheduling, call 410.368.8675.  Please bring your script and insurance card on the day of your exam  Children may not accompany patients into procedures. If it is necessary to bring children
to the appointment, for your safety, please bring adult supervision to monitor your child.

What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging test used to diagnose conditions of the body which may not be visible with other modalities.  Radiologists use high field-strength magnets and radiofrequency pulses to generate precise images and look for signal changes or tiny lesions within the body’s tissues. The use of an intravenous dye is sometimes needed for tissues to show up more clearly. MRI is excellent for imaging in the central nervous system, extremities, abdomen, pelvis, and breast. 

What is CT?
Computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive imaging test that can very quickly generate exquisitely detailed images throughout the body using rotating x-rays. Our radiologists work closely with your referring physician to scan the appropriate body part with a tailored protocol, often times with an intravenous dye for high quality images. You may be instructed to drink a liquid contrast agent prior to the scan to better evaluate your intestines. CT is often the test of choice for imaging in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as for blood vessels (CTA or CT angiography).

What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound (or sonography) is a medical imaging test that uses high frequency sound waves from a hand-held tranducer to generate images.

What is PET/CT?
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a whole-body nuclear medicine test, which can be combined with a CT scan to detect areas in the body that are affected with disease. Often, a PET/CT is ordered by an oncologist in order to accurately determine the extent of disease and to stage cancer.  A small dose of radioactive material is injected which will show up as bright areas on the scan. 

What is Digital Mammography?
Mammography uses low-dose x-rays specifically designed and calibrated for showing detail within the tissues of the breast. This is widely regarded as the single best imaging test to show the earliest changes of breast cancer, before a patient or a physician can feel them.

What is DEXA?
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a medical test to measure bone density, and is typically used to diagnose and follow osteopenia and osteoporosis.

What are Digital X-ray and Fluoroscopy?
Digital X-ray uses electronic sensors instead of traditional photographic film for rapidly obtaining images of the lungs, bones, and other body parts.  Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging test performed with the radiologist in the room with the patient, while a low dose xray beam provides “video-like” images of the body. An oral or injected dye is given depending on what area of the body is examined.

What is VCUG?
A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a fluoroscopic test of the bladder and ureters, often performed on children who have had one or more episodes of UTI.  A radiologist inserts a sterile catheter into the bladder and injects contrast dye into the bladder. During the “video” fluoroscopy, the patient is turned to each side to check for reflux of the contrast into the ureters. After the bladder is full, the catheter is removed and images are obtained while the bladder empties.