Coronary Calcium Score

Coronary Calcium Score

In today’s post, find out how your coronary calcium score can help your doctor to determine the health of your heart.

Medical imaging procedures and radiation concerns: are you safe?

For a number of years, the media did extensive coverage from time to time on radiation exposure from medical imaging procedures. When our patients come in, that was often a topic that we get asked about. Patients want to know how much radiation they’ll be exposed to during their procedure, and how that might affect them in regards to their … Read More

CT Lung Cancer Screening

CT Lung Cancer Screening

CT lung cancer screenings use CT imaging and a small dose of radiation to “light up” the structures of the lungs to identify cancerous nodes.

Imaging Tests for Cancer

Imaging Tests for Cancer

Today we discuss imaging tests for cancer, when they are ordered, and how they are read by the experts at Capitol Imaging Services.

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans both provide diagnostic images of the inside of your body. However, they accomplish this important task in very different ways. Here are a few key differences between CT scans and MRI scans. Radiation CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of ionizing radiation. Basically, … Read More

What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?

Here is a brief excerpt from an answer to the question posed above, provided by Paul Christo, M.D., Director, Pain Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. An MRI, or magnetic resonance image, is a useful tool in evaluating the spine. An MRI is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and provides good visualization of the spinal ligaments, a herniated … Read More

Why the link between childhood cancer and CT scans may be overblown

Another study is adding to the growing body of evidence that CT scans in childhood can be linked to cancer later on. The new study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, looked at seven U.S. health care systems and the use of CT scans on the head, abdomen, pelvis, chest and spine in kids under age 15. CT scans are considered one of … Read More

Proposed new guidelines recommend lowering lung cancer screening guidelines

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently recommended an update to lung cancer screening guidelines, with screening being performed through a low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) exam. According to the medical imaging community website, Aunt Minnie, “The move would bring Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement in line with recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which itself lowered … Read More

CT screenings can cut lung cancer deaths according to study

According to a study conducted in the Netherlands and published in the January 2020 New England Journal of Medicine, annual Computed Tomography (CT) screenings of former and current long-time smokers have been proven to reduce deaths from lung cancer. “Wonderful News” Dr. Debra Dyer, a spokeswoman for the American College of Radiology and chair of radiology at National Jewish Health … Read More

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans both provide diagnostic images of the inside of your body. However, they accomplish this important task in very different ways. Here are a few key differences between CT scans and MRI scans. Radiation CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of ionizing radiation. … Read More

Benefits of CT scans may outweigh cancer risk for young adults

Capitol Imaging Services shares an article published a few years ago in which the potential cancer risk that younger adults face from exposure to Computed Tomography (CT) scans pales in comparison to the actual threat posed by health conditions driving the use of the imaging technology, according to a published study. Examining medical records from about 22,000 patients between the … Read More

Why would someone be told they needed a CT scan?

CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is a noninvasive way to study all parts of your body. The technique itself is painless and can provide extremely accurate images. In many instances, a CT scan can decidedly decrease the need to perform surgery and CT scans have vastly improved the ability of doctors to diagnose many diseases earlier in their course and with … Read More

Learn more about CT scans

A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a type of medical imaging test that combines several different x-rays to produce cross-sectional images. Your physician may advise you to undergo a CT scan for a variety of reasons. CT scans are helpful for evaluating soft tissues and bones, which means they may be used to diagnose bone tumors, fractures, heart disease and … Read More

Ankle break or a sprain: which is it?

It is estimated that more than one million people visit the emergency room annually with ankle injuries. Of these, the majority are sprains and fractures, and in many cases, it can be hard to tell the difference. While a fracture refers to a break in one or more of the ankle bones, a sprained ankle refers to damage to the … Read More

The difference between CT and MRI

CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans both provide diagnostic images of the inside of your body. However, they accomplish this important task in very different ways. Here are a few key differences between CT and MRI scans. The use of radiation CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of … Read More

Millions at high risk for lung cancer should be screened yearly, panel says

Barbara Mantel, NBC News — In a move that could affect millions of current and former smokers, a highly influential, independent panel of medical experts is recommending yearly screening for healthy adults between the ages of 55 and 80 at high risk for lung cancer. The screening would be done with low-dose computed tomography, commonly known as CT scans — … Read More

Low on dose in Computed Tomography

In this case, being low is a very, very good thing. And being high (or higher) in slice is another great thing. Being low and being high at the same time is the result of the Hitachi Supria Computed Tomography (CT) system at select Capitol Imaging Services facilities within our affiliate network. A fantastic upgrade in technology. Much, much safer … Read More

When is a CT often recommended by a physician?

CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is useful to get a very detailed 3-D image of certain parts of the body, such as soft tissues, the pelvis, blood vessels, the lungs, the brain, abdomen, and bones.  Documented common reasons for a CT include: It is often the preferred method of diagnosing many cancers, such as liver, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The image allows … Read More

CT lung cancer screening: the advantages it provides to the patient and physician

In an update to the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which was launched in 2002, researchers from the United States are reporting a sustained reduction in cancer deaths from Computed Tomography (CT) lung screening over a decade later after the initial screening exam. The research findings were recently published for medical professionals online in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Among … Read More

Study shows value of calcium scan in predicting heart attack and stroke

A November 2018 study showed that coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening, an assessment tool that is not currently recommended for people considered at low risk, is a better predictor of blocked coronary arteries at risk for a heart attack and the need for revascularization than standard risk-assessment equations used in medical practice today. CAC screening provides a direct measure of … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services renews Image Wisely Pledge

In 2011, Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, became the first independently-owned imaging organization to join the national Image Wisely campaign that promotes patient safety in medical imaging. This year, we renew that pledge. This pledge addresses concerns about medical facilities providing maximum patient safety when undergoing a test that involves ionizing radiation. Most often, this involved Computed Tomography … Read More

Colon cancer screening rates surge with younger start age

In a radiology industry journal article, participation has more than doubled in colorectal cancer screening exams — including CT colonography — among individuals in their 40s, according to an article published online on December 18, 2019 in Cancer. The growth has occurred since various cancer societies recommended lowering the age to begin screening from 50 to 45 in early 2018. … Read More

What is sinusitis?

Particularly in the early part of the year, flu season is in full swing. Many people will experience nasal congestion, cough and facial pain or pressure. These maladies are often associated with a condition known as sinusitis. According to Medical News Today, sinusitis occurs when mucus builds up and the sinuses become inflamed. It also notes that physicians may refer to … Read More

Lung cancer screening guidelines adjusted to start at age 50

In a published article in a medical journal, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the U.S. Preventive Task Force has announced that it is recommending ” anyone between ages 50 and 80 who has smoked at least 20 “pack-years” and either still smokes or quit within the last 15 years… The task force recommendation means insurers must offer the … Read More

Why a doctor would order a CT of the abdomen and pelvis

Capitol Imaging Services answers the question, “Why would a doctor recommend a CT of the abdomen and pelvis?” This type of CT (Computed Tomography) scan is typically used to help diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain and diseases of the internal organs, small bowel and colon. According to the American College of Radiology, possible diagnoses include: infections such … Read More