An ankle joint effusion, or swollen ankle, is typically the result of excess fluids gathering in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint.
State-of-the-art MRI coming to our Covington, LA imaging center
Capitol Imaging Services continues our commitment to providing the latest screening and diagnostic testing technology to serve both the people of the Southeastern U.S. and medical and healthcare providers. At our Diagnostic Imaging Services center in Covington, LA, we are pleased to announce the upcoming installation of a General Electric 450w high field MRI. This MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) systems … Read More
Positioning inside an MRI
This is an inquiry Capitol Imaging Services associates and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists get asked frequently. We thought we would provide a brief answer. Center of the MRI The part of the body that is scanned must be in the center of the scanner tunnel. If the body part being scanned is from the waist down, you will be … Read More
MRI and ionizing radiation: some people say yes
In a report from MD Anderson related to oncology patient perceptions of the use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic imaging, 29 percent said MRI used it. This is incorrect. But, it does show a gap in “health literacy” and one of the reasons Capitol Imaging Services uses this blog, our website and our social media tools to better explain exams … Read More
Health insurance company begins shopper program
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is rolling out a shopper program that “allows members to choose, based on quality and cost, the diagnostic imaging facility where their services are rendered.” Beginning July 1, 2017, the AIM Specialty Care Shopper program introduced to their individual Preferred Care PPO and HMO Louisiana, Inc. members for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and … 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
Why a prostate exam with 3T MRI and Computer Aided Detection is best
Because the prostate is a small organ located deep in the pelvis, traditional imaging methods have not been very successful in detecting prostate cancer. However, utilizing new generation 3T MRI scanners and special parameters with interpretation of images by an experienced radiologist, greater than 97% accuracy can now be achieved in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer or excluding significant cancer. … Read More
What is facet arthrosis?
Each vertebra in the spinal column has a pair of facet joints, which acts as a flexible multi-directional hinge. The facet joints are located on the spine’s posterior column, or the rear of our backs. Facet arthrosis is a degenerative spinal condition like arthritis in which bony enlargements, called osteophytes or bone spurs, grow and enlarge the facet joints. Facet … Read More
The sounds of MRI
Those of us who work at Capitol Imaging Services are often asked by people, particularly those who have never had an MRI before, “I’ve heard that lots of different sounds are made by the machine. Is that true?” Yes, that is true. The sounds are made by the banging is the vibration of metal coils in the machine caused by … Read More
I can’t fight this feeling
If you have ever felt nervous, anxious or on edge when in tight spaces such as an elevator, closet or even a small car, chances are you show signs of clinical claustrophobia. Claustrophobia is defined as “a fear of being in closed or small spaces” and “an unhappy or uncomfortable feeling caused by being in a situation that limits or … Read More
Why are MRI scanners so loud?
Why do MRI machines make so much noise? This is actually a very common question. Noises associated with MRI machines have been compared to jackhammers, clanking, banging, and industrial noises. You should be aware that these noises are normal and are not an indication that anything is wrong with the machine, but rather an indication that the machine is doing … Read More
What is the difference between MRI and MRA?
The difference between an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and an MRA is that an MRA is used specifically to examine blood vessels. An MRI is performed to examine other parts of the body including the abdomen, chest, pelvis and internal organs. If you or someone you love has suffered from a blood clot, stroke, heart disease, or similar health problem, a … Read More
What is disc desiccation?
In some radiology test results for a diagnostic exam such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine (i.e. the lower back), one condition that may be diagnosed and reported on by the radiologist is what is known as disc desiccation. Disc desiccation can be very painful. In short, disc desiccation is fluid loss in the cushion-like discs between … Read More
Why would I undergo a 3T MRI?
Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) offers some reasons that work to answer the question, “why would a doctor specify a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on a 3T ultra-high field scanner?” The increased magnet strength gives us many benefits at no additional expense. 3T MRI is an advanced scanner, producing clearer images and more accurate diagnoses. 3T MRI helps doctors see abnormalities … Read More
Another example of hospital imaging MRI exam “sticker shock”
Even though this is not a story from our area, it still holds relevance not only in the greater New Orleans area, but in the southeastern United States as well as the entire country. This story is from a public radio news reporter in Boston, Massachusetts who needed to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. The reporter did call … Read More
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Diagnostic Imaging Services knows that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It’s time to increase the public’s understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated prostate cancer information throughout the year. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and is a leading cause of cancer death … Read More
An explanation of MRI during pregnancy
Courtesy of the American College of Radiology, Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a four-minute presentation that is especially pertinent to women who are pregnant and are recommended to undergo an MRI. In general, doctors try to delay treating a medical problem, if possible, until after pregnancy. Therefore, if your doctor orders an MRI during your pregnancy, he/she is trying to address … Read More
Sample sounds of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way to obtain very detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. In this case, we are looking at images of the brain. This technique appears to be relatively safe and is used in both clinical and research applications. MRI is unlike x-rays or CT scans in that it uses powerful magnetic … Read More
What you should know about Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging Services has uploaded a new brochure that will be of great value to people who have been referred for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam, but have never had one before. Our “What you should know” literature is designed to take some of the mystery out of having an MRI. By knowing more information before you visit one … Read More
What is prostate cancer?
Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an article that offers information on the basics of prostate cancer. Since cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in a certain area of the body, prostate cancer is simply the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. DIS in the only outpatient imaging provider in Louisiana and the Gulf South to … Read More
How does an MRI work?
Want a short, concise explanation about the basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)? Then, the video link below is for you. All you need is two minutes. Yes, there is much more to the intricacies of MRI and its value in the fiend of medical imaging, but this gives people an excellent baseline for understanding a little bit more about … Read More
Average submitted charge for MRI without the use of a dye? Compare here…
As part of overall health care reform, there is more information being published for public consumption that identifies charges by hospitals across the country for various services, both inpatient and outpatient. Unfortunately, often times this information is convoluted, difficult to find and even more difficult to understand. That’s where we come in. Below is information reported by the Centers for Medicare & … Read More
How does a man know if he is being referred for a “multi-parametric” MRI?
That question can be daunting for anyone who is not medically trained or has extensive experience in medical imaging. But, specific to a man being referred for an MRI in order to evaluate his prostate gland, there are two simple questions to ask: Is the imaging center using a computer that does the post processing (the work done with … Read More
WSJ: Should MRI to detect prostate cancer become standard of care?
A growing body of evidence proves MRI can effectively identify suspicious lesions prior to biopsy. MRI generally does not detect indolent tumors that do not require treatment and can guide biopsy needles for more precise targeting. This reduces the necessity for repeat biopsies while increasing detection rates for high-risk, high-grade prostate cancers. However, the practice of using MRI to detect … Read More
What is arthropathy?
Have you ever been told by a doctor or health care provider that you have arthropathy? Let’s make a little sense of this medical term. Arthropathy means any disease of the joints. A joint is a place where two bones contact each other. The main form of joint disease is arthritis, which is joint inflammation. There are different forms of arthritis … Read More
MRI often valuable for evaluating ruptured breast implant
Breast implants are one of the more commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States. More than 285,000 women received breast implants in 2014. Although it has been clearly demonstrated that ruptured implants do not cause harm, women should consider potential complications when making the personal decision to have breast implants. A ruptured breast implant is one such risk. … Read More
Like music to my ears – literally
That’s what some MRI patients may tell you after their MRI experience at Diagnostic Imaging Services. Music is often referred to by many as life. It’s been referred to as “what feelings are like,” the shorthand of emotion” and “what makes the world go round.” We’ll add to that by saying it’s what makes undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) … Read More
What do people who choose Diagnostic Imaging Services think of us?
Part of what we do daily at Diagnostic Imaging Services is to give people the chance to tell us what they thought about their experience with us. We know there are many choices when needing an imaging exam and we want to know how we are doing in terms of care and service. By actively soliciting people, we gleam information … Read More
What are the reasons for a physician to recommend a breast MRI?
Guidelines from the American Cancer Society do include screening MRI with mammography for certain high-risk women. This option should be considered for the following: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (BRCA1 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to cancer. BRCA2 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to breast and/or ovarian cancer.) Women … Read More
Want to know what an MRI sounds like?
Diagnostic Imaging Services provides a helpful resource, along with our new brochure posted to our website, that lets people hear first-hand what typical sounds are made from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. DIS provides headphones with music to soften the noise and increase your comfort. You should be aware that these noises are normal and are not an indication … Read More