Adding Breast MRI Screening to Mammography in Women with Dense Breasts
Mammograms and breast cancer treatments have prevented more than a half million deaths in the United States over the past 30 years, according to the American Cancer Society. Improvements in treatments and screening methods can potentially save even more lives each year. Breast cancer is a condition in which abnormal breast cells divide rapidly. These […]
MRI-Guided Laser Therapy to Treat Seizures
About 3 million adults and 470,000 children in the United States have epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doctors are now using MRI-guided laser therapy to treat the seizures caused by epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common brain condition that affects people of all ages, and at any time in life. […]
Using Imaging Techniques in the Diagnosis and Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that typically affects the spine, although it can affect other joints. Imaging technology, such as x-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can help doctors detect the signs of AS; imaging also helps physicians monitor changes over time and adjust the patient’s treatment plan as needed. […]
What You Need to Know about MRI Safety
Your doctor ordered an MRI study to help diagnose a health problem, but you might worry if MRI is safe. You might be relieved to know that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that MRIs are very safe – doctors perform millions of MRIs every year, and the FDA receives only about 300 […]
Imaging Shows how COVID-19 Affects the Brain
COVID-19 affects the lungs to make it hard to breath, but it can also affect other areas of the body, such as the heart and kidneys. A number of recent radiology studies using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show that infection with coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, can also affect the brain and […]
The Difference Between CT and MRI: How Does Your Doctor Decide Which to Order?
CT and MRI are two different types of medical imaging that create images of organs and tissues inside your body. While CT and MRI are similar in many ways, there are differences between them. Because of these differences, doctors might choose one imaging method over the other. Both CTs and MRIs are non-invasive and pain-free, […]
The Role of Radiology in Prostate Care
Prostate care is important to a man’s overall health. Located between the bladder and the penis, this walnut-sized gland secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. The urethra, which is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, runs through the prostate. Prostate problems can press against the urethra to restrict urination […]
Brain Scans and Dementia – What do the Medical Tests Show?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain conditions that affect memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. About 50 million people worldwide have dementia, according to the World Health Organization, and there are almost 10 million new cases each year. There are many different conditions under the […]
Can Contrast Hurt my Kidneys?
Your doctor may order an MRI, CT scan or other diagnostic tests to learn important information about a disease or injury, and to help in the diagnosis and treatment of the problem. Depending on your exact case, your doctor may request the use of a contrast dye to enhance the results of the test. While […]
Do You Have an Increased Risk of Knee Injury? A Single MRI Measurement Can Help You Find Out
Knee injuries can sideline professional and amateur athletes alike. The results of a new study suggest that a single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement can help doctors determine patients’ risk for knee injuries associated with kneecap instability. The kneecap protects the knee and plays an important role in how the knee bends. It is a […]