Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses magnetic fields to generate detailed cross-sectional images of internal organs and soft tissues. A standard examination takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the area being studied.
Advantages of MRI:
- Differentiates between multiple tissue types and detects early abnormalities
- Multi-planar imaging without repositioning the patient
- Visualizes soft tissues within and around bone
- No ionizing radiation - may be used in pregnancy from the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when clinically indicated (the first trimester is generally avoided)
- Can be performed in renal failure patients without contrast injection when not required
- Very low risk of allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast, compared with iodinated CT contrast
Clinical indications include:
- Brain abnormalities
- Spinal cord and vertebral column disorders
- Cerebral and body vascular imaging (non-contrast MR angiography)
- Musculoskeletal conditions - muscles, bones, and ligament/tendon injuries (e.g., knee)
- Pelvic organs - uterus, prostate, bladder
- Thorax, heart, abdomen, and breast
- Specialized studies such as MR perfusion and MR spectroscopy
Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
CT scan uses X-ray beams to generate detailed cross-sectional images for detecting abnormalities throughout the body.
Clinical indications include:
- Detection, localization, and sizing of tumors
- Assessment of regional lymph node involvement
- Intracranial, abdominal, and pelvic hemorrhage
- Vascular abnormalities - aneurysms and thromboembolism
- Skeletal abnormalities - fractures, dislocations, and arthropathy
CT is organized into four main systems:
- Neurological - Brain, pituitary gland, orbits, salivary glands, and neck. Intravenous contrast is typically administered to delineate pathology.
- Abdomen and Thorax - Abdominal and pelvic organs. Oral and/or rectal contrast may be administered to distinguish bowel from adjacent structures. Vaginal tampon may be used in female patients at the radiologist's discretion.
- Musculoskeletal - Muscles, bones, joints, and spine. Particularly useful for bone tumors, joint inflammation, and spinal anatomy; provides superior detail compared with plain radiography.
- Vascular - Cerebral, coronary, aortic, renal, and peripheral arterial imaging. Intravenous contrast is required.
Facilities & Equipment
- Digital Radiography (general X-ray)
- Portable X-ray and portable Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses magnetic fields to generate detailed cross-sectional images of internal organs and soft tissues. A standard examination takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the area being studied.
Advantages of MRI:
- Differentiates between multiple tissue types and detects early abnormalities
- Multi-planar imaging without repositioning the patient
- Visualizes soft tissues within and around bone
- No ionizing radiation - may be used in pregnancy from the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when clinically indicated (the first trimester is generally avoided)
- Can be performed in renal failure patients without contrast injection when not required
- Very low risk of allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast, compared with iodinated CT contrast
Clinical indications include:
- Brain abnormalities
- Spinal cord and vertebral column disorders
- Cerebral and body vascular imaging (non-contrast MR angiography)
- Musculoskeletal conditions - muscles, bones, and ligament/tendon injuries (e.g., knee)
- Pelvic organs - uterus, prostate, bladder
- Thorax, heart, abdomen, and breast
- Specialized studies such as MR perfusion and MR spectroscopy
Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
CT scan uses X-ray beams to generate detailed cross-sectional images for detecting abnormalities throughout the body.
Clinical indications include:
- Detection, localization, and sizing of tumors
- Assessment of regional lymph node involvement
- Intracranial, abdominal, and pelvic hemorrhage
- Vascular abnormalities - aneurysms and thromboembolism
- Skeletal abnormalities - fractures, dislocations, and arthropathy
CT is organized into four main systems:
- Neurological - Brain, pituitary gland, orbits, salivary glands, and neck. Intravenous contrast is typically administered to delineate pathology.
- Abdomen and Thorax - Abdominal and pelvic organs. Oral and/or rectal contrast may be administered to distinguish bowel from adjacent structures. Vaginal tampon may be used in female patients at the radiologist's discretion.
- Musculoskeletal - Muscles, bones, joints, and spine. Particularly useful for bone tumors, joint inflammation, and spinal anatomy; provides superior detail compared with plain radiography.
- Vascular - Cerebral, coronary, aortic, renal, and peripheral arterial imaging. Intravenous contrast is required.
Facilities & Equipment
- Digital Radiography (general X-ray)
- Portable X-ray and portable Ultrasound
- Interventional Radiology suite (Angiography)
- Fluoroscopy
- Ultrasound
- Mammogram
- Computer Tomography
- MRI
