ExpertMRI Blog

Radiology Misconceptions

Medical imaging is a way to take images inside the body. It is essential to the diagnosis and treatment of various health concerns. Here are a few radiology misconceptions about the use of radiation in medicine:

All radiation is bad

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines radiation as energy that comes from a source and travels through space at the speed of light. A few examples include sunlight, microwave ovens, lamps, and other electronic devices such as televisions and phones. We are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day. When exposed to large amounts of radiation there can be adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, skin burns, and could result in long-term health problems. X-Rays, CT scans, and other forms of medical radiology are considered small amounts of radiation exposure and therefore very safe.

X-rays are old-school and outdated

X-rays are considered valuable diagnostic tools in the medical community. They are a fast, non-invasive, and painless way to see bone fractures, pneumonia, possible tumors, or foreign objects in the body. The development of technology and computers has evolved the use of X-rays. There is also ongoing research to try and decrease the amount of radiation from X-rays.

X-rays are harmful to pregnant women:

X-rays emit a low amount of radiation but if it can be avoided during pregnancy, that is ideal. It is important to let your healthcare provider and radiologist know if you are pregnant. They can help you decide if you are able to postpone until after delivery, if the medical concern is more urgent, or if any adjustments can be made to the procedure to accommodate.

Here at Expert MRI, we offer several diagnostic services including X-ray, CT scans, and more. To set up an appointment or get more information, please contact us at 877-674-8888.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (May 17, 2022) What is Radiation? Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/what_is.html
United States Environmental Protection Agency, (February 15, 2023) Radiation Health Effects. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-health-effects
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (November 7, 2022) Radiation in Healthcare: Imagine Procedures. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/medical-imaging-procedures/index.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (February 21, 2023) Medical X-ray Imaging. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging#benefits

A Glimpse into the Radiant Past: Unveiling the History of X-Rays

Since their inception, X-rays have revolutionized the field of medicine, enabling doctors to visualize and diagnose a range of unseen conditions. In this blog post, we delve into the captivating history of X-rays, from their accidental discovery to their widespread use in modern healthcare.

Discovery and Early Application

In 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made an unexpected breakthrough while experimenting with cathode rays. He noticed that a screen in his lab started to glow when exposed to a form of radiation emitted from a cathode ray tube. Roentgen named this phenomenon “X-rays” due to their mysterious nature.

Roentgen’s discovery caused a sensation worldwide. Medical professionals quickly recognized the potential of X-rays for imaging and diagnosis. Within months, X-ray machines were being used to capture images of bones and foreign objects inside the human body. By 1896, the first dental X-ray was taken, which revolutionized dentistry.

The outbreak of World War I presented a new opportunity for X-ray technology. Portable X-ray machines, known as “little Roentgen rays,” were used on the front lines to locate bullet fragments and identify bone fractures. This led to advancements in imaging techniques and the refinement of equipment.

Health Concerns and Safety Measures

In the early years, the harmful effects of X-ray radiation were not fully understood. Many medical professionals and technicians who worked with X-rays suffered from radiation-related illnesses. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the potential dangers of X-rays became apparent. Subsequently, safety measures such as lead aprons and collimators were introduced to protect healthcare workers and patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, radiation exposure from X-rays is low, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Modern Developments

Over the years, technological advancements have greatly improved X-ray imaging. Today, digital radiography has replaced traditional film-based methods, offering quicker results and lower radiation exposure. Computed Tomography (CT) scans, a three-dimensional x-ray imaging technique, provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Additionally, fluoroscopy, which uses continuous X-rays to capture real-time images, aids in various medical procedures.

The discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen marked a pivotal moment in medical history. From accidental breakthroughs to essential diagnostic tools, X-rays have transformed the way we understand and diagnose diseases. With ongoing advancements, the future of X-ray technology holds even more promise for the field of medicine.

Expert MRI® is California’s leading diagnostic specialty provider in X-ray scans. To schedule a consultation or an X-ray appointment, check our locations here.

MRI or CT… which is best for injury diagnosis?

MRI or CT? Although both machines provide images of the inside of the body, they are very different technologies, and each has its place in diagnosing injuries to the body’s neurological and musculoskeletal systems.

As a rule, MRI is superior for imaging water-containing tissue. This includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves and other soft tissues like ligaments and tendons. MRI can detect subtle differences between the types of tissues within the body and are often used to determine the extent of a joint injury.

CT scans use x-rays to generate images and are ideal for imaging calcified tissues, such as bones. CT can help to accurately diagnose or rule out fractures (broken bones). It can also detect small and subtle fractures that may not be visible on an x-ray.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. An experienced radiologist knows when and how to use each of these technologies based on the individual considerations and concerns of the patient.

CT scans are often used to diagnose trauma because they are both fast and cost-effective. High resolution CT scans can image the entire body, from head to toe, in mere seconds. If you’ve been injured in an accident and taken to a hospital, it is likely that you will have a CT scan to help the doctors perform a quick assessment of your injuries to determine if any immediate treatment is needed. A CT scan can identify internal bleeding or blood clots, as well as injuries to the body’s organs. It can also rule out these conditions, as well as fractures to the skull, spine and bones.

MRI is sometimes used to diagnose conditions normally reserved for CT. This includes when a patient is or may be pregnant and exposure to radiation is not advised. On the other hand, a patient with a metal implanted device (such as a pacemaker) may not be able to have an MRI because its powerful magnetic field could cause injury to the patient. In such cases, CT scans are the better option.

The good news is that ExpertMRI has both MRI and CT equipment, as well as the expertise to know which to use if you’ve been injured and require an accurate diagnosis. We also have the widest range of MRI systems and can even accommodate patients who get anxious or claustrophobic in a conventional MRI machine.

If you would like to schedule an imaging test but aren’t sure which is right for you, call us! We’ll provide information to you and/or your doctor to help make the right decision.

Lumina 3T MRI: A Quantum Leap in MRI Technology

Diagnostic imaging is a dynamic field… as MRI technology evolves, new and more advanced equipment becomes available. When we at ExpertMRI are convinced that the new technology will offer an improvement in imaging capabilities—as well as in patient care—we make the investment.

Recently, we installed the new Siemens MAGNETOM Lumina 3T MRI at our Culver City location. “3T” refers to the tesla strength of the magnet within the MRI system, which is twice as powerful as the 1.5T MRI scanners used at most imaging centers. While 3T MRI systems are becoming more and more common across California, there is nothing common about the Lumina 3T. In fact, ExpertMRI is the only outpatient center in the state to offer testing with this advanced system.

What makes this new MRI so revolutionary? To start, the quality of the images is superior to that of other MRI systems. The Lumina 3T system has what is called an ultra high-density array—a special coil that enables higher spatial and temporal resolution for noticeably better image quality. It can better visualize smaller patient anatomy, which can improve the quality of a diagnosis for certain conditions.

Next, most scans on the Lumina 3T can be completed in less than 15 minutes. Traditional MRI scanners are notorious for requiring long examinations (up to an hour in some cases). A shorter scan time means greater comfort, especially for patients who may be in severe pain at the time of their scan.

Finally, this 3T MRI scanner has a 70 cm, wide bore opening. That is 30% larger than a typical MRI and is especially beneficial to patients who become anxious or claustrophobic when having an MRI examination. The larger opening can also accommodate larger patients. The Lumina 3T can easily handle patients up to 500 lbs.

In short, improved image quality and better patient comfort are the primary reasons why we’re offering the new Lumina 3T MRI. It also aligns with our philosophy of having the most complete and diverse assortment of MRI options of any outpatient imaging center network in California. In case you’re wondering “how much does a 3T MRI cost?” The good news is that it costs no more than a 1.5T MRI, and with ExpertMRI, you’ll always find the most competitive MRI prices in California.

To schedule an appointment, click the button below.

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The inspiration behind the safest and most versatile medical imaging test

Dolphins are known as “biosonar” animals. They, along with whales, bats, shrews, and certain birds are able to send ultrasonic sound waves (known as “pings”) into their environment. These sound waves, with a frequency higher than what humans are capable of hearing, bounce off objects and return to them, helping these animals visualize their surroundings. Their brains are capable of determining the actual shape of the things they detect, which allows them to navigate or hunt for prey.

This is the same principle behind ultrasound medical imaging. In fact, the technologists who perform ultrasound imaging are known as sonographers.

Ultrasound was first used in medicine during the Second World War. Austrian physician Karl Theodore Dussik first used sound waves in 1942 to image the brain in an attempt to detect brain tumors. He provided the first published work on medical ultrasonics. Over the next several decades, ultrasound technology was continually refined and improved. In 1958, Dr. Ian Donald incorporated ultrasound into the OB/GYN field of medicine. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, ultrasound was first used to measure the sound waves that are reflected from moving objects, such as blood through the human body. This became known as the “Doppler effect” and is widely used today in vascular ultrasound imaging.

In the 1980s, 3D ultrasound was invented, followed by 4D ultrasound in the 1990s. These innovations used sophisticated computers to reconstruct ultrasound images into a clear picture (3D) or a video (4D), and gave expecting parents a first clear look at their unborn child.

Today, ultrasound is the second-most-used diagnostic imaging technology. Because it emits no ionizing radiation it is very safe, which is why it is so often used in children and pregnant women. It is used to evaluate every organ system in the human body, giving doctors the ability to achieve an accurate diagnosis. And it is used during surgery and interventional procedures to precisely guide treatment in real time.

Ultrasound imaging is available at select ExpertMRI locations.

Cats and Beatles: The amazing history of CT scanning

CT—also known as a ‘Cat Scan’—stands for computed tomography. It is a highly useful innovation to see inside the body non-invasively. Most people are not aware that the lifesaving CT scanning technology actually has its roots in rock and roll.

In the 1960s, it became apparent to doctors that a more precise and detailed imaging technology was needed. Until then, X-rays were the primary way to see inside the body. While X-rays are fine for diagnosing certain health conditions, it was woefully inadequate when it came to seeing detail within the body’s internal organs, brain and soft tissue structures like cartilage.

Electric and Music Industries (EMI) is the company that owned the Abbey Road Studies in the 1960s and 1970s. The incredible popularity of the Beatles during that time produced record profits for the company, which they were able to reinvest to fund various R&D projects. In 1972—the year The Essential Beatles album was released—British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield of EMI Laboratories, working with physicist Dr. Allan Cormack, developed the first commercially available CT scanner from this funding. For their significant achievement, both were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1979.

The principle of CT scanning was as ingenious as it was elegant. Hounsfield, a high school dropout, said the idea came to him while he was on vacation. He was thinking about a way to reconstruct a 3D image of a box. He started re-imagining the box as a series of “slices” instead of the whole box.

At EMI, Hounsfield and Cormack refined the concept of using multiple X-rays to generate individual “slices” of human anatomy, which could then be reconstructed by a computer in three dimensions. While conventional X-ray uses a fixed tube that sends the X-rays in a single direction, this new approach would require sending focused X-rays from multiple angles around the body. The inventors accomplished this by fixing an X-ray camera to a rotating disc that could pass around the patient’s body, focused at a detector that is also rotating around the patient. That accounts for the scanner’s signature “donut” shape that remains today.

During a CT scan, the rotating camera captures hundreds of digital X-ray images forming the anatomical “slices” that a radiologist views on a special computer. The computer allows the radiologist to view the individual slices, or seamlessly “move” their view through the area imaged with 3D reconstruction, to look for abnormalities and form a diagnosis.

Over time, CT images have improved, as have 3D reconstruction capabilities. Modern CT scanners are faster, require the patient to remain in the scanner for only a short period of time and expose patients to less radiation. Today, CT images are used to diagnose brain tumors, problems with the bones, joints and muscles, heart disease and coronary blockages, internal bleeding, and cancer within nearly every organ system in the body. The 3-dimensional reconstruction capabilities of CT assists surgeons in pre-surgical planning. It is also used to guide biopsies and various forms of disease treatment from inside the body.

With a name like ExpertMRI, it isn’t obvious that we use CT technology… but we do. We operate some of the most advanced CT scanners available today at several of our facilities. They are an excellent complement to technologies like MRI and ultrasound and have their place in diagnosing injuries to the brain and musculoskeletal system.

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ExpertMRI Blog

Discovery and Early Application

Health Concerns and Safety Measures

Modern Developments

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