Los Angeles medical imaging - los angeles MRI - MRI exam los angeles - radiology office los angeles - california MRi
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SHICARE Radiology Network provides outstanding medical imaging services throughout Southern California with center locations in West Los Angeles, Downtown LA, San Fernando Valley (Encino), Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Huntington Park, San Gabriel Valley and Orange County. Our services include MRI (Closed and Open), CT Scan, X-ray, Ultrasound, and Arthrograms
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging exam that helps physicians diagnose and treat various medical conditions. MRI tests, unlike CT scans, use no radiation; instead it uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to generate detailed pictures. It is used to image every part of the body and is especially useful for examining the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and to identify tumors, strokes, degenerative diseases, inflammation, infection, and other abnormalities in organs and soft tissues of the body. An MRI offers greater detail and contrast between soft tissues of the body in comparison to CT scans. Patients with pacemakers and certain metal implants can not have an MRI due to the effects of the strong magnetic field. For patients that are claustrophobic, we offer OPEN MRI exams that allow for more space and comfort. Examinations typically run about 30 minutes. In certain cases, physicians request the use of contrast material called gadolinium which may enhance the exam. See picture
CT SCAN
Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) scan is a specialized x-ray which uses radiation. A CT produces thin slice images that help detect and diagnose diseases that are not seen on normal x-rays. CT Imaging is one of the fastest methods for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it produces detailed, cross sectional views of all types of tissue. CT examinations are fast and simple. They are able to provide great information about anatomical features and tissue density, allowing for the detection of tumors and the ability to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors. CT scans can also detect calcium deposits, cysts, and abscesses.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours prior to your exam, especially if contrast material will be used in your exam. You should inform your physician of any allergies and if you are taking any medication. See picture
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound is a non invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to view internal organs and produce images of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation.
Ultrasound examinations can help to diagnose a vast range of conditions and to assess organ damage resulting after illness.
Ultrasound is used to help physicians evaluate symptoms such as pain, swelling and infection.
Common Organs that are examined through ultrasounds are:
- heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches
- liver
- gallbladder
- spleen
- pancreas
- kidneys
- bladder
- uterus, ovaries, and unborn child (fetus) in pregnant patients eyes
- thyroid and parathyroid glands
- scrotum (testicles)
Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. See picture
XRAYS
X-rays are the oldest and most commonly used form of medical imaging. Xrays involve exposing parts of the body to ionizing radiation. See picture
A bone x-ray is used to:
- Diagnose broken bones or joint dislocation.
- Demonstrate proper alignment and stabilization of bony fragments following treatment of a fracture.
- Guide orthopedic surgery, such as spine repair/fusion, joint replacement and fracture reductions.
- Look for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths, bony changes seen in metabolic conditions.
- Assist in the detection and diagnosis of bone cancer.
- Locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.
Chest x-rays are also common exams which help evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.
A chest x-ray is typically the first imaging test used to help diagnose symptoms such as:
a. Shortness of breath
b. Bad or persistent cough
c. Chest pain or injury
d. Fever.