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Diagnostic Imaging

PET/CT Scan

Advanced Medical Imaging’s state of the art, whole body PET is accompanied by a standard computed tomography (CT) scanner. Sometimes patients will receive both scans if a more thorough image is necessary.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use radioactive tracers injected intravenously (IV) to obtain images of the human body’s function and reveal information of health and disease. The scanner records signals that the tracers emit as they journeys through the body and is collected by targeted organs. A computer then interprets the signals into images, which reveal biological maps of normal organ function and failure of an organ system.

This type of imaging is some of the most cutting edge available to diagnose of cancers and other diseases. PET scans are also utilized to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer. Brain scans can be used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause; who have suspected or proven brain tumors; or who have seizure disorders that are not responsive to medical therapy and, therefore, are candidates for surgery.

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Common MRI Exams

MRI Abdomen

MRI’s of the abdomen are commonly performed to detect issues in the liver, gallbladder, digestive tract, and other organs. It can also be used to evaluate the state of blood vessels and organs prior to a surgery or transplant.

MRI Pelvis

MRI’s of the pelvis are commonly performed to detect issues in the bladder, prostate, reproductive organs, lymph nodes, rectum, anus and pelvic bones.

MRI Breast

MRI’s of the breast are many times administered after an initial mammogram to further explore abnormalities. Breast MRI’s are ideal for patients with “dense” breast tissue, because MRI images show more detail allowing radiologists to see more than with a standard x-ray image.

MR-Guided Biopsy

Using an MRI machine to guide a biopsy is very efficient because the clear images help radiologists to accurately sample the abnormality.

MRI Extremities

MRI is frequently used to scan major joints in the body. Including shoulders, wrists, knees and hips. MRI can locate and identify the cause of pain, swelling, and bleeding in the tissues around joints and bones. The images can see tears and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles. MRI can also show arthritis and tumors involving bones and joints.

MRI Spine

MRI is frequently used to determine the causes of back pain, leg pain and numbness. The exam can detect a bulging, degenerated or herniated intervertebral disk. MRI can be done to help plan surgeries of the spine. MRI performed after surgery will show whether infection or post-op scarring is present. Patients that have had surgery of the spine may require an injection of contrast material.

MRI Brain

MRI of the brain is useful in detecting brain tumors, strokes and certain disorders such as multiple sclerosis. MRI can also detect abnormalities of the eyes or inner ear. Most exams of the brain will require an injection of contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle is placed into a vein of the hand or arm for the injection.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels with or without the use of contrast material. MRA can detect blocking or narrowing of arteries, and can also detect aneurysms, an enlarged artery. Commonly preformed MRA Exams include brain, carotids (neck) and renal arteries.

MR Enterography

Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography is used to diagnose inflammation, bleeding, obstructions and other problems in the small intestine. Patients ingest a barium contrast medium before their scan that highlights certain parts of the digestive tract in the images.

MRI Machine Types

3T High-Definition MRI

AMI is the only outpatient center in Lincoln equipped with the most advanced MRI that provides highly detailed images, faster. The large bore design is made for patient comfort and is ideal for and larger patients.

HERO 3T

Advanced Medical Imaging is the first location in the entire midwest to install a HERO 3T with the latest technology. Scan times are reduced by 50% using Air Recon DL.

1.5T Standard MRI

The most common of MRI machines is used the most often and has many benefits. There is more signal than the 1T open MRI providing a faster and better image. Less signal than the 3T MRI means less noise and heat than the stronger machine.

1T High-field Open MRI

The only high-field Open MRI in Lincoln, allows for three times the amount of patient space than cylindrical MRIs. The open design perfect for claustrophobic and bariatric patients.

Procedure Process

Patients should drink plenty of water and avoid all caffeine and sugar 24 hours prior to the exam. During that time, meals should be high protein and low carbohydrate with no strenuous physical activity. Nothing should be consumed 4-6 hours before the exam except for water and at least 24 ounces of water during that time is suggested.

Clothing should be free of metal in the region being scanned including metal buttons, zippers, or bras underwires/clips. Patients may also be asked to remove jewelry, hairpins, removable dental work, body piercings, or any other metal in the region being scanned. Patients may wear hearing aida, glasses or dentures.

Patients lie on a table which moves slowly through the large opening of the PET scanner. Scan times vary depending on the region being assessed, but with registration, injection and scan times patients can plan on being at the office for 2 – 3 hours.

Patients can return to normal activities as soon as the scan is complete. The radiologist will determine if there are any abnormalities of the internal organs and bone structures. The radiologist’s interpretation will then be available to the referring physician 24 hours after the exam. The physician’s office will inform patients how to obtain their results.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions about our services, please contact our friendly staff.

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Why do I need a PET/CT scan?

PET scans are used to check metabolic activity rather than internal structures. This means that it can spot symptoms of certain diseases that other imaging techniques cannot make out. It is often used to diagnose cancer, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. These scans can also help your doctor monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment. CT scans will allow the radiologist to examine the internal structures in addition to the metabolic activity, which is why these exams are often performed together.

Can I take my medication(s)?

Most medications are okay to take before a PET/CT scans so long as you only take small sips of water to swallow them. There are some medications that you cannot take. These include: diabetic medications, cough drops, cough syrup, lasix and any other sugary liquid medications

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Exams at an independent imaging center is typically much less expensive than the same exam at a hospital.

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