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Imaging Center

Radiology

The newly constructed Corona Regional Imaging Center is located at 280 West 8th Street, behind the hospital. The Center provides advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams in a private, comfortable setting.

MRI provides an unparalleled view inside the human body. The level of detail we can see is exceptional compared with any other imaging modality. MRI is the method of choice for the diagnosis of many types of injuries and conditions because of the physician's ability to customize the exam to the individual patient's need. MRI doesn't rely on x-rays. Instead, it uses a magnetic field and radio waves with specially designed computers to create images of the internal body structure being scanned.

The MRI Exam
The design of an MRI machine is a giant horizontal tube, known as the bore, running through a very powerful magnet. For the exam the patient lies down on a comfortably padded table that gently glides into position in the magnet. While the scanner is operating the patient will hear some humming and occasional thumping sounds. These are normal and should not cause concern. In some cases the referring physician may have requested that the patient receive an injection of a contrast agent or dye to give a clearer picture of the area being examined. Most exams take between 20 to 45 minutes, although some may take as long as 60 minutes. Patients will be told before the exam how long it is expected to take.

Because of the strong magnetic field generated by the equipment, patients are not allowed to wear anything metallic during the exam, and are requested to leave watches, jewelry, or anything else containing metal at home. Even some cosmetics contain metals, so patients are instructed not to wear make-up when coming to the Center.

What is Seen
While X-rays are best for showing bones, MRI creates pictures that can show differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue. Doctors use MRI to examine soft tissue-like organs, muscle, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. That means that MRI is helpful when looking at the brain, spinal column, breast, abdomen, pelvic region, and joints like the knee and elbow.

Who Should Not Have an MRI
Because of the strong magnetic field and radio frequencies, people who have a heart pacemaker or any kind of metallic implant in their body shouldn't have an MRI unless their physician knows about the metallic appliance and has approved the exam. The patient should also be sure that the Imaging Center knows about any metal fragments that may remain in your body from an old accident or war wound.

Your Results
The pictures from your MRI exam will be looked at by a board-certified radiologist, a specially trained physician who is able to interpret the scans for your doctor. The radiologist will send the referring doctor a written report. The patient should contact their physician within a day or two of the scan to make an appointment to go over the results.

Related Links

Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI
 
Breast Imaging Center

X-Ray

An X-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body to expose sensitive film on the other side. The ability of X-rays to penetrate tissues and bones depends on the tissue's composition and mass. The difference between these two elements creates the images. The chest X-ray is the most common radiologic examination. Contrast agents, such as barium, can be swallowed to highlight the esophagus, stomach and intestine and are used to help visualize an organ or film.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography or CT, shows organs of interest at selected levels of the body. They are the visual equivalent of bloodless slices of anatomy, with each scan being a single slice. CT examinations produce detailed organ studies by stacking individual image slices. CT can image the internal portion of organs and separate overlapping structures precisely. The scans are produced by having the source of the x-ray beam encircle or rotate around the patient. X-rays passing through the body are detected by an array of sensors. Information from the sensors is computer processed and then displayed as an image on a video screen.

MRI

Like CT, MRI produces images, which are the visual equivalent of a slice of anatomy. MRI, however, is also capable of producing those images in an infinite number of projections through the body. MRI uses a large magnet that surrounds the patient, radio frequencies and a computer to produce its images. As the patient enters a MRI scanner, his or her body is surrounded by a magnetic field up to 8,000 times stronger than that of the earth. The scanner subjects nuclei of the body's atoms to a radio signal, temporarily knocking select ones out of alignment. When the signal stops, the nuclei return to the aligned position, releasing their own faint radio frequencies from which the scanner and computer produce detailed images of the human anatomy. Patients who cannot undergo a MRI examination include those people dependent upon cardiac pacemakers and those with metallic foreign bodies in the brain or around the eye.

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