Services - MRI

Above, are lumbar spine images of a patient who had undergone back surgery but continued to experience pain. The MRI image on the left was acquired with the patient lying down. It shows a normal alignment of the vertebrae. However, when the patient was scanned in an upright position on the same MRI scanner on the same day (image on the right), a dramatic spinal instability was clearly revealed. This problem, visible only when the patient was scanned upright, would have gone undiagnosed on a conventional, lie-down MRI scanner.

Multi-Position MRI

The Upright MRI is unlike any other scanner because it can scan patients in any position. Because of its true open design, claustrophobic reactions are minimal, larger patients (up to 500lbs) are scanned comfortably and children can be scanned while sitting on a parent's lap. Patients can be scanned sitting or standing while watching a 42" flat screen TV.

The different MRI services offered by DRCTC are:

• Upright MRI
• Open Wide
• Bore High
• Prostate MRI w/CAD
• Breast MRI w/CAD
• MRI Guided Breast Biopsy
• MRI for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Note: Services vary by location. Please call today to schedule your appointment at the right facility in the Treasure Coast area for you!

scheduling

MRI/MRA exams can be scheduled for either the Fort Pierce location or the PORT ST. LUCIE.

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CAT / CT / CTA Scan

Computed Tomography (CT), also known as a CAT scan, is a sophisticated imaging technique that shows different levels of the anatomy. During CT imaging, the x-ray source rotates around the patient. Each rotation produces a single cross-sectional "slice", like the slices in a loaf of bread. These cross-sectional images are far superior in detail than standard x-rays and greatly enhance a physician's diagnosis.

CT is used to diagnose many conditions. In cancer detection, CT is used to scan for abnormal masses, showing the size and shape of the tumor, its precise location and whether it's solid or hollow. In addition, CT scans can provide valuable information in the detection of abscesses, strokes, head injuries and bleeding inside the skull.

scheduling

Cat Scan exams are performed at our FORT PIERCE & PORT ST. LUCIE location only and take approximately 30 minutes

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Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging procedure that utilizes echoes of sound waves to visualize soft tissue and fluids in the body. It is particularly good in examining the organs in the abdomen and pelvis (liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, bladder, uterus, ovaries and testicles). It is also used to evaluate fetal development, certain breast conditions and the thyroid gland.

A modified ultrasound technique, known as Doppler, captures moving blood images of the heart and large blood vessels.

scheduling

Ultrasound exams are performed at our FT. PIERCE & PORT ST. LUCIE location and take approximately 20 minutes.

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Mammography

At DRCTC, our digital mammography system produces high- quality images that allow for better visualization of breast tissue, aiding in the early detection of breast cancer. Early detection has been shown to dramatically increase the survival rates of women afflicted with this deadly disease.

The Siemens is a state-of-the-art breast cancer detection system designed to improve the quality and comfort of mammograms. This advanced system offers physicians precise viewing options that were never possible with conventional film.

A physician can zoom in, magnify and optimize different parts of the breast tissue, enhancing readability and interpretation of the images. Plus, the images can be sent anywhere in the world to be viewed by another physician.

Compared to conventional film, digital images give better visibility of the breast, particularly near the skin line and chest wall. They’re ideal for women with implants. For women with dense breast tissue, digital is far superior and may involve less radiation than a standard mammography.

In addition, digital exams usually take less than half the time of traditional exams and result in a 20 to 30 percent reduction in callbacks.

scheduling

Mammography exams are also performed at our Fort Pierce location and take approximately 20 minutes.

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DEXA Scan

DEXA is an advanced technology that safely, accurately and painlessly measures bone density and mineral content in order to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis

Approximately 50% of women over age 50 are at risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture. With DEXA, doctors are better equipped to detect and treat bone loss in its earliest stages, so as to prevent the disease or lessen its impact.

At DRCTC, we employ the very latest bone densitometry equipment. During a comprehensive DEXA evaluation, a dual energy beam scans one or more areas, usually the fracture-prone hip or spine. It measures the amount of x-rays that are absorbed by the bones in the body. The two x-ray energies allow the machine to differentiate between bone and soft tissue, giving an accurate estimation of bone density.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is calculated and compared to normal BMD values, matched for age and sex, to confirm or exclude osteoporosis. A low BMD may predict the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and can help determine a proactive treatment plan.

scheduling

Dexa Scans are performed at our Fort Pierce location and take approximately 20 minutes.

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X-ray

Radiography is the use of X-rays to view a non-uniformly composed material (i.e. of varying density and composition) such as the human body. A heterogeneous beam of X-rays is produced by an X-ray generator and is projected toward an object. The density and composition of each area determines how much of the ray is absorbed. The X-rays that pass through are captured behind the object by a digital detector. The detector gives a 2D representation of all the structures superimposed on each other..

scheduling

X-ray exams are performed on a walk-in basis at our Fort Pierce location; except IVP exams which must be scheduled and take approximately 30 minutes.

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