MRI vs CT Scan | What’s the Difference?

Here is a brief excerpt from an answer to the question posed above, provided by Paul Christo, M.D., Director, Pain Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. An MRI, or magnetic resonance image, is a useful tool in evaluating the spine. An MRI is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and provides good visualization of the spinal ligaments, a herniated … Read More

Why Have a Breast MRI?

Guidelines from the American Cancer Society do include screening MRI with mammography for certain high-risk women. This option should be considered for the following: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (BRCA1 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to cancer. BRCA2 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to breast and/or ovarian cancer.) Women … Read More

MRI vs MRA | What’s the Difference?

The difference between an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and an MRA is that an MRA is used specifically to examine blood vessels. An MRI is performed to examine other parts of the body including the abdomen, chest, pelvis and internal organs. If you or someone you love has suffered from a blood clot, stroke, heart disease, or similar health problem, a … Read More

How Much Does an MRI Cost?

How Much Does an MRI Cost?

You Choose Where to have Your MRIMany patients think when the doctor says, “you need an MRI”, they have to use a hospital’s imaging department. That is simply not true. The patient always has the right to choose where he or she goes for their imaging, or any medical service for that matter. In choosing where to go, you may … Read More

How Much Does a PET/CT Cost?

How Much Does a PET/CT cost?A lot can go through your mind when your physician orders a PET/CT for you. Along with the normal anxiety associated with needing a medical imaging study, worrying about your out-of-pocket expense is a reasonable concern. In today’s post, we will be discussing the factors involved in answering the question, “how much does a PET/CT … Read More

Open MRI in Jackson Mississppi

Open MRI in Jackson Mississippi

Capitol Imaging Services proudly houses the only true open MRI in Jackson, Mississippi. But what makes a true open MRI…open? In today’s post, we’ll discuss the benefits of open MRI versus those of a traditional MRI– as well as why patients prefer open MRI by Capitol Imaging Services. Independent imaging centers, like Capitol Imaging Services (CIS), on average feature lower-priced … Read More

Learn more about MRCP

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam that produces detailed images of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct. Physicians use MRCP to: examine diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct, including tumors, stones, inflammation or infection evaluate patients with pancreatitis … Read More

When a breast MRI is recommended

A question a woman may first ask when her physician recommends a breast MRI is “why?” It’s a perfectly natural, and encouraged question to ask as it is her body and her health. The exact role of Breast MRI in evaluation of possible breast cancer remains controversial and a subject of active research and refinement. In certain patients and in … Read More

What are the differences in MRI exams of the spine?

For non-medical people wondering about specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams of the spine, it’s pretty simple: When examining the spine in the neck, that is an MRI of the cervical spine For a closer look at the spine in the upper back area, that is an MRI of the thoracic spine To acquire images of the lower spine and back, that is … Read More

Is MRI helpful in identifying causes of pain?

Imagine the following scenario: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides enough detail that the radiologist and orthopedic doctor diagnosed a 50% tear in a tendon of the right ankle. Without the results from the MRI, the college freshman gymnast would have hurt herself even more. After finishing a dose of steroids to reduce swelling and using an extra-strength pain relieving cream, … Read More

Ankle Joint Effusion

Ankle joint effusion

An ankle joint effusion, or swollen ankle, is typically the result of excess fluids gathering in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint.

Imaging Tests for Cancer

Imaging Tests for Cancer

Today we discuss imaging tests for cancer, when they are ordered, and how they are read by the experts at Capitol Imaging Services.

Open MRI Near Me

Open MRI Near Me

If you’ve asking, “Does Capitol Imaging Services has an Open MRI near me?” With multiple locations across the gulf south, chances are we do!

MRI scan

MRI Scan

MRI ScanAn MRI scan is a noninvasive, safe way for healthcare professionals to examine a patient’s organs, tissues, and skeletal system. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is diagnostic technology that uses a powerful magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed, 3D images of the organs and tissues of the body that can be viewed from many different angles. … Read More

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans both provide diagnostic images of the inside of your body. However, they accomplish this important task in very different ways. Here are a few key differences between CT scans and MRI scans. Radiation CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of ionizing radiation. Basically, … Read More

PSA testing, early treatment decreases risk of prostate cancer death

Mortality in prostate cancer is lower in areas with frequent use of PSA testing compared with areas with little testing shows a new study. Results from the study show that prostate cancer mortality was 20 percent lower in counties with the highest incidence of prostate cancer, which indicates an early and rapid uptake of PSA testing. Capitol Imaging Services offers … Read More

New technology alternatives to prostate biopsy

Prostate biopsy does answer the question as to whether or not cancer is present. However, the question has arisen as to if there is an alternative. Until recently, there was not. New studies, including multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), can find prostate cancer with very high accuracy. Ultra high field MRI, known as 3T, delivers twice the field strength of … Read More

Better MRI comfort in place at Capitol Imaging Services in Mississippi

In the continuing mission for Capitol Imaging Services to implement the latest imaging technologies while identifying ways to make diagnostic testing more comfortable and calm for people, we are pleased to announce the latest addition in MRI to those ends: the Toshiba Vantage Titan 1.5T High Field MRI. Installed at the Imaging Center of Columbus, The Vantage Titan system offers … Read More

Association between weight at time of diagnosis and prostate cancer mortality

Men who are overweight or obese when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to die from the disease than men who are of healthy weight, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in the journal Obesity Research & Clinical Practice. In patients with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, the researchers also found an even stronger correlation between … Read More

State-of-the-art MRI coming to our Covington, LA imaging center

Capitol Imaging Services continues our commitment to providing the latest screening and diagnostic testing technology to serve both the people of the Southeastern U.S. and medical and healthcare providers. At our Diagnostic Imaging Services center in Covington, LA, we are pleased to announce the upcoming installation of a General Electric 450w high field MRI. This MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) systems … Read More

What is a ganglioglioma?

A ganglioglioma is a rare type of brain tumor. Tumors are issues that grow more rapidly than normal. Gangliogliomas are types of brain tumors that are made of mixed groups of cells. A cell is the smallest, most basic unit of life, that is capable of existing by itself. Gangliogliomas are partly made of abnormal glial cells. Glial cells are … Read More

Positioning inside an MRI

This is an inquiry Capitol Imaging Services associates and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists get asked frequently. We thought we would provide a brief answer. Center of the MRI The part of the body that is scanned must be in the center of the scanner tunnel. If the body part being scanned is from the waist down, you will be … Read More

Choosing Capitol Imaging Services from nearly 300 miles away

Capitol Imaging Services was recently contacted by a person who received a recommendation for an MRI. While that is not at all uncommon, it is unique that this individual will be coming to our East Bank facility from nearly 300 miles away. The reason? Our high field open MRI. The person is larger in size and stature, and therefore traditional … Read More

Ankle break or a sprain: which is it?

It is estimated that more than one million people visit the emergency room annually with ankle injuries. Of these, the majority are sprains and fractures, and in many cases, it can be hard to tell the difference. While a fracture refers to a break in one or more of the ankle bones, a sprained ankle refers to damage to the … Read More

Our mannequin challenge for MRI patients

Capitol Imaging Services issues this challenge every day to people who visit us for their recommended Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Often times, people undergo more than one MRI in one visit as it is more convenient to have the needed tests done all at once versus returning on a separate day. However, with one or more MRI exams, the … Read More

MRI and ionizing radiation: some people say yes

In a report from MD Anderson related to oncology patient perceptions of the use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic imaging, 29 percent said MRI used it. This is incorrect. But, it does show a gap in “health literacy” and one of the reasons Capitol Imaging Services uses this blog, our website and our social media tools to better explain exams … Read More

Breast MRI: an important piece of the imaging puzzle

Capitol Imaging Services shares information about an advanced imaging exam we perform as part of our portfolio of women’s imaging services: breast MRI. MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool that has many important uses, including: Screening in women at high risk for breast cancer. Determining the extent of … Read More

How Does MRI Work?

MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a procedure used in imaging centers to scan patients and determine the severity of certain injuries. An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Common reasons people go in to get an MRI are for a sprained ankle or back pain. What should I do … Read More

Rotator cuff injuries often diagnosed with MRI

Ahhh…fall is soon here. This season means football, exercise and …shoulder injuries? That’s right, shoulder injuries. While this sport uses different muscles, they all involve repetitive use of the shoulder that can lead to potential shoulder instability (when the shoulder joint is loose and slides around too much in the socket). This repetitive motion can cause the shoulder ligaments to … Read More

“Extremely claustrophobic” MRI success story at Capitol Imaging Services

For some of the population, confined spaces such as a crowded elevator or entering a small closet can create anxious, nervous or even terrified feelings. Recently, a woman chose a Capitol Imaging Services affiliate for her MRI exam. After her visit was completed, she reached back out to us with the following: “I am beyond claustrophobic” “I am writing in … Read More

Why are MRI scanners so loud?

Why do MRI machines make so much noise?  This is actually a very common question. Noises associated with MRI machines have been compared to jackhammers, clanking, banging, and industrial noises. You should be aware that these noises are normal and are not an indication that anything is wrong with the machine, but rather an indication that the machine is doing … Read More

The Skyra’s the limit

Would you be interested in having your MRI in a 3T ultra-high field system (a system most often demanded by medical subspecialists) in which the MRI’s shorter design (five feet, eight inches long) means that most exams can be done with your head OUTSIDE the system? If your answer is a resounding “YES!”, then our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic … Read More

A continued increasing role for MRI in prostate cancer

Much attention paid to multiparametric prostate MRI (mp-MRI) has focused on its ability to improve prostate cancer detection and diagnosis. However, prostate MRI has the potential to improve other aspects of prostate cancer care. Beyond guiding biopsy needles, prostate MRI can also aid prostate cancer staging, inform treatment planning and to monitor patients following treatment. At the Capitol Imaging Services … Read More

What is disc desiccation?

In some radiology test results for a diagnostic exam such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine (i.e. the lower back), one condition that may be diagnosed and reported on by the radiologist is what is known as disc desiccation. Disc desiccation can be very painful. In short, disc desiccation is fluid loss in the cushion-like discs between … Read More

Don’t ignore possible symptoms of prostate cancer

Capitol Imaging Services shares an article that identifies five symptoms that should not be ignored and should be brought to the attention of a man’s medical provider. Often times, men have the most difficult time in bringing themselves to a medical professional for health care. They simply put it off, claim they don’t have time for it or that it … Read More

Multiparametric MRI may prevent unnecessary prostate biopsies

That’s the headline from an article published in the clinical journal Renal & Urology News. It goes on to state “Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) can clarify which men with an elevated PSA (up to 15 ng/mL within 3 months) can safely avoid an immediate prostate biopsy and improve the accuracy of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, according to a new … Read More

Why would I undergo a 3T MRI?

Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) offers some reasons that work to answer the question, “why would a doctor specify a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on a 3T ultra-high field scanner?” The increased magnet strength gives us many benefits at no additional expense. 3T MRI is an advanced scanner, producing clearer images and more accurate diagnoses. 3T MRI helps doctors see abnormalities … Read More

Dance the night away: just not during an MRI

FREEZE! Hold still during your Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Did you know that even the slightest movement during your exam can compromise your MRI picture? Motion can affect nearly every modality of radiology, but none so much as MRI. This is because the machine is taking images of your body in such detail, that when a patient moves even … Read More

Another example of hospital imaging MRI exam “sticker shock”

Even though this is not a story from our area, it still holds relevance not only in the greater New Orleans area, but in the southeastern United States as well as the entire country. This story is from a public radio news reporter in Boston, Massachusetts who needed to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. The reporter did call … Read More

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare, but very serious condition affecting body areas such as the spine. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) defines this syndrome as “occurring when the nerve roots of the cauda equina are compressed and disrupt motor and sensory function to the lower extremities and bladder.” Patients need to be treated quickly as Cauda Equina … Read More

How to prepare your child for an x-ray or MRI

Going to the doctor can be scary enough for young children. So the idea of an X-Ray or MRI may prove particularly stressful. You see sophisticated equipment that can help identify risks to your child’s health. Your child, however, may simply see a big machine with laser-like lights strong enough to see through their skin and bones. Their perception of … Read More