Outpatient Imaging
VTH
Hospitals
VMRCVM
Outpatient Imaging: CT & MRI Overview
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography (CT) uses
x-rays and computer processing to provide high-resolution cross-sectional
anatomical images. Patients are placed on the CT table while under sedation or anesthesia because motion can
interfere with image generation. The table moves through a circular opening in the CT scanner called the gantry,
while an x-ray tube emits x-rays as it spins 360 degrees inside the gantry. A detector array measures the energy
of x-rays that pass through the anatomic part and cross-sectional images are generated from the data.
Computed Tomography is primarily used for diagnosing abnormalities of the brain, skull, nasal passages, musculoskeletal system, spine, abdomen, and chest.
The Computed Tomography service consists of a Toshiba Aquilion 16-slice CT scanner that is linked to an image analysis workstation and an off-site storage server. The image analysis workstation is used to create 2D, 3D, and multi-planar reformatted images that help the radiologists, clinicians, and clients have a better understanding of the extent of the patient's disease. This is especially important for treatment planning when the disease occurs in an area with complex anatomy. The CT scanner acquires high detail slices very rapidly. The average scanning time per anatomic region is 10-30 seconds. The scanner can accommodate animals weighing up to 400 lbs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses
a magnetic field and radio waves to create slice images of anatomic
structures. Patients are placed on the MRI table while under general anesthesia because motion can interfere
with image generation. When the patient is inside the scanner’s magnetic field, the hydrogen atoms within
soft tissues align with the magnetic field. The radio waves pulsed into the field then alter the atoms causing
signals to be released and transmitted to a computer. The signals differ for abnormal versus normal tissues and
these tissues will be visible as either very white or very dark areas in the computer image.
MRI is primarily used for diagnosing abnormalities
of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system.
The MRI service consists of a Universal Medical Systems VetMR scanner that is linked to the hospital's picture archiving and retrieval system (PACS). The average scanning time for each anatomic region is 1-2 hours. The scanner can accomodate animals weighing up to 200 lbs.
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