THE
x-ray: In the year 1895, it
was a medical marvel.
And while x-ray is still a staple of
imaging, doctors commonly turn to
newer imaging technologies—some
that rely on radio waves, magnetic
elds, powerful computers or even
a twist on the conventional x-ray—
to provide more complex internal
views.
Two commonly used techniques—
CT (computed tomography) and MRI
Two see-through
views of you
An inside look at CT and MRI imaging technology
(
magnetic resonance imaging)—let
doctors see with amazing detail all
sorts of internal structures in order
to diagnose or help treat many
conditions.
What is CT?
CT scanning combines the see-
through power of x-ray technology
with today’s computers. e tech-
nique captures cross-sectional views
of organs and other tissues—much
like slices from a loaf of bread—and
with more detail than regular x-rays.
You enter the scanner—which
looks like a big doughnut—on a
sliding table. A rotating tube beams
x-rays through your body while
detectors record the image data from
several angles. A computer processes
the images, providing multidimen-
sional views of your anatomy.
CT provides very detailed images
of tissue as well as organs, bones and
blood vessels. CT is used to view
the head, chest and abdomen, for
example. It is also used to help di-
agnose cancer, internal injuries and
blood vessel diseases.
What is MRI?
MRI uses radio waves and a very
strong magnetic eld to show or-
gans, bones and so tissues in great
detail.
Unlike CT, MRI doesn’t use x-ray
energy. Instead, a magnetic eld
and radio waves are used to cause
subatomic particles in most of the
body’s tissues to line up and change
positions, which produces signals
detected by a receiver. A computer
processes the signals into images that
provide views from all directions.
MRI is o en used to view the
brain and spinal cord as well as
bones and joints. It can be used, for
example, to diagnose cancer, heart
and blood vessel disease, and muscle
and bone abnormalities.
Sources: American Medical Association; Radiological Society of
North America
MRI: A better look inside
By the time you read this, our new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
machine should be installed and ready to capture images of bones,
organs, muscles, blood vessels and cartilage without surgery.
This MRI represents the very latest advance in MRI technology. With a
32-
channel system, it provides the highest-resolution images with the
greatest speed and paramount patient safety and comfort.
For more information about Gritman Medical Center Imaging Services,
call
208-883-2228
or visit our website at
www.gritman.org
.
IMAGING
www.gritman.org
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q
connections
Picture perfect.
Milt Webber, Rusty Jenks and Suzanne Twigg make up part of the
MRI tech team. Gritman’s new MRI provides the best in patient comfort and state-of-the-
art technology with high-resolution imaging.