NEURO AND HEAD AND NECK IMAGING

Standard high-resolution MRI scans are typically used for imaging of the brain and central nervous system. However, there are several advanced imaging techniques that are beneficial in diagnosing and managing various neurological conditions, including MR angiography and venography.

MR Angiography and Venography are MR methods that produce 2D and 3D images of blood vessels in the brain, neck, and body. These tests can be conducted with or without intravenous contrast, depending on the body part being examined and the purpose of the test.

Imaging of Acute Stroke is often done using non-contrast CT of the brain, CT angiography and CT perfusion. These techniques require the use of intravenous contrast. During the contrast injection, images are captured dynamically. The data is then processed to calculate mean transit time, cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume within regions of the brain. CT perfusion may detect abnormalities before they are visible on a conventional non-contract CT, thus aiding in the treatment of patients experiencing an acute stroke.

CT Angiography (CTA) is a CT scan performed using rapid infusion of intravenous contrast to highlight blood vessels within the region of the body being examined. Within the brain, CTA is used to detect and/or characterize cerebral aneurysms (abnormal localized ballooning or outpouching along an artery), other vascular malformations, and areas of narrowing (stenoses) due to atherosclerosis, vasospasm or vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).