If your physician has a concern regarding your health, you may be referred to the radiology department at Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC) for diagnostic imaging.

Imaging is the process of photographing the body's internal anatomy -- including bones, organs and soft tissue -- to detect abnormalities not easily recognizable or diagnosable through clinical examination.

All areas of medicine benefit from imaging technology. Radiologists observe tumors in the breast through mammography; blocked arteries and blood clots in the carotid artery of the neck (risk factors for stroke) can be detected through ultrasonography; and even fine, hairline fractures not evident on traditional X-rays can be viewed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

"An X-ray image or other picture tells us what's going on inside the body," says Sean Reiter, MD, Chairman of the Department of Radiology at CMMC. "Imaging helps physicians confirm or rule out suspected pathologies so that they can quickly and accurately diagnose a patient's condition."

Comprehensive Imaging
At CMMC, imaging services help physicians diagnose patients with suspected:

• Vascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease
• Embolic strokes
• Brain tumors
• Intracranial bleeding/hemorrhages
• Breast cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Bone or skull fractures

"We offer a full spectrum of imaging services for patients with many different health concerns," Dr. Reiter says.

Imaging technology has come a long way since the first X-ray machines were introduced in the past century. Today, advanced technology, such as MRI and ultrasound sonography, can reproduce microscopic details never before seen in the layers of soft tissue between the body's bones and joints. Contrast medium dyes injected into the bloodstream "highlight" blood vessels and enable physicians to get a firsthand view of structural abnormalities within the brain.

The benefits of imaging to modern medicine are vast, but -- as with any medical procedure -- some risk is involved.

Sean Reiter, MD

Radiation Risk?
Many imaging methods utilize radiation (invisible waves of energy) to capture a photographic image. As such, some patients fear exposure to radiation may cause harm to their internal organs or tissues.

But, in reality, the risk of radiation can be low when used conservatively and appropriately.

Nevertheless, if you fear that an imaging scan could be harmful, please discuss your concerns with your physician. If there is any chance that you are pregnant, be sure to tell your physician or dentist, since pregnant women should not undergo certain tests.

To learn more about imaging at CMMC, please call Imaging Services at 215-361-4500.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933