PET/CT Scans & MRIS in Anniston

PET/CT Scans & MRISAt our main campus in Anniston, RMC houses the most powerful and accurate screening diagnostic imaging technology available in this part of Alabama, known as Position Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography or PET/CT Scanner.

The PET scanner at RMC delivers extremely powerful imaging technology while being safe for patients.  This type of technology is commonly used early detection for tumor assessment to determine the location, aggressiveness, type and recurrence of a tumor or abnormal growth.  PET scanning also benefits cardiac and pulmonary patients.  Ensuring that a CT scan is done at the same time as the PET scan with minimal movement of patient, ensures the most accurate means to diagnose and localize these diseases.   Because of its precise technology, radiologists are then able to choose the most effective treatment for patients.

The 16-Slice Computed Tomography or CT is the latest in advanced technology that allows patients to have shorter exam times and improved image quality. CT give much more accurate and detailed scans of the body by producing three-dimensional 3-D images to assist radiology team in giving patients a more complete diagnosis.

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a non-invasive procedure used to provide images of the body’s internal structures. MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to generate clear, exceptionally detailed “pictures” of the area of interest, without using radiation. It is a painless procedure. RMC houses a 3 TESLA MRI device that uses a very strong magnet to create an image of the tissues, systems and bones of the body. and is used in diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease.

MRI is often used to evaluate:

  • Organs of the chest and abdomen (heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands)
  • Pelvic organs (including male and female reproductive organs)
  • Blood vessels (via MRA)
  • Breasts

MRI can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of health conditions, including:

  • Cysts and tumors
  • Heart problems
  • Blockages or enlargements of blood vessels
  • Diseases of the liver, other abdominal organs, small intestine, colon and rectum
  • Causes of pelvic pain
  • Breast cancer
  • Nuclear Medicine

Stringfellow MRI

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic procedure that combines a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to provide detailed images of tissues, muscles, nerves and bones. Because MRI uses magnetic force and radio waves to create images, there is no radiation exposure during the procedure. MRI is often used instead of CT to study soft tissues or organs because bones do not obscure the organs and soft tissues as they do with CT imaging.

Advanced technology and imaging capability

MRI can be used to assess everything from ruptured discs in the spine to detecting brain tumors and vascular diseases through techniques such as:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast creates a detailed image of breast tissue by combining many images. It is a useful tool for the detection and characterization of breast disease, assessment of the disease extent, evaluation of treatment response, and guidance or biopsy localization. Find more information on Breast MRIs at RMC here.

Assesses chemical abnormalities in the brain for conditions such as coma, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, brain tumors, head injury and MS.

Evaluates blood flow, or detects brain aneurysms or blood vessel abnormalities. It is used to visualize renal, carotid and vertebral arteries, or examine the aorta for aneurysm.

Examines blood flow through tissues to evaluate strokes.