Specialized Scans

CMI’s investment in cutting-edge technology and highly specialized coils gives us the ability to reach beyond the standard of routine imaging.

Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI)

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most common and devastating types of traumatic brain injury occurring in cases of severe head trauma. It is also increasingly recognized to be an important factor in moderate and mild traumatic brain injury.

Susceptibility Weighted Imaging is a new MRI sequence that relies on the magnetic susceptibility of tissues or compounds in the brain, such as iron-rich Hemosiderin, which is a byproduct of hemorrhage. Because of the Blood Brain Barrier, Hemosiderin deposits remain in the brain for a very long time after the initial trauma, SWI has been shown in several studies and in clinical application to be much more sensitive in detecting microhemorrhages than conventional methods, such as T2*-gradient echo (including 3 Tesla imaging).

Magnetic Resonance Enterography

MR Enterography is a novel, noninvasive imaging technique that allows physicians to see intestinal inflammation, abscesses and fistulas in the small bowel. This form of specialized imaging has proven far more effective than traditional barium studies in detecting Crohn’s disease and its complications. It also helps physicians to make treatment decisions and decide when surgery may be needed.

MRE uses a magnetic field and radio waves rather than radiation to create high contrast images of the small intestine as well as to locate problems outside the bowel. MRE spares patients exposure to ionizing radiation found in X-rays and CT scans. It’s especially important for tracking the progress of Crohn’s disease in younger patients, who may otherwise be exposed to undue amounts of radiation over a lifetime.