Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center

What is an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)?

An intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses x-ray technology to diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions. When would you need an IVP, and how is it performed? Learn more about the uses of and steps involved in an intravenous pyelogram, and schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have additional questions or concerns.

Uses and Indications

IVP procedures are performed to examine the bladder, uterus, and kidneys. Your doctor or radiologist may recommend an intravenous pyelogram if you are suffering from pain in your side or lower back, or if you have an enlarged prostate or blood in your urine. IVP procedures can also be performed to detect or track problems of the urinary tract, including kidney stones, congenital anomalies, and tumors or masses.

Preparation Steps

All individuals preparing for an IVP procedure are instructed not to eat or drink after midnight the night before the exam, and may be provided with a mild laxative. It is important to inform your physician of all allergies and current medications you are taking to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction to the iodinated contrast materials used during the procedure.

Procedure

During the procedure itself, you will lie on a table while digital x-ray beams are targeted at the affected organ. Iodine-based contrast material is then injected through a vein in the arm. This contrast dye collects in the kidneys, bladder, or uterus, making problems within those organs easier to see. These x-ray beams are then recorded by a digital detector, which creates a computerized, three-dimensional image of the structure being examined.

Benefits 

IVP procedures present a number of benefits. In addition to aiding in the diagnosis of many urinary tract conditions, intravenous pyelograms can also be used to detect early signs of cancer and then track the progress of treatment. Additionally, IVP procedures do not allow radiation to remain in the patient’s body following the exam, and rarely have negative side effects. 

To learn more about IVP and other health screening tests, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.

Getting Ready for Your Health Screening: Resources for Further Reading

Health screening exams like MRIs, CT scans, and other radiology tests are important tools for diagnosing and treating a host of health conditions. If you are being scheduled for one of these procedures for the first time, you may be feeling anxious and uncertain about your health and what to expect. Talk to your radiologist about your questions and concerns, and look for resources that will help you feel more educated and empowered as a patient.   

• Has your doctor recommend you undergo a coronary CT angiogram? This procedure guide from the Mayo Clinic explains how to prepare for a coronary CT angiogram and what to expect after the procedure.
• If your doctor suspects that you have a heart condition, he or she may order a diagnostic test. Depending on your health and symptoms, one of several diagnostic scans can be performed to diagnose heart disease.
• Should you consider getting a DEXA scan? If you have a family history of osteoporosis or other risk factors, ask your doctor if a bone density scan could benefit you.

To learn more about the different types of diagnostic scans, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.

The History and Uses of Magnetic Resonance Imaging [INFOGRAPHIC]

Around the world, physicians perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans every day to diagnose and monitor a variety of health conditions. In fact, 30 million MRI scans are performed each year in the U.S. alone. By generating a powerful magnetic field, an MRI machine aligns the protons in your body to create a three-dimensional image of internal tissues, organs, and structures.

Did you know that an MRI scan can reveal abnormalities in your bones, organs, and spinal column? To learn more about MRI scans, check out this infographic. You’ll find out who invented the MRI machine, when MRI technology was applied to the medical field, and more!

If you or a friend is getting ready to undergo an MRI scan, share this infographic and empower yourself with the right knowledge.  

Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach,  Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at  (888) 530-1053.

How Does an X-Ray Work?

An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive imaging procedure used to get a closer look at dense structures within the body. While this technology has a variety of applications, it is very often used to examine broken or damaged bones.

An X-ray device is comprised of a tube containing a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and anode. The cathode is a filament that releases energy and sends electrons toward the anode, which is made of tungsten. When the electrons contact the tungsten anode, they release energy in the form of photons, which are channeled through a lead cylinder to create a high-energy X-ray beam. To see how all these components work together to create detailed images of your body, watch the informational video below.

To schedule an x-ray scan, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.

Who Should Consider Getting a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA scan, or Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan, is a diagnostic exam used to measure bone mineral density. During the procedure, a low-dose X-ray beam is directed into the bones where it is absorbed by both the bone mineral and soft tissues. At that point, the density of the soft tissue is subtracted from the total to determine the density of the bone mineral itself.  Keep reading to find out who could benefit from getting a DEXA scan at their local imaging center.

Individuals with a Family History of Osteoporosis

Men and women with a family history of osteoporosis can greatly benefit from a DEXA scan. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become porous and weak, increasing the risk of fractures in the hips, spine, and extremities. DEXA scans can not only assess your risk of osteoporosis but also help to monitor the success of treatment. 

Menopausal Women

The estrogen produced by premenopausal women helps to maintain bone density. After the onset of menopause, women can lose up to 25-30% of their bone density within the next five to ten years, which may lead to osteoporosis and a high risk of bone fractures. For this reason, women who are going through menopause or have had their ovaries surgically removed should consider a DEXA scan.

Individuals with Thyroid Problems

Most physicians recommend that patients with hyperparathyroidism or hyperthyroidism receive a DEXA scan since both of these conditions can lead to decreased bone mineral density. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands secrete too much parathyroid hormone, while hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroxine or triiodothyronine hormones.

Premenopausal Women

A DEXA scan can also be a great idea for premenopausal women who are exposed to other risk factors like smoking, vitamin D deficiency, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, low body weight, and sedentary lifestyle. In addition to identifying weak bones, a DEXA scan can estimate an individual’s risk of bone density loss.

Getting a DEXA scan at the right time can help protect your bones or even save your life. To learn more about a bone density scan, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.