Southern Imaging Services (SIS) offers advanced imaging with specialized MRI technology. Our advanced diagnostic tests include:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging to detect strokes, tumors, and infections
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy for tumors and metabolic disorders
- Dynamic imaging (cine MRI) to assess joints, swallowing, cardiac function, and more
With cutting-edge technology, SIS delivers fast and accurate results. Our board-certified radiologists will submit MRI imaging results to the treating physician within 24 to 48 hours.
Whether you visit us in Charlotte, High Point, Raleigh, Wilmington, or Rock Hill, you can rely on us to provide excellent care in a welcoming environment. Our team speaks fluent English and Spanish.
Book your advanced diagnostic imaging today.
What Is Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)?
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that helps doctors see how water moves inside our body tissues. Imagine water molecules as tiny dancers in our cells and between them. In some parts of our body, these dancers can move freely, while in others, they’re more restricted. DWI allows doctors to see these differences, which can reveal important information about our health.
This advanced imaging technique can provide information about tissue’s microscopic structure and function that other MRI techniques cannot provide. Diffusion imaging is non-invasive, safe, and doesn’t require injecting contrast agents.
What Is Diffusion Imaging Used for?
Diffusion imaging MRI scans are used in brain scans, bone marrow imaging, and more.
Strokes
One of the most important uses of diffusion-weighted imaging is in detecting strokes very early, often before other types of scans can see any problem. Restricted water movement on the scan can reveal if a part of the brain isn’t getting enough blood flow. This early detection is crucial because it allows doctors to start treatment sooner, potentially saving brain cells and reducing long-term effects.
Tumors
Doctors use diffusion imaging to look for and examine tumors in different parts of the body, like the liver, breast, and prostate. This advanced imaging technology also helps diagnose bone marrow cancer.
Cancer cells are often packed more tightly than normal cells, restricting water movement. This makes tumors appear differently on diffusion-weighted imaging scans compared to healthy tissue.
Diffusion imaging (DWI) can distinguish benign tumors (non-cancerous growths that don’t spread) from malignant tumors (cancer). It also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of treatments through changes in water movement that might indicate if a tumor is shrinking or if damaged tissue is healing.
Infections
Diffusion-weighted imaging is also used to help diagnose various types of infections. This advanced imaging measures the movement of water molecules in tissues, which is often restricted in infected areas.
DWI is highly effective in evaluating brain infections. It can help differentiate between various types of brain abscesses and other infectious lesions. Diffusion imaging scans are used in musculoskeletal imaging to diagnose bone marrow infections.
How Does Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) Work?
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that analyzes the chemical composition of tissues in the body. It is closely related to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRS does not use ionizing radiation like X-rays or CT scans. Instead, it relies on magnetic fields and radio waves.
MR spectroscopy uses the same machine as an MRI. MRS tests are typically added to the MRI scan.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy measures levels of specific chemicals in tissues. Because it provides detailed chemical information without invasive procedures like biopsies, MRS is often called a virtual biopsy.
What Is MR Spectroscopy Used for?
MRS imaging helps diagnose tumors, neurological conditions, and metabolic disorders.
Neurological Imaging
MR spectroscopy is commonly used to diagnose brain tumors and brain diseases. For example, it can help differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors by comparing their chemical profiles. It is also used to help detect and monitor brain diseases like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke by assessing changes in brain metabolism.
Metabolic Disorders
MRS is valuable for investigating biochemical and physiological changes in metabolic disorders. It can detect early signs of insulin resistance by measuring lipid content in the liver and muscle.
MR spectroscopy is used to study liver function and muscle metabolism.
What Is Dynamic Imaging and How Is It Used?
Dynamic imaging, or cine MRI, is a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that captures moving images, much like a movie. The term “cine” comes from “cinema,” reflecting its ability to create a sequence of images that show motion over time. Unlike traditional MRI, which provides static images, cine MRI is designed to observe dynamic processes in the body, such as fluid flow or organ movement.
Depending on the specific test and why it’s being done, cine MRI may be performed with or without contrast.
Heart Imaging
Cine MRI is commonly used to evaluate heart function and blood circulation. It creates a series of images throughout the cardiac cycle, essentially producing a “movie” of the beating heart. It can help detect problems with heart chambers or valves and assess cardiac function after a heart attack.
Brain and Spine Imaging
Cine MRI scans can show the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Doctors use this to diagnose Chiari malformation, a structural defect where part of the brain stretches into the spinal canal. Cine MRI also helps assess spinal cord injuries and brain tumors.
Gastrointestinal Issues and Swallowing
Dynamic imaging can assess if food and waste are moving properly through the digestive tract. It can detect narrowing in the intestines and lesions from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Cine MRI is also used to evaluate swallowing function.
Musculoskeletal Imaging
Cine MRI can capture images of joint movement, making it a valuable diagnostic tool.
Advanced Imaging Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prepare for an MRI?
We suggest arriving early and wearing comfortable clothes. However, we will offer scrubs to change into if needed. Before your scan, you will be asked to remove metal objects such as glasses, jewelry, dentures or dental bridges, and body piercings because the strong MRI magnet can affect certain metals.
Tell our staff if you have any metal implants or medical devices in your body. They will assess if the MRI process is safe for you to undergo.
What Happens During the MRI Test?
Once you’re ready, you will lie on a padded table that slides into the MRI machine, which looks like a large tube. The area of your body being scanned will be positioned in the center of the machine.
The scan is painless, but the machine makes loud tapping and thumping noises. To make you more comfortable, you may be given earplugs or headphones to block out the noise. It’s important to stay still during the scan so that the images come out clear.
How Long Does an MRI Take?
Each MRI should take less than 30 minutes. When physicians order multiple MRIs, patients may take breaks between procedures. Our staff will communicate with you throughout the process.
How Soon Will I Get My MRI Results?
One of our experienced Board Certified Radiologists will read your MRI in real-time and send it to your referring physician within 24-48 hours. Your physician will then review and discuss your MRI results and treatment options with you.
How Much Does Advanced Imaging Cost?
We are committed to offering high-quality advanced imaging at the lowest possible cost. We use a self-pay arrangement. You’ll pay for your MRI at the time of service with no surprise bills in your mailbox later. You will not be surprised by hidden charges, such as radiologist reading fees or facilities fees.
The Self-Pay Price Includes:
- Your MRI scan
- A copy of your exam on a CD-ROM
- Professional interpretation and a written report from a board-certified radiologist sent to you and/or your physician within 24-48 hours of your exam.
For pricing please call 704-321-4798.
Why Choose Southern Imaging Services?
Southern Imaging Services (SIS) stands out as a top-quality provider of advanced imaging.
- Highest Quality Imaging: SIS provides quality MRI and MRS scans with state-of-the-art technology for accurate results.
- Experienced Staff: Our radiologists are all board-certified with sub-specializations in Musculoskeletal (MSK) or Neuroradiology.
- Quick Results: MRI results will be sent to your referring physician within 24-48 hours.
- English and Spanish: ¿hablas español? Our team is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Contact SIS Today to Schedule Your Advanced Imaging
Southern Imaging Services is committed to providing advanced imaging with reliable and fast results. Whether you need diffusion imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or a dynamic MRI scan, you can rely on our experienced team at SIS.
With multiple locations in North Carolina and bilingual staff fluent in English and Spanish, we make it easy to access the care you need. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward a healthier you.
