ADVANCED IMAGING CENTER PHYSICIAN NEWS |
January 15, 2002 |
There has been an increasing recent local interest in multi-slice CT (MSCT).
Contrary to popular belief, AIC has been operating a MSCT for 2½ years now. This technology was first introduced to the Antelope Valley by AIC in August 1999.
What is MSCT?
Multi-slice (or multi-detector) CT is a helical or spiral CT scanner with multiple detectors that are capable of scanning several slices simultaneously while in the helical mode, thus significantly increasing scan speed and resolution. The number of detectors ranges from 2 to 16 in the industry depending on the type and price of the scanner, but they all essentially accomplish the same tasks. AIC has a dual-detector MSCT.What are some applications?
For the past 2½ years, the MSCT at AIC has been performing the following specialized CT procedures not possible by conventional CT scanners or even most regular non-MSCT spiral CT scanners:
- Fast ultra-high-resolution (0.5 mm) scan of the bones for 4D isotropic reconstruction.
- 3D and 4D-CT Angiography (CTA): aorta, pulmonary, carotids, brain, runoff.
- Coronary artery calcification scoring (excellent non-invasive screening test).
- Whole-body screening scan (“ScanHealth”)
- Virtual colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, and endovascular angioscopy
- Dental Scan
- Fast high-resolution (2 to 5 mm) routine imaging of the neck and body.
- Fast high-res (0.5-1 mm) imaging of the IAC’s/Temporal bones.
- Advanced 4D workstation allowing exquisite multiplanar & 4D reformations.
ScanHealth Program
AIC has been offering for some time a screening program called ScanHealth, which includes a screening helical CT of the torso, CT coronary calcium scoring, and more optional 4D virtual colonoscopy (images on the right). Please kindly inform your patients that this program is now offered in their own backyard so they no longer have to travel hundreds of miles to get this test.For more information, please call me personally at (661) 949-8111 and/or visit our website at www.aicLancaster.com.
Ray H. Hashemi, M.D., Ph.D.
Director