Coronary CTA & Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring

Park Ridge Mayor presents Proclamation to Parkside Magnetic Resonance Center

Parkside MRI receives City of Park Ridge proclamation

After 20 years, we’re still brand new—Avanto MRI

Avanto at Parkside in the News

Dr. Okuno awarded certificate for competency in cardiac CT
William T. Okuno, MD has been awarded a Level 2 Certificate for competency in Cardiac CT by the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology/Department of Medicine. Dr. Okuno has fulfilled the recommended criteria for competency in Cardiac CT at Level 2 according to the ACC/AHA Guidelines. Dr. Okuno completed the course and was awarded the certificate on August 30, 2007. Dr Okuno is a member of Parkside’s radiology team and has served as Medical Director and on Parkside’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Phillips awarded certificate for competency in cardiac CT
John V. Phillips, MD has been awarded a Level 2 Certificate for competency in Cardiac CT by the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology/Department of Medicine. Dr. Phillips has fulfilled the recommended criteria for competency in Cardiac CT at Level 2 according to the ACC/AHA Guidelines. Dr. Phillips completed the course and was awarded the certificate on August 30, 2007. Dr. Phillips is a member of Parkside’s radiology team and has served as Medical Director and President of Parkside Magnetic Resonance Center.

Offering New Levels of Excellence in MRI
What two words best describe Siemens’ MAGNETOM Avanto? Revolutionary comfort. From noise-reducing AudioComfort technology that slashes decibel levels up to 97% to the low-to-the-floor table design that enables easy access, every aspect of the Avanto was designed with patient comfort in mind.

Comfort is key, but the Avanto also delivers the kind of high performance technology needed for the most demanding MRI exam. After all, comfort should never mean you have to sacrifice quality. That’s why our engineers equipped the Avanto with revolutionary Tim –– Total image matrix technology.

Bottom line? Your doctor will be able to see images in better detail than ever before. And better images help in making a better diagnosis.

A New Level of Clarity

• High-resolution technology permits impressive image quality and new level of detail.
• High-speed and high-resolution permit a level of detail not possible with older or slower MRI equipment.
• Because the heart moves as it beats, images taken with slower equipment may be blurry.
• Ideal for diagnosing heart disease as well as disease in the arteries throughout the body.

A New Level of Speed

• High-speed technology shortens time required to complete scan.
• Flexible coils reduce time needed for repositioning during scan.

A New Level of Comfort

• Innovative design makes it easier for patients to get on, in, and out of the scanner.
• Wide tube design and feet-first entry help reduce risk of claustrophobia.
• Siemens’ exclusive hardware and software reduce noise by up to 97% during procedure.
• Ultra lightweight coils mean a high level of comfort for even very ill patients.

A New Level of Access

• Low table height makes Avanto easily accessible to most patients.
• Table supports patients up to 400 lbs.

Parkside’s new CT exams give a more accurate picture of what’s going on inside you

This incredibly detailed carotid angiogram was produced by a 64-slice CT system such as the one Parkside Imaging has just installed. (click for larger image)

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Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive method of seeing inside the body to help doctors diagnose and treat disease. CT uses a thin X-ray beam combined with computers to generate images, or pictures.

CT imaging has been around for 30 years, but a new generation of ultra high-speed “64-slice CT scanners” now gives physicians even greater insight into the human body.

Parkside Imaging outpatient center in Park Ridge has just installed this sophisticated 64-slice CT system that promises shorter exam times, unprecedented image detail and increased diagnostic accuracy than is possible with older, traditional CTs.

Featuring the most advanced CT technology available, Parkside’s 64-slice scanner captures precise cross-sectional images of any area of the body, including unprecedented visualization of the coronary arteries of the heart, in as little time as a 10-second breathhold. These pictures are assembled into highly detailed three-dimensional views. Rapidly moving organs such as the heart and pulsating blood vessels that appear blurry when scanned by a standard CT now are seen in superb detail.

“Our radiologists are seeing more anatomical information than previously thought possible, which means we can diagnose problems like blood clots, infections and cancer in greater detail and with more clarity,” says Kevin Miller, executive director of Parkside. “We now have the ability to make an accurate diagnosis at an earlier stage so the patient can begin receiving treatment sooner.”

Parkside Imaging is open Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday. Appointments for both CT and high field 1.5T open MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exams can be scheduled within 24 hours by calling 847-268-8900. Parkside Imaging is located at 400 West Higgins Road in Park Ridge, just one mile from Resurrection Medical Center and three miles from Lutheran General Hospital. There is free adjoining sheltered parking at the center.

A Short Guide to CT

What is a CT scan?
In a CT exam, a thin X-ray beam moving 360° around the body creates hundreds of cross-sectional pictures that represent slices of the patient’s body. Seconds later, the system’s computer assembles the slices into 3-D images that are interpreted by a radiologist. CT is distinguished from other diagnostic X-ray tools by its ability to display a combination of soft tissue, bones and blood vessels all in a single image.

How are the images taken?
A patient lies on a table and is slowly moved into the large donut-shaped opening, or gantry, of the CT scanner. This houses the X-ray tube that circles the body for several seconds while the patient holds his breath as instructed by a technician.

Is a CT exam pain-free?
A CT exam is noninvasive and causes no pain to the patient. Scanning takes seconds to a few minutes, though total exam times vary. Intravenous contrast (dye) and/or oral contrast are often given to improve diagnostic accuracy.

How can CT help assess the risk of heart disease?
Calcification in the coronary arteries is the earliest indicator of heart disease. Coronary artery calcium scoring uses CT to scan a patient’s heart and detect calcium deposits along the walls of arteries. The test produces a calcium score that identifies the level of deposits. Taking into account other factors such as age, family history and cholesterol level, a doctor uses this score to measure the potential for heart disease.

What is a CT?
Computed tomography (CT) combines the use of X-Rays with the latest computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. A computer reconstructs these *slices* to produce the actual pictures. Considering that some of these *slices* are as thin as half a millimeter, CT is the ideal way to accurately view the size, shape, and position of structures such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and other internal organs. A CT scan offers much more image detail than a traditional X-Ray, which means your doctor gets the best information to make the most accurate diagnosis.

Multi-slice technology dramatically improves the diagnostic efficiency of CT exams. This advanced imaging method involves the simultaneous acquisition of multiple data slices during a single rotation- increasing image resolution so smaller lesions can be detected. Aquilion represents the future of this technology by offering four slices, varying in widths from half a millimeter to eight millimeters, during each half-second rotation.

Because no other system can match performance like this, Aquilion offers diagnostic advantages like these:

	Better Imaging Quality
	Clearer Anatomical Visualization
	Improved Soft Tissue Evaluation
	New Applications with 3-D Volume Reconstruction
	More comprehensive diagnosis in less time

The actual scanning takes just seconds as you lie very still on a slow moving table. Generally, there is no need to wear a special gown, but you must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as belts or watches. During the scanning, you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.

	The patient will be lying comfortably on the exam table for up to 10 minutes, though the scan takes only a few seconds
	The patient may be asked to change into a gown for the CT depending on the exam being done
	The patient must remove all jewelry, watches, and any other metallic objects
	(For Coronary CTA) Electrocardiogram leads will be placed on the patient’s chest to synchronize the scan with the patient’s heartbeat
	When the exam begins, the table will move to a starting position, pause and then move to the final scanning position
	On the table, the patient is surrounded by a donut-shaped gantry. This houses the X-Ray tube that generates the invisible X-Ray beams
	The patient will be asked to lay very still and hold his/her breath for a few seconds during scanning
	Little noise is produced by the gantry. The Patient may only hear a mechanical humming, which is the sound of the X-Ray tube rotating inside the gentry

Radiology Pre-Injection Assessment

Parkside Imaging Offers Most Advanced Open MRI

The new Parkside Imaging center in Park Ridge makes it easier and more comfortable for large and claustrophobic patients to have an open MRI exam that produces high quality diagnostic images.

Parkside Imaging opened its doors March 1 in Park Ridge and began scanning with the world’s most advanced open MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system.

This new outpatient MRI center is the first in the northwest suburbs to install the innovative system that combines an expanded opening for large and claustrophobic patients with the ability to capture high quality diagnostic images.

The patient-friendly Magnetom Espree^™ open MRI from Siemens offers a wide and comfortable examination space nearly 2.3 feet in diameter. It’s feet first and head outside for most exams. Patients up to 440 pounds can be scanned easily. And there’s less noise, too.

“Physicians will appreciate that this sophisticated system delivers 1.5 Tesla high field image quality and detail never seen before in open MRI,” says Dr. John V. Phillips, President of Parkside Imaging and its sister facility, Parkside Magnetic Resonance Center in Park Ridge. “This powerful performance translates to greater diagnostic confidence.

“Parkside is staffed by experienced and certified radiologists and technologists who have performed tens of thousands of MRI exams,” continues Dr. Phillips. “Our radiologists have an average of 12 years of experience interpreting MR images. In addition to in-depth knowledge of medical imaging, each also has a subspecialty such as neuroradiology, pediatric or musculoskeletal radiology.”

The 7.5-ton Siemens magnet is conveniently housed on the first floor of the new center at 400 W. Higgins Rd., but it wasn’t easy getting it there, according to Jim Sellergren, Project/Superintendent for CD Group. “We had to tear an 8'x8' hole in the side of the building in order to move the 15,000-pound magnet up a one-foot ramp and into its room,” he explains. “Once inside it had to be jacked fractions of an inch at a time to an exact spot on the floor. The room itself is unique in that it’s enclosed in 1/2-inch sheets of steel covered by copper sheeting. Because the system is so sensitive to heat and humidity, the room is kept at 69° and 45-55% humidity.”

Parkside Imaging is open Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday. Appointments can be scheduled within 24 hours by calling 847-268-8900. Parkside Imaging is located just one mile from Resurrection Medical Center and five miles from Lutheran General Hospital. There is free adjoining sheltered parking at the center.

The Parkside MR Center recently completed a major network upgrade to MagicWeb
The Parkside MR Center recently completed a major network upgrade to MagicWeb that allows physicians secure access to MR images, reports and audio dictation from any location with broadband Internet access and a Windows 98 PC.

Easily access our direct link to this clinical resource from the MagicWeb icon located under “For Physicians” and follow the step by step instructions.

The image at left is a representative example of MagicWeb Screenshot of Radiologist Report and Images.

Another Upgrade on Its Way
More information next quarter but suffice it to say we are close to completing another upgrade that will, we think, enrich all of our professional lives. By this time next quarter our advanced viewing features will:

• support dual monitors
• filter pre-selected (flagged) images

Additionally, Advocate Intranet access to MR studies will remain available by following the link on the Carenet home page. Telephone access to voice dictation also remains available by calling 847-696-1852. PIN numbers are required for telephone results and can be assigned during web registration at LGH, or by contacting the Parkside MR Center at 847-696-7900.

What’s Currently Available to Physicians:

Here Now...
Flagged Summary Images are available on the MagicWeb. Physicians now have the option where they can choose to view summary images pre-selected by the Radiologist (it’s like a “Cliff’s Notes” version of the study). This feature is part of the major MagicWeb upgrade that we reported on in the opening paragraph, as it has:

• added new features
• improved performance
• increased the number of studies that can be kept on line to 3 months

The most advanced fast scan technology arrives at Parkside MRI.
Parkside MRI is pleased to announce the arrival of Parallel Imaging. This advanced technology uses newer techniques for spatial encoding and partially replaces the traditional approach, which relies on the application of gradients. This reduced need for magnetic gradient switching reduces scanner noise and allows for faster scanning without loss of image resolution.

Parallel Imaging technology allows us to scan patients twice as fast as before. Immediate clinical impact is already seen in reduced motion artifacts in spine screens, abdominal scans, and cardiac studies. The improved temporal and spatial resolution has also led to improved MRA studies, which now rival catheter-based angiography. In the near future, this technology will substantially improve the accuracy of Breast MRI and allow full body metastasis screening for cancers such as lymphoma, melanoma, and multiple myeloma.

In short, Parallel Imaging at Parkside MRI is a new key asset enabling reduced scan times, improved resolution, and extended anatomic coverage. Many of the current MRI studies are improved with technology and new applications are under development.

Order free copies of the Breast MRI patient brochure.
Parkside MR Center has developed an informative patient brochure “Breast MRI... Is It Right For You?” If you would like free copies for your patients, or more information about Breast MRI and other news at Parkside MR Center call us at 847-696-7900.

Breast MRI may give valuable information in the following patients:

	When a question arises on a routine mammogram
	When a lump is discovered on physical exam
	In patients with dense breasts on mammography and a family history of breast cancer
	In patients scheduled for needle or surgical biopsy
	For those with a history of prior breast cancer
	For those who have had multiple biopsies
	In patients with breast implants