Bone Densitometry (DXA) testing is a non-invasive low-dose x-ray that measures bone mineral density (BMD). Our radiologist will compare your individual results with the average BMD for people of the same sex and race of a young adult at the peak of their BMD. Your physician will be able to determine if you need to take any additional steps to safeguard your bone health. Around age 30, most people have reached their peak bone mass density. Factors that contribute to bone loss are a small body frame, menopause, smoking, a diet low in calcium, not exercising, and low testosterone levels. In addition, corticosteroids prescribed for arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus can contribute to bone loss. Both men and women are at risk for bone loss. Women usually begin to have bone loss at a younger age than men, but when the average man reaches age 65, the risk on bone loss for men equals that of women. A bone densitometry exam at Sun View Imaging will determine how strong your bones are, if you are prone to fractures, and if you have bone loss. The Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), is the gold standard in bone density testing and takes only 15-20 minutes. Please wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps, and let us know in advance if you are pregnant.

Calcium scoring tests are the best painless and non-invasive CT scan of the heart to detect the overall health of your heart. Calcium scoring can help calculate your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Using specialized computerized tomography equipment, Sun View Imaging will produce pictures of the coronary arteries to determine amount of calcium deposits. Normally, the coronary arteries of the heart do not contain calcium. Calcium deposits in the coronary arteries can narrow your arteries and increase your heart attack risk.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?
The main causes of plaque buildup are: smoking, high LDL (bad cholesterol), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, and lack of exercise. For men over the age of 45 and for women over the age of 55 the risk of coronary artery disease increases. Taking years to develop, coronary artery disease can lead to a significant blockage in the heart and even a heart attack. When you schedule your calcium scoring test with Sun View Imaging, you will know if you are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or other health problems before you show symptoms of heart disease.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The plaque in the blood sticks to the insides of your arteries, causing them to narrow. This narrowing of the arteries reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flow. Often people do not have any obvious symptoms, but as the arteries narrow and the blood supply is constricted, symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart attack. Chest pain (angina) is often compared to a tightening or pressure felt in the chest. Many people first notice chest pain after physical or emotional stress. The pain usually goes away after the stressful activity has ended. Sometimes women feel a quick, sharp pain in the neck, arm, or back. Shortness of breath is causes when your heart can not pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Shortness of breath or extreme fatigue is felt with exertion. A heart attack occurs when the coronary artery is blocked. Signs of a heart attack are not to be ignored and can be different for men and women. Men often feel a crushing pain and pressure in the chest, pain in the shoulder or arm, shortness of breath, and sweating. Women can have some of the typical symptoms men experience, but may also have neck or jaw pain. Patients with higher risk factors of coronary artery disease should note that a heart attack may also occur without any obvious signs or symptoms.

Preparing for your calcium scoring visit:
Wear comfortable clothing without any metal such as sweat pants.  Avoid tobacco and caffeine for four hours prior to your exam. During the exam, you will lay flat on a table and be asked to remain still as the scanning equipment moves above you down the length of the table. The actual procedure is very simple and will take between 5 and 10 minutes. As with other medical procedures, if there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please let us know in advance.

Using a series of two-dimensional X-ray images, Computed Tomography, also known as CT or CAT scan offers a three-dimensional image of internal organs. Physicians often request a CT scan to diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. Creating cross sections of images of bones, blood vessels and soft tissue, a CT scan is the best choice to make these diagnoses, because of its limited risks compared to the great detail the test provides. As with most diagnostic tests, notify your physician if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant before the scheduling your CT scan. Some tests require a contrast material administered through a vein in your arm. Occasionally, people have mild reactions such as a rash. If you have ever had a reaction to contrast material, let your doctor know. Avoid eating or drinking for about 2 hours prior to your CT scan. Leave all valuables at home, including jewelry, and any metal or electronic devices. Depending on the areas your doctor is imaging, the average CT scan takes less than 15 minutes. The scanning process is painless, and for most people the buzzing and clicking of the machine as it takes images of the specified body area, is what most people comment on and remember.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Currently, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. This also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease. Mammography (a specialized X-ray of the breasts) is the most important tool for screening for and diagnosing breast cancer. The American College of Radiology (ACR), the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and other expert medical associations recommend the practice of screening mammographies at the age of 40 and continuing annually with no upper age limit. The radiologists at Sun View Imaging strongly agree with these guidelines.

2D Versus 3D Mammography

At Sun View Imaging, we use state-of-the-art mammography equipment. Standard 2D full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is available at each location. The radiologist interprets your mammogram based on 2-dimensional X-ray images of each breast, as seen from side to side (MLO view) and from top to bottom (CC view). Standard 2D mammograms provide excellent visualization of the breast tissues and are an appropriate modality for all patients. The South Telshor location offers 3D breast mammography, or tomosynthesis capability. 3D breast tomosynthesis takes multiple images of each breast which allows the radiologist to visualize the breast tissue in “thin-slice” images, providing a 3-dimensional effect. 3D breast tomosynthesis has been shown to increase the accuracy of breast cancer detection, particularly in women under age 50 and in women with dense breast tissue. Ask your referring doctor which modality is best for you.

3D Mammography with SmartCurve Technology

As part of its 3D mammography exam, Sun View Imaging patients now benefit from the SmartCurve breast stabilization system. SmartCurve’s curved compression mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast providing improved comfort without increasing the radiation dose. There’s also no change in positioning technique or extra exam time needed with the 3D mammogram with SmartCurve compression technology. For more information about SmartCurve technology, visit www.smartcurvesystem.com

Screening Mammogram

This is a screening exam for a woman who has not currently experienced any breast symptoms. The exam, which can be done with either the 2D or 3D modality, is performed by a registered female mammography technologist who will ensure that the mammogram is performed as comfortably as possible. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes, and the typical time spent in the imaging center for the appointment is about 30 minutes. One of our breast radiologists will interpret your exam, usually within 1-3 working days. Your referring doctor will typically receive the mammography report within 3-5 working days. You will also personally receive a mammography results letter in the mail within 30 days. Approximately 10% of women who have had a screening mammogram will be recalled to have a diagnostic mammogram and/or breast ultrasound. This does not necessarily mean that the radiologist believes that a cancer is present, but does mean the radiologist sees an area in one or both breasts that requires a more focused imaging assessment. Not all breast cancers are detected by mammography. For that reason, we also strongly recommend that you perform monthly self-breast exams and have an annual clinical breast exam with your doctor.

Diagnostic Mammogram

This exam is performed for women who have been recalled after an inconclusive finding has been detected on screening mammogram, or if referred by their doctor for a specific breast symptom, such as a newly palpable breast lump. Male patients with breast symptoms are also appropriate candidates for diagnostic mammogram. Each diagnostic mammogram is tailored to the specific clinical situation of each patient, and the radiologist supervises the process. Breast ultrasound is also often used in conjunction with, or instead of, diagnostic mammography. Ultrasound uses high frequency soundwaves, rather than X-rays, to create an image of the breast tissue. Anticipate a slightly longer stay at our imaging center for a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound (1-2 hours) since this is an individually tailored exam which is completely reviewed and interpreted by the radiologist prior to your departure. The majority of inconclusive findings detected on screening mammography or clinical breast examination can be resolved with diagnostic mammography and/or breast ultrasound. If a breast lesion cannot be conclusively confirmed as a benign finding (e.g. a breast cyst) by diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound, then the radiologist will usually recommend an imaging guided needle biopsy, so that a definitive tissue diagnosis can then be made by a pathologist.

Computer-Aided Detection

Sun View Imaging also utilizes Computer Aided-Detection in the interpretation of every mammogram. Computer-aided detection (CAD) works with digitized imaging and computer software to search for unusual breast tissue including calcification, atypical areas of density or mass. The radiologist reviews the areas marked by CAD on each mammogram to determine if the tissue is normal or requires additional workup with a diagnostic mammogram.

Your Appointment

To help your doctor determine the best mammogram test for you, talk with him/her about your personal and family breast cancer history, any changes or problems with your breasts, or surgeries and hormone use. Speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant. The best time to schedule your mammogram is about 1 week after your period.

On the day of your appointment:

• Do not wear deodorant, lotion, or talcum powder under your arms, on your arms, or on your breasts.
• Advise the technician of any breast symptoms or problems prior to starting the exam and accurately complete the breast questionnaire. (Of note, screening mammography is specifically for women with no new or concerning breast symptoms. If you have a breast symptom, such as a new breast lump that you can feel, please inform your referring doctor so that a diagnostic mammogram can be ordered rather than a screening mammogram.
• Ask the technician when you can expect the results of your mammogram. Keep track of the results date and follow-up with your doctor if you have not heard from them by that date.

Notify the mammography staff of any mammograms you have had at other facilities.  It is ideal if you provide us with this information several weeks before your scheduled mammogram. With your permission, our staff will request your prior mammograms from the other facility, even if out of state.  Your prior mammograms will assist the radiologist in making an accurate interpretation of your current mammogram in a timely fashion.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to image internal body structures with a magnetic field and pulses of radio frequency energy waves. Hundreds of images create a three dimensional detailed anatomical image without use of damaging radiation. MRI imaging is well suited for imaging of non-bony parts and soft tissues. In particular, the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, solid organs (kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas, uterus), and hollow organs (stomach, small bowel, colon) are seen much more clearly compared to CT or regular X-rays. Designed to accommodate obese or claustrophobic patients who could not be served with a traditional MRI machine, open MRI machines have top and bottom magnetic areas and do not enclose the patient.

Before your appointment

• Some patients maybe asked for a urine sample for a pregnancy test. As with most imaging tests, pregnant women and their doctors should discuss the risk of having the test while they are pregnant.
• Speak with your doctor if you have a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). Your physician may prescribe a mild sedative.
• Always discuss allergies with your doctor, especially if your MRI will include a contrast dye. The contrast material used in the MRI does not contain iodine, and it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, but notify your physician if you have allergies to food or drugs, hay fever, allergic asthma, or get hives.
• The radiologist should also know if you have any serious health problems. Some conditions, such as kidney disease and sickle cell anemia, may prevent you from having an MRI with contrast material.
• As with all imaging tests please leave jewelry at home. Metal items and electronics are not allowed in the exam room because they interfere with the magnetic fields of the MRI.

Please do not bring:

• Jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged.
• Pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images.
• Removable dental work.
• Pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses.
• In most cases, an MRI exam is safe for patients with metal implants, except for a few types.

Tell the technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body, such as:

• Artificial heart valves.
• Implanted drug infusion ports.
• Implanted electronic devices.
• Artificial limbs or metallic joint prostheses.
• Implanted nerve stimulators.
• Metal pins, screws, plates or surgical staples.

In general, metal objects used in orthopedic surgery pose no risk during MRI. However, a recently placed artificial joint may require the use of another imaging procedure. If there is any question, an x-ray may be taken to detect the presence of any metal objects. Sheet metal workers and others who might have metal objects such as shrapnel in their bodies may also require an x-ray prior to an MRI. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem.

People with the following implants cannot be scanned and should not enter the MRI area:

• Cardiac pacemakers.
• Defibrillators.
• A cochlear (ear) implant.

Please consult your physician for alternatives.

The PET/CT scan combines positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) in one machine. From one single PET/CT scan, your doctor will have information about the structure and function of cells and tissues in your body. Since this diagnostic test is at the cellular level, often it can identify changes that signify early stages of disease. The most common uses of PET/CT scans are to detect and determine the spread of cancer, assess the effectiveness of cancer therapy, and study brain abnormalities. Depending on the areas your doctor is imaging, the average PET/CT scan takes less than 45 minutes. The scanning process is painless, and for most people the buzzing and clicking of the machine as it takes images of the specified body area, is what most people comment on and remember. Some patients may be asked for a urine sample prior to the exam for pregnancy testing. As with most imaging tests, pregnant women and their doctors should discuss the risks of having the test while they are pregnant. To prepare for your PET/CT scan: Fast 4 hours prior to exam time. Small amounts of water are okay to drink. Do not engage in strenuous activity or exercise prior to your exam. Do not take diabetic medication prior to exam.  This is because this is a radioactive sugar dose.

PET/CT Scan With Axumin

A PET/CT scan with Axumin can localize and detect recurrent prostate cancer. Axumin is an FDA-approved diagnostic imaging agent, also known as a “tracer” and administered via an IV prior to the PET/CT exam, which may help your physician determine if and where your prostate cancer has returned. Axumin is used with a PET/CT scan. For more information, about Axumin, go to https://www.axumin.com/sites/default/files/2018-03/patient_brochure.pdf. To prepare for your PET/CT with Axumin scan: Fast 4 hours prior to exam time. Small amounts of water are okay to drink. All medications are okay to take prior to exam. Do not engage in strenuous activity or exercise prior to your exam.

Please do not bring any of the following with you to your exam:

• Jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged.
• Pins, hairpins, anything with metal zippers, and similar metallic items, which can distort images.
• Removable dental work.
• Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses.
• In most cases, a PET/CT exam is safe for patients with metal implants, except for a few types.  When you schedule you exam, let us know if you have any metal implants.

Ultrasound Imaging, also known as ultrasonography and diagnostic sonography, uses sound waves to capture images of soft tissues and organs in the body in real-image images. There is no radiation dose associated with an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound is frequently used with pregnant women, and for female reproductive imaging. It is also the examination of choice in young women with pelvic pain. Ultrasound provides a detailed evaluation of abdominal structures, in particular, gallbladder problems. It serves as a supplementary exam for evaluations of breast masses. Ultrasound is useful to study blood flow in larger arteries. It is commonly used to search for abnormal narrowing of the carotid arteries and to monitor aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging technique adds a different and complimentary dimension of imaging evaluation to the traditional modalities of plain radiography, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound guidance can be used for joint, bursa, nerve, and tendon sheath injections.

Please do not bring the following to your exam:

• Jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged.
• Pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort images.
• Removable dental work.
• Pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses.
• In most cases, an ultrasound exam is safe for patients with metal implants, except for a few types.

An X-ray is especially good at taking quick and painless images of your bones, and structures of your body. X-rays are often used for images of bones; for bone fractures, and to diagnose and follow arthritis, and bone cancer. X-rays can also view lung infections, enlarged heart, bowel gas pattern, and kidney stones. Unless your X-ray is the result of an emergency and requires immediate attention, before the test, you want to avoid eating or drinking for about 2 hours before your X-Ray. Some patients maybe asked for a urine sample for a pregnancy test. As with most imaging tests, pregnant women and their doctors should discuss the risk of having the test while they are pregnant.

Please do not bring:

• Jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged.
• Pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort images.
• Removable dental work.
• Pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses.

In most cases, an X-Ray exam is safe for patients with metal implants, except for a few types.