Contrast-enhanced MRI is an MRI scan performed before and after a contrast agent is given, usually through an IV. The contrast helps certain tissues stand out more clearly on MRI images. It is commonly used in spine, brain, and musculoskeletal imaging to evaluate inflammation, infection, tumors, and postoperative changes. It is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment.
Angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels. It most commonly treats coronary artery disease in the heart, but it can also be used in other arteries. A small balloon (and often a stent) is used to improve blood flow through the vessel. It is usually performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory (“cath lab”).
STIR sequence is a type of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan designed to suppress fat signal. It makes fluid-related changes—like swelling (edema) and inflammation—stand out more clearly. STIR sequence is commonly used in spine and musculoskeletal MRI to look for “hidden” bone, disc, and soft-tissue problems. Radiologists and spine specialists often use it when pain is unexplained or when injury, infection, or tumor is a concern.
PCI stands for percutaneous coronary intervention. It is a catheter-based procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It is commonly performed in cardiac catheterization laboratories in hospitals. It is used for both urgent heart attack care and planned treatment of coronary artery disease.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is a catheter-based treatment used to open narrowed or blocked heart arteries (coronary arteries). It is most commonly performed during coronary angiography in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. The goal is to improve blood flow to heart muscle when a coronary artery is significantly narrowed or suddenly blocked. It often involves balloon angioplasty and, in many cases, placement of a coronary stent.
T2-weighted MRI is an MRI image “setting” (sequence) that makes fluid appear bright. It is commonly used to evaluate the spine, including discs, nerves, the spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues. Clinicians often rely on it to look for swelling, inflammation, fluid collections, and degenerative changes. It is one part of a full MRI study, usually interpreted alongside other sequences.
T1-weighted MRI is a common MRI “sequence” that creates images where fat usually looks bright and fluid often looks dark. It is used to evaluate spine anatomy, bone marrow, and many structural problems in the neck, mid-back, and low back. Clinicians often pair it with other MRI sequences to better distinguish normal tissues from disease. It is widely used in spine, orthopedic, and neurosurgical imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning.
HbA1c is a blood test that reflects average blood glucose (sugar) over the past few months. It measures how much glucose has attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Cardiovascular clinicians also use HbA1c to understand metabolic risk that can affect the heart and blood vessels.
MRI spine is a magnetic resonance imaging scan focused on the neck, mid-back, and/or low back. It creates detailed pictures of spinal nerves, discs, the spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues. It is commonly used in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers to evaluate back or neck symptoms. It is also used to plan treatment and to check known spine conditions over time.
Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over time. It measures how much glucose has attached to hemoglobin inside red blood cells. It is commonly used to diagnose diabetes and to monitor long-term glucose control. Cardiovascular clinicians also use it to understand cardiometabolic risk in many heart and vascular conditions.