Inflammatory Disorders

Inflammatory disorders are characterized by chronic inflammation, a process that can impact various organs and tissues throughout the body. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and long-term damage to your body if not diagnosed and treated in time.

At Tellica Imaging, we understand the challenges posed by these conditions and are committed to providing accurate and timely diagnoses to guide your treatment.

Understanding Inflammatory Disorders

Inflammatory disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. Chronic inflammation is a complex process that can lead to a variety of health problems.

While acute inflammation is a normal response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can persist even after the initial trigger has been resolved. This ongoing inflammation can damage tissues, impair organ function, and increase the risk of certain diseases.

Understanding the type and extent of inflammation is crucial in managing these conditions.

Osteomyelitis (Inflammation of Bone Tissue)

Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that occurs when harmful bacteria or fungi invade the bone tissue, leading to inflammation. This condition can develop in several ways:

The most common cause of osteomyelitis is when an infection in another part of the body, such as the skin or urinary tract, spreads through the bloodstream and reaches the bone.
Infections close to a bone, such as an abscess or an infected wound, can spread directly to the bone. For example, a deep cut or a surgical wound near a bone can become infected and lead to osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis can occur when the bone itself is exposed to bacteria or fungi, often through an open fracture (where the bone breaks through the skin) or during surgery.

Once bacteria or fungi reach the bone, they can multiply and cause an inflammatory response. The bone’s rigid structure makes it difficult for the body’s immune system to effectively fight the infection, which can lead to the rapid spread of inflammation and infection within the bone.

The infection can also cause the blood supply to the affected bone area to decrease, further complicating the body’s ability to heal the infection. If left untreated, osteomyelitis can lead to severe complications, such as bone death or the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis often causes intense pain in the affected bone. Other symptoms of osteomyelitis may include:

Swelling and redness
Fever
Fatigue
Weight loss

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing osteomyelitis effectively, preventing complications, and preserving bone health. Imaging tests like CT and MRI scans play a crucial role in detecting the infection early, assessing its extent, and guiding treatment decisions.

Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Chronic inflammatory conditions are long-lasting medical issues where the body's immune system remains in a constant state of activation, leading to ongoing inflammation. Unlike acute inflammation, which is the body's immediate and temporary response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation does not resolve quickly and can persist for months or even years.

This prolonged inflammatory response can result in continuous damage to tissues and organs, leading to a range of serious health problems if it is not addressed properly.

How Chronic Inflammation Affects the Body

In chronic inflammatory conditions, the body's immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells, mistaking them for harmful invaders. This leads to a persistent inflammatory response. Over time, this ongoing inflammation can cause tissue damage, scarring, and a decline in organ function.

Examples of chronic inflammatory conditions include:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disorder causes chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and joint deformities over time. RA is a progressive disease, meaning that without proper treatment, it can worsen over time, significantly affecting a person's mobility and quality of life.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD includes a group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to pain, frequent diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD can severely affect a person's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition and other health issues.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. In this condition, joint inflammation occurs alongside the skin symptoms. Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, often affecting the fingers, toes, and lower back. If left untreated, it can result in reduced mobility and an increased risk of disability.

Chronic inflammatory conditions require ongoing medical care and monitoring to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Early and accurate diagnosis through imaging is essential in controlling these conditions and maintaining a better quality of life.

Imaging Tests for Inflammatory Disorders

Imaging tests play a crucial role in diagnosing inflammatory disorders and monitoring their progression. At Tellica Imaging, our advanced CT scans and MRIs offer comprehensive evaluations for such conditions.

We are dedicated to providing insights that can guide your healthcare provider in developing the best possible treatment plan for your condition.

We prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.

Tellica Imaging’s CT Scans for Inflammatory Disorders

Our specialized CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body, allowing your healthcare provider to visualize organs, tissues, and any abnormalities. CT scans are particularly useful for:

Identifying bone erosions or deformities that may occur in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Assessing areas where inflammation is suspected but not easily visible through physical examination alone
Detecting complications of inflammatory disorders, such as abscesses, in response to infection

Tellica Imaging’s MRIs for Inflammatory Disorders

MRIs offer detailed images of soft tissues, making them valuable for diagnosing infections that affect these tissues. MRIs can:

Assess the severity of tissue damage caused by chronic inflammatory disorders
Monitor disease progression for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
Provide a clear and detailed view of the affected areas to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment

Schedule Imaging Tests for Inflammatory Disorders with Tellica Imaging

If you suspect you may have an inflammatory disorder, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these conditions and avoiding long-term damage.

Tellica Imaging patients receive the highest standard of care throughout their diagnostic journey.

Our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health.

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations.