Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, can affect nearly every system in the body. These conditions often progress unpredictably, making it challenging for patients and physicians to gauge disease activity and treatment response. For residents in Buffalo and Western New York, advanced imaging services at Great Lakes Medical Imaging (GLMI) provide critical insights into how these diseases evolve over time, supporting better care and improved quality of life.

The Importance of Imaging in Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to chronic inflammation, organ damage, and long-term complications if left unmanaged. Routine blood work is valuable, but it doesn’t always show the full picture of how a disease is affecting internal organs, joints, or soft tissues. That’s where imaging comes in.

By using advanced imaging modalities, physicians can:

• Identify inflammation or structural changes early
• Monitor disease progression over months or years
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness and make timely adjustments
• Detect complications before they become symptomatic

Common Autoimmune Diseases That Benefit from Imaging

While nearly any autoimmune disease can require imaging, some conditions rely heavily on it for diagnosis and monitoring:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

X-rays and MRIs help detect joint erosion and inflammation early, enabling aggressive treatment to prevent long-term disability.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MRI scans are the gold standard for diagnosing MS and tracking lesion development in the brain and spinal cord over time.

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Imaging tests such as ultrasound and CT scans help evaluate inflammation in organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs, which are commonly affected by lupus.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)

Advanced imaging, including CT enterography and MRI, provides detailed views of intestinal inflammation and helps guide treatment decisions for flare-ups or complications.

Why Imaging Is Ongoing, Not Just for Diagnosis

For many autoimmune conditions, imaging is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Diseases like MS or rheumatoid arthritis can change in severity over time, even when symptoms seem stable. Routine imaging helps confirm whether treatments are working, highlights areas of silent inflammation, and detects damage before it becomes irreversible.

Advanced Imaging Options at GLMI

At GLMI, we offer a full suite of imaging technologies tailored to autoimmune disease care, including:

• High-field MRI for brain, spinal cord, and joint imaging
• Ultrasound for vascular and soft tissue evaluations
• X-rays for joint and bone changes
• Low-dose CT scans for abdominal and thoracic assessments
• Nuclear medicine for detecting organ involvement or inflammatory activity

Convenient Locations Across Buffalo and Western NY

Managing a chronic condition means frequent appointments. GLMI makes it easier by offering imaging services at multiple outpatient centers, including:

• Williamsville
• Cheektowaga
• Orchard Park – Sterling Park
• Orchard Park – Big Tree
• Cambria (Niagara County)

With flexible scheduling and fast turnaround times, we help reduce stress for patients managing lifelong illnesses.

When Should You Ask About Imaging for Autoimmune Disease?

You should talk to your provider about imaging if you:

• Have a new autoimmune diagnosis and need a baseline assessment
• Experience worsening symptoms or flare-ups
• Are starting a new medication and need monitoring for effectiveness
• Have unexplained symptoms like fatigue, pain, or neurological changes

Schedule Your Autoimmune Imaging at GLMI

Proactive imaging is key to managing autoimmune conditions effectively. If you’re in Buffalo or Western New York and need advanced imaging for diagnosis or ongoing monitoring, contact GLMI today to schedule your exam. Our experienced radiologists work hand-in-hand with your care team to ensure you get timely, accurate results for better health outcomes.

---

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician or healthcare provider about your specific condition and imaging needs.