David Eric Magarik MD
Radiologist | Diagnostic Radiology
1840 Amherst St Winchester VA, 22601About
Dr. David Magarik is a radiologist practicing in Winchester, VA. Dr. Magarik specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging techniques such as X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography exams. These techniques offer accurate visibility to the inside of the patients body and help to detect otherwise hidden illnesses so that they can be treated quickly and efficiently.
Education and Training
Washington Univ Sch Of Med- St Louis Mo 1976
Washington Center / School of Medicine 1976
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine 1976
Board Certification
RadiologyAmerican Board of RadiologyABR
Provider Details
David Eric Magarik MD's Expert Contributions
How long does CT contrast stay in your system?
Intravenous contrast clears in less than a day and much quicker if one drinks excessive fluids after the exam. Oral contrast usually by bowel activity, but fluids help. READ MORE
Does a sinus x-ray show infection?
Yes. Usually presents as a fluid level within one or more paranasal sinuses. This, in conjunction with patient symptoms, makes the diagnosis. READ MORE
How does a chest x-ray show pneumonia?
Pneumonia causes influx of inflammatory fluids which is a different radiographic density than air, so it can be detected. READ MORE
Does a dislocated shoulder show on an X-ray?
Yes. READ MORE
What does a full body CT scan show?
It shows anatomy but can be nonspecific in the absence of oral or intravenous contrast, so I don’t recommend them. READ MORE
Why do I need a full body CT scan?
You do not need it. Often results in nonspecific findings and causes unnecessary patient concern. There are more important things to concern oneself with, such as how to combat global climate change, etc. READ MORE
My son has been having bad headaches. His neurologist is sending him to a radiologist. What can we expect next?
If he's having contract enhanced CT, then the exam will be quick including the injection of an Iodine based compound. If he is having an MRI, then it will take much longer with body and head in tunnel if a closed bore magnet. There will be fairly constant knocking noise but headphones will be provided. There may be Gadolinium based contrast, which will extend the exam. Usually 30-45 min. Hopefully, there will be nothing found other than normal brain matter. READ MORE
What's the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
While MRI is better for its great soft tissue contrast and multi-sequences providing significant additional information, CT is much better for the thorax, especially the lungs due to its high spatial resolution. It is perfect for evaluation of nodules and masses and pneumonia. MRI is more of a problem solver and is useful for the heart, aorta and great vessels. CT is very quick, even if contrast is used. The downside is radiation exposure which one does not get with MRI. This is X-ray exposure is nominal in the broad scheme of things. READ MORE
When is a PET scan recommended?
Usually for cancer workups to stage the extent of disease. Also useful for inflammatory diseases and infections. READ MORE
Is a MRI scan possible for the abdomen?
Yes indeed. Usually we start with CT as it quick and also very useful. CT in the abdomen is our workhorse. READ MORE
Can radiation treatment reduce the size of a tumor?
Yes. It is usually employed in conjunction with Chemotherapy (referred to as neo- adjuvant if given prior to surgery). READ MORE
Why is there such a radical difference between my chest X-ray and CT scan?
The chest X-ray is the first line in diagnosis and it will provide a baseline to assess progression of disease or resolution as CT is expensive, uses contrast and results in excess radiation exposure if not used judiciously. Also, certain findings such as pneumothorax on a chest X-ray may obviate the need for CT. READ MORE
Does a stroke always show up on a brain scan?
Stroke without hemorrhage is often detected on CT but may required a time interval from the onset of stroke symptoms. It is very useful. A negative exam does not rule out a stroke, which is a clinical diagnosis. If negative, then we go to MRI, which has properties that make it exquisitely sensitive to stroke and its etiologies. READ MORE
What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?
CT is X-ray based relying on attenuation differences of brain tissues including the gray and white matter and adjacent structures including the skull, facial bones and sinuses. It is fairly easy to detect hemorrhage when it is significant, whereas MRI provides much greater detail and tissue type resolution. It can be more sensitive to the presence of blood in the brain or around the brain. It gives much better anatomic detail and time related changes after events in the brain. It is the closest thing we have to great anatomic detail short of an autopsy. READ MORE
Is a CT scan for a 3 year old safe?
Yes, but it depends on what body part is being studied. If the question is appendicitis, then ultrasound should be performed first as there is no radiation exposure. This is true for many other conditions as well. READ MORE
Can a biopsy be done through an imaging scan?
Yes, I perform numerous breast biopsies each week either using stereotactic device which is X-ray based, usually for calcifications, and ultrasound guided for solid and cystic lesions. In general, in 2018, we perform the biopsy prior to surgery so that surgery may not be necessary based on the biopsy result. There are certain lesions where surgery is the first course, but these are rare. READ MORE
Do I need to get an IV for an MRI?
You would need an IV if gadolinium based contrast is to be used. Don't be scared. There are much worse procedures in medicine and events in life so consider the IV a minor inconvenience. You will be proud of yourself for being brave! READ MORE
Why did my X-ray come hazy?
Excess body tissue can adversely affect the quality of bone studies, but often it is related to motion artifact. READ MORE
Can a ultrasound find out if there is any growth on my abdomen?
Yes. Ultrasound is my favored study for the abdomen if performed well and can detect many masses. It can rule out abnormalities to set your mind at ease. Hopefully they find nothing. Symptoms then may abate when you are reassured that there is nothing. That is a big part of medicinal practice. READ MORE
What are the health risks from exposure to radiation?
Xray exposure can have a cumulative effect. People who live in Denver get twice the exposure of those in NYC at sea level. It is three times as high for those in Leadville, Colorado due to elevation. Pilots and those fly a lot get a higher dose but not for a long exposure. Try to minimize the number of exams if possible. READ MORE
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