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Imaging Procedures

Welcome to our radiology department page. We pride ourselves on providing a wide range of high quality diagnostic imaging services to our patients and healthcare providers. Our team of skilled and dedicated radiologists, technologists, nurses and support staff work together to ensure accurate and timely results for all examinations.

Services We Offer:

Radiology

  • Routine Radiology examinations:

Our department performs routine x-rays to capture images of bones and organs. These x-rays help diagnose fractures, infections, arthritis, and other skeletal and soft tissue conditions.

  • Fluoroscopic Gastrointestinal (G.I.) Examinations:

Fluoroscopic is a real X-ray technique used to visualize the gastrointestinal tract. It helps diagnose conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), swallowing disorders and gastrointestinal obstructions.

  • Hysterosalpinogram (HSG):

HSG is a specialized X-ray procedure used to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes of female patients. It helps evaluate infertility, identify blockages and assess abnormalities in the reproductive system.

  • Static Cystograms:

Static cystograms involve filling the bladder with contrast dye capturing X-ray images while the patient holds the dye. This helps diagnose bladder-related conditions such as bladder diverticula and urinary reflux.

  • Scoliosis Series:

The scoliosis series involves taking a series of X-rays to access and measure the curvature of the spine. This evaluation aids in diagnosing scoliosis, a condition where the spine has abnormal sideways curvature.

  • Lumbar Punctures:

Also known as spinal tap, a lumbar puncture is a procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal for analysis. It helps diagnose conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, such as infections and certain neurological disorders.

  • Joint Aspirations:

Joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, involves using imaging guidance to with draw fluid from a joint for analysis. This helps diagnose joint-related issues, such as infections, gout, or joint inflammation.

  • Arthrogram:

An arthrogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure in which a contrast dye is injected into a joint to highlight structures like ligaments and cartilage. This aids in diagnosing joint abnormalities and injuries.

  • Myleograms:

A pyelogram is an imaging procedure used to visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots. It involves injecting a contrast dye into the spinal canal and obtaining X-ray images to diagnose conditions like herniated discs or spinal tumors.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • Routine MRI examinations:

We offer a wide range of routine MRI examinations to visualize different area of the body. These exams are valuable in detecting abnormalities, accessing organ structures, and diagnosing various medical conditions. Common routine MRI scans include brain, spine, abdomen, pelvis and joints (e.g.,knee, shoulder, hip).

  • Breast MRI:

Breast MRI is a specialized imaging technique used to obtain detailed images of the breast tissue. It is often utilized as a supplemental tool to mammography and ultrasound for breast cancer screening and evaluation, particularly in high risk patients or cases that require further investigation.

  • Prostate MRI:

Prostate MRI is a non-invasive imaging procedure used to access the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. It is valuable in detecting and staging prostate cancer, guiding biopsies, and monitoring treatment response.

  • Rectal Mass MRI:

Rectal mass MRI is specifically tailored to evaluate abnormalities in the rectum and nearby structures. It helps diagnosing rectal tumors, inflammatory conditions, and other pathologies affecting the rectum.

  • Lumbar Plexus MRI:

The lumber plexus is a complex network of nerves in the lower back. Lumbar plexus MRI provides detailed images of this severe network, aiding in the evaluation of nerve-related issues and guiding treatment planning.

Computed Tomography (CT)

  • CT Routine Exams:

CT (Computed Tomography) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays and advanced computer processing to created detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Routine CT exams are conducted for various purposes, including:

  • Head and Brain CT: to investigate head injuries, headaches, strokes, tumors and other neurological conditions.
  • Chest CT: To assess lung diseases, thoracic trauma and other pulmonary conditions.
  • Abdominal and Pelvic CT: evaluate abdominal pain, organ abnormalities, tumors and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Extremity CT: To examine bone fractures, joint problems and soft tissue injuries in the arms and legs.
  • TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure performed to replace a diseased aortic valve in patients who are at high risk for traditional open heart surgery. During the procedure, a new valve is implanted using a catheter, usually through the femoral artery or through a small incision in the chest. CT imaging plays a critical role in preoperative plan and post-procedure assessment.

  • Coronary CT Angiogram of the Heart:

Coronary CT angiogram is a specialized CT scan that provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, allowing evaluation of blood flow and detecting any blockages or narrowing. This non-invasive test is helpful in assessing coronary artery disease and determining appropriate treatment options.

  • Calcium Score of the Heart:

A calcium score is a CT scan-based test used to quantify the amount of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. It helps in assessing the risk of coronary artery disease and can guide preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart-related events.

  • IR procedures - Cryo Ablations and Microwave Ablations:

Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures are minimally invasive treatments that use imaging guidance to precisely target and treat various medical conditions. Two common IR procedures are

  • Cyro Ablation: It involves using extremely cold temperatures to destroy abnormal tissue, such a tumors, in a controlled manner.
  • Microwave Ablation: This procedure utilizes microwave energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue, commonly used for treating tumors.
  • CT-Guided Biopsies:

CT-Guided Biopsies are image-guided procedures used to obtain tissue samples for diagnosis. During the procedure, a radiologist uses CT imaging to guide the needle to the precise location of the abnormal tissue to gather a sample, avoiding the need for open surgery.

Ultrasound

  • Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real time images of internal body structures. It is widely used for its safety, versatility, and ability to capture dynamic images. Routine ultrasound examinations may include:

  • Abdominal Ultrasound: To assess organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder and spleen for abnormalities.
  • Pelvic Ultrasound: To examine the uterus, ovaries, prostate, and other pelvic structures.
  • Obstetric Ultrasound: Monitor the development of a fetus during pregnancy and check for any anomalies.
  • Thyroid Ultrasound: To evaluate the thyroid gland for nodules or other abnormalities.
  • Vascular Ultrasound: To assess blood flow and detect vascular issues in arteries and veins.
  • Paracentesis and Thoracentesis:

Paracentesis is a procedure where fluid is removed from the abdominal cavity, while thoracentesis involves removing fluid from the plural cavity around the lungs. Ultrasound guidance is often used to aid in the accurate and safe placement of the needle during these procedures, reducing the risk of complications and improving the success rate.

  • Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies:

Ultrasound guidance is a valuable tool for performing biopsies on various organs and tissues. By using real-time ultrasound imaging, Radiologist can precisely target the area of interest, enabling the collection of tissue samples for pathological analysis. This minimally invasive approach helps avoid unnecessary surgery and provides a quicker results.

  • Arterial and Venous Examinations:

Ultrasound is employed to evaluate blood flow in both arteries and veins, providing valuable information about circulation and identifying potential blockages, clot, or other vascular abnormalities. It is commonly used to assess the carotid arteries, peripheral arteries, and deep veins of the legs for conditions like deep view thrombosis (DVT).

  • Segmental Pressures:

Segmental pressure testing is a non-invasive vascular study used to assess blood flow and blood pressure in different segments of the arms or legs. It helps identify areas of reduced blood flow, indicating potential vascular disease or arterial blockages.

  • Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

Transcranial Doppler is a specialized ultrasound technique used to assess blood flow in the arteries within the brain. It is particularly helpful in monitoring the patients with tertian neurological conditions, such as stroke or vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Nuclear Medicine

  • Routine Nuclear Medicine Examinations:

Nuclear medicine offers a variety of routine examinations that provide valuable insights into the functioning of different organs and systems within the body. Some common routine nuclear medicine exams include:

  • Bone scans (Whole Body Skeletal Scinitigraphy): This exam is used to detect and evaluate bone abnormalities such as fractures, infections, bone tumors, and metastases. A radiopharmaceutical is injected into the bloodstream, and its uptake in bone tissue is detected by gamma camera.
  • Cardiac Stress and Rest Imaging: These tests are performed to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle and identify areas with reduced blood supply. Patients undergo stress (exercise or pharmacological) to stimulate the heart’s response to increased demand, and a radiopharmaceutical is used to visualize blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Infectious scans, also known as nuclear medicine infection imaging, are used to identify the presence and location of infection or inflammation in the body. Radiopharmaceuticals that target infection or inflammation are administered, and the gamma camera images highlight areas of abnormal uptake, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious conditions.
  • Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine: Apart from diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine also offers therapeutic applications. Radiopharmaceuticals can be designed to target specific tissues or cells and deliver therapeutic radiation to treat certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, certain types of cancer (e.g., thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumors), and bone pain palliation in metastatic disease.

PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

  • PET/CT is a combined imaging technique that provides both functional and anatomical information in a single examination. It involves the use of a radio tracer, typically FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) or other specialized tracers, to visualize metabolic activity in the body, along with CT images for precise anatomical localization. PET/CT scans are commonly used for cancer staging, detecting metastases, and evaluating various medical conditions.
  • Whole Body PET/CT Scan:

A whole body PET/Ct scan involves imaging the entire body from head to toe. The patient is administered a radio tracer, usually FDG, intravenously. FDG is a glucose analog that accumulates in metabolically active tissues, such as cancer cells. As the patient rests for a specific period to allow the radio tracer to distribute, the PET/CT scanner captures images of the entire body. This scan is particularly useful in detecting cancer, evaluating its spread, and monitoring treatment response.

  • Partial Body PET/CT Scan:

Partial body Pet/CT scans focus on specific regions or organs of interest. Different radio tracers can be used to target specific regions or organs or diseases. Common partial body PET/CT scans include:

  • Prostate PSMA PET/CT: This specialized scan uses a radiotracer that targets the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), which is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. PSMA PET/CT is valuable in detecting primary prostate cancer, identifying metastases, and assessing disease recurrence.
  • Lymph Node PET/CT: This exam concentrates on imaging the lymph nodes throughout the body. It is commonly used in cancer staging to detect lymph node involvement and assess the spread of malignancies.
  • Breast PET/CT: While whole body PET/CT is more commonly used for breast cancer staging, research and development in breast-specific radio tracers are ongoing like Cerianna. We are currently using Cerianna to improve the detection and evaluation of breast lesions, especially in cases where conventional imaging has limitations.

At our Radiology department, patient safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our state-of the art equipment and experienced staff ensure that each examination is conducted with precision and care. We work closely with referring physicians to provide comprehensive and accurate reports, helping them make informed decisions about their patients’ care.