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Radiology Services
PET/CT Scanning
PET/CT combines the functional information from a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) exam with anatomical information from a Computed Tomography (CT) exam in one single exam. When these two scans are fused together, your physician can view metabolic changes in the proper anatomical context of your body.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
CT imaging, also known as “CAT scanning”, combines the use of a digital computer together with a rotating x-ray device to create detailed cross sectional images or “slices” of the different organs and body parts such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, pelvis, extremities, brain, spine and blood vessels. Among the various imaging techniques such as MRI and x-ray, CT has the unique ability to image a combination of soft tissue, bone and blood vessels.
MRI Scanning
MRI is a way to look inside the body without using x-rays. MRI can produce two- or three-dimensional images of the inside of the body by using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer. The magnet is large enough to surround the patient.
It is important because it can lead to the early detection and treatment of disease. MRI pictures are extremely precise and doctors can often get as much information from MRI as they would from looking directly at tissue. MRI uses no x-rays and the magnetic fields are not known to be harmful.
Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray of breast tissue. Usually two images from different angles are taken of each breast. The procedure uses the x-ray images to find abnormalities within the breast tissue. The American Cancer Society suggests that in order to find breast cancers early, you need to do self examinations monthly, see your physician every year for a physical examination and have a mammogram once a year after age 40.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a modern medical diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to make images. These images then detect disease and changes inside the human body. Sound waves are transmitted through transducer, touching organs deep within your body. The waves bounce back and are received by the transducer. An image is then displayed on a TV monitor. Several images are taken and interpreted by a radiologist. Organs routinely scanned include the carotids, thyroid/neck, abdomen, aorta, renal, pre and post void bladder, OB, biophysical, pelvic, venous doppler, testicular, breast, and lower ext blood vessels.
Bone Density Study
A bone density study measures the calcium content (density) of bones. A scanner that emits tiny amounts of radiation is used for this exam. Scans most often taken are of the low back, hip, or forearm. This exam is used for patients at risk for osteoporosis (loss of bone mass), and can also show whether medications are slowing down bone loss.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine scans use very small, safe amounts of radioactive material to obtain images of specific organs. The radioisotope used depends on the organ to be examined, since each organ picks up its own specific material. Thus, iodine is picked up by the thyroid gland, calcium by the bone, and so on. By using the appropriate material, almost every organ in the body can be scanned.
Nuclear medicine scanning helps your doctor to see a picture of how your organs function. Organs routinely scanned by this examination include the heart, lungs and thyroid gland, but many others can be scanned as well.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is recording of the patient’s brain-wave activity. Small electrodes are attached to the patient’s scalp and connected by wires to an EEG machine that records electrical activity as squiggles to show normal and abnormal brain activity.
General Radiography
GI Studies:
Esophogram
Barium exam to examine the function and structure of the esophagus. This exam also includes an assessment for reflux.
Video Swallow
This exam is focused on the swallowing mechanism and upper esophageal motility.
Upper GI
An exam of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using an orally ingested barium.
Small Bowel Follow Through
Oral barium is followed through the small bowel into the colon.
Barium Enema
Barium introduced per rectum in a retrograde fashion to examine the entire colon.
Urinary Studies:
IVP
Intravenously injected iodinated contrast used to examine kidneys, renal collecting systems, and bladder.
VCUG
Contrast fills bladder in a retrograde fashion via a urethral catheter placed by nursing to assess bladder structure, function and to search for vesicoureteral reflux.
Invasive Procedures:
Shoulder Arthrogram
Contrast injection into shoulder joint to examine integrity of the rotator cuff. Can be followed by a CT or MRI.
ESI (Epidural Steroid Injection)
Epidural Steroid Injection is an injection of long lasting steroid in the Epidural space – that is the area which surrounds the spinal cord and the nerves coming out of it.
Lumbar Myelogram
Contrast injected into spinal canal to examine lumbar nerve roots.
Lumbar Puncture
A lumbar puncture is a procedure in which a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord called the cerebrospinal fluid is removed and examined. This test is sometimes also called a spinal tap.
SI Injection
Fluoroscopically guided steroid injection into one or both SI joints.
If you have any questions about any of these procedures, please contact your physician or call (715) 684-3311.
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