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Chest Radiology
A chest x-ray is usually done for the evaluation of lungs,
heart and surrounding anatomy. Pneumonia, heart failure,
pleurisy and lung cancer can be diagnosed or suspected on
a chest x-ray, along with other less common conditions.
Traditionally, chest x-rays have been taken prior to employment,
prior to surgery or during immigration. Chest radiology
might be used to evaluate shortness of breath, bad or persistent
cough, chest pain, chest injury, or fever.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) Radiography
An IVP (intravenous pyelogram) is an x-ray examination of
the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder. Most people are
familiar with x-ray images, which produce a still picture
of the body's interior by passing small, highly controlled
amounts of radiation through the body, and capturing the
resulting shadows and reflections on film. An IVP study
uses a contrast agent to enhance the x-ray images. The contrast
agent is injected into the patient's system, and its progress
through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of
quickly captured images. The exam enables the radiologist
to review the anatomy and the function of the kidneys and
urinary tract. A radiologist can use an IVP study to find
the cause of a wide variety of disorders, including frequent
urination, blood in the urine, or pain in the side or lower
back. The IVP exam can enable the radiologist to detect
problems within your urinary tract resulting from kidney
stones; enlarged prostate; internal injuries after an accident
or trauma; tumors in the kidney, ureters or urinary bladder;
and other changes.
Nuclear Medicine
HIDA Scans: A very useful tool
for evaluating the liver, gallbladder, and biliary system
is called the Hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan. This scan demonstrates
not only liver function, but also the function of the gallbladder.
It is commonly used to diagnose abnormal function of the
gallbladder. It also examines the gallbladder and the ducts
leading into and out of the gallbladder. In this test the
patient receives an intravenous injection of a radioactive
material called hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA). This
material is taken up by the liver and excreted into the
biliary tract. In a healthy person, this material will pass
through the bile ducts and into the cystic duct to enter
the gallbladder. It will also pass into the common bile
duct and enter the small intestine, from which it eventually
passes out of the body in the stool.
Renal Scans: The
test evaluates the size, position, shape, and function of
the kidneys. A renal scan is particularly useful when there
is a known sensitivity to the contrast media used in an
IVP or other X-rays, or when there is underlying kidney
insufficiency (reduced kidney function). Renal scan is commonly
used after a kidney transplant to evaluate kidney function
and to look for signs of transplant rejection. A renal scan
may be used to evaluate kidney function in people with hypertension.
GI Tract Radiolography
Upper:
An upper GI examination is a fluoroscopic examination (a
type of x-ray imaging) of the upper gastrointestinal tract,
including the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine
(duodenum). An upper GI series is frequently requested when
a patient experiences unexplained symptoms of abdominal
pain, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation,
diarrhea, or weight loss. It is used to help diagnose disorders
and diseases of, or related to, the upper gastrointestinal
tract, including cases of hiatal hernia, diverticuli, ulcers,
tumors, obstruction, enteritis, gastroesophageal reflux
disease, Crohn's disease, and pulmonary aspiration.
Lower: A physician may order a lower GI examination to look for ulcers,
benign tumors (polyps, for example), cancer, or signs of
certain other medical conditions. The procedure is frequently
performed on individuals suffering from chronic diarrhea,
blood in stools, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
unexplained weight loss, a change in bowel habits, or suspected
blood loss. Images of the bowel and colon are also used
to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, a group of disorders
that include Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography,
is a method of "seeing" inside the human body through the
use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded
and displayed as a visual image. No radiation is involved
in ultrasound imaging. An ultrasound is a useful way of
examining many of the body's internal organs, including
the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys,
and bladder. Ultrasounds can show movement of internal tissues
and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow and
heart valve functions.
General Ultrasound Imaging
- can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and
to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.
Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging
- can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess
damage caused by illness.
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