Understanding Radiology
With the advent of X-rays, physicians have been able to look inside a patient’s body without surgery. Now, there are a wide variety of ways to look inside the human body. Some of the techniques use x-rays combined with a computer to get a three-dimensional look inside. Others use ultrasound waves or magnetic waves to get a look. Sometimes injections, such as contrasting materials, are used to enhance the details.
Different types of imaging techniques are used to diagnose different conditions. Our diagnostic imaging techniques give your doctor information about what is happening inside your body, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment. Here are some important diagnostic imaging terms and procedures to help you better understand the possibilities of modern radiology.
A procedure to examine blood vessels using X-ray, CT or MRI and an injection of radiopaque contrast material. This method is used to diagnose conditions throughout the body such as coronary heart disease, aneurysms, and atherosclerosis.
An imaging test to help diagnose osteoporosis and other bone diseases where a radio tracer is injected into a vein and travels to the bone.
An imaging test used to detect heart issues that deploys x-ray radiation to the chest area.
A scan that uses x-rays and a computer to generate detailed images of internal organs, blood vessels and bones. This technology can be used to test, diagnose, treat and monitor conditions throughout the body.
An imaging scan of the bladder using x-rays and a radiopaque contrast dye injection.
The measure of the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bone found using a bone density scan.
Short for Dual Energy X-ray Absorption Scan, a DEXA Scan is an imaging test to measure bone density using dual energy x-rays. It’s an easy, useful tool for diagnosing osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Another term for densitometry, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry is the measure of calcium and other minerals in the bone using a bone density scan.
A procedure to examine blood vessels and blood flow that uses high-frequency soundwaves to create an image of internal body parts. The duplex refers to the two modes of ultrasound being used, Doppler and B Mode. The B Mode transducer obtains an image of the vessel, while the Doppler probe evaluates the velocity and direction of the blood flow in the vessel.
A type of ultrasound scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels. This procedure can be used to detect damage from a heart attack, heart failure, blockage, congenital heart disease, endocarditis, and cardiomyopathy.
EBCT is a CT scan that uses a faster form of x-ray imaging technology to measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The amount of calcium detected by EBCT can reflect the amount of underlying atherosclerosis, which is caused by the slow buildup of plaque on the inside walls of the arteries and increases your risk for heart disease, heart attack, angina and other heart conditions.
A type of ultrasound scan that uses an illuminated optical instrument to examine the inside of the body, usually the stomach or esophagus.
A form of x-ray scan that creates real-time video using a device called a fluoroscope to examine tissues and structures deep inside the body.
A form of MRI scan used to examine brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. For a Functional MRI, patients complete tasks while the scan is being administered, allowing physicians to measure the variance in blood oxygen levels and more accurately diagnose issues.
A procedure that uses a computer linked to an x-ray machine to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. The x-ray machine scans the body in a spiral path, allowing for more images to be made in a shorter amount of time.
iCT brings CT scan technology into the operating room and allows doctors to sync existing scans with new ones to give them a better understanding of the patient’s condition and help them make more informed decisions during surgery.
iMRI uses MRI technology in the operating room to produce detailed images of the brain during surgery. This technology helps neurosurgeons remove brain tumors and treat other brain conditions such as epilepsy.
A procedure using x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view the large intestine. This method is helpful for discovering the cause of a number of intestinal issues and helping detect ulcers, polyps and other abnormalities.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. For an MRI, patients lie inside a large tube filled with powerful magnets while the doctors gather images. MRI can be used to diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess the effectiveness of treatments.
A mammogram is a scan of the breasts using low levels of x-rays to help detect and diagnose cancer in its early stages. There are two types of mammograms, screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram. Screening mammograms are regularly conducted to screen for potential abnormalities. Diagnostic mammograms are done when the patient or physician detects a lump or other abnormality.
Multi-slice CT scans rotate extremely fast and use multiple detectors, resulting in a faster overall scan and reduction in problems caused by patient movement or breathing. Multi-slice CT scans can help diagnose a range of conditions, including heart and coronary artery problems.
A radiographic procedure that uses a form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and an injection of contrast material to observe the spinal cord, nerve roots and spinal lining. It is useful in finding herniated discs, infection, tumors and other spinal issues.
A diagnostic examination that uses small amounts of radiotracers, a special camera and computers to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. This allows doctors to better evaluate your organ and tissue function to determine if they are working correctly. This advanced technology can help identify body changes at the cellular level to detect early signs of disease before other imaging techniques. PET scans are sometimes combined with CT scans to create even more detailed images. This is known as a PET-CT scan.
An ultrasound scan, often called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses a probe to create high-frequency sound waves that produce a detailed image of the inside of the body. Ultrasound Imaging can be useful for monitoring unborn babies, diagnosing a condition or guiding surgeons during certain procedures. No ionizing radiation is involved in the ultrasound process.
A procedure using a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy and a chalky liquid called barium to view the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. This method is helpful for discovering and diagnosing a number of intestinal, stomach and digestion issues.
A virtual colonoscopy is an imaging scan that uses CT technology to check the large intestine for cancer and polyps. It is a less-invasive procedure than a conventional colonoscopy.
X-rays are a type of radiation that pass through the body and get absorbed at different rates by different parts of the body. X-rays are used in a number of radiology procedures to produce images of the inside of the body. They are an effective way of looking at bones in order to detect and diagnose various conditions. While mainly used to examine bones, X-rays can also be effective in detecting problems with the internal organs.