Radiology

CT scans have become the go-to exam for many physicians, as they can provide a wealth of information in a relatively short time. Since so much information can be obtained from a single image, CT scans can limit additional imaging and radiation exposure. And, as one of the quickest imaging methods, CT scans are a favorite tool among emergency physicians.

In the Stroke and Trauma programs, CT scans are key components of treatment:

• Head CT without contrast: This is the main mode of imaging during an acute stroke. It allows the physician to identify early signs of a stroke and exclude other conditions that could be mimicking a stroke, such as a tumor or bleeding within the skull.
• CT perfusion: This CT provides information about blood flow to the brain, including which areas are receiving enough blood. CT perfusion helps determine whether or not you are a candidate for having a blood clot removed from your head.

Some CT scans are used for screening procedures. For example, if you have a high risk of lung cancer, a low-dose CT can screen for signs of cancer. Or, if you have a risk of coronary artery disease, your physician may order a CT calcium score exam to check for a buildup of plaque in your coronary arteries.

We are also able to use CT technology when we perform several types of procedures:

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where we remove a sample of tissue or cells from your body in order for it to be examined in a laboratory. In a CT-guided biopsy, we use imaging technology to guide a needle to an area of your body that needs a biopsy, but isn’t easily accessible through the skin (e.g., liver, lung).
• Chest tube placement: A chest tube is used to drain excess fluid, blood or air from around your heart, lungs or esophagus. We can use CT imaging to guide the tube to the correct location, meaning we can place the tube without performing open surgery.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Using CT imaging as a guide, we deliver heat and electric energy to cancerous or precancerous cells. This kills the cells, with only minimal impact to surrounding tissue.

In certain procedures, the probe may be inserted into a natural opening in your body. For example, you may have a probe placed into your esophagus (feeding tube) to take pictures of your heart.

One of the most well-known uses of an ultrasound is looking at a pregnant woman’s ovaries and uterus to check on the fetus. However, an ultrasound can be used for a variety of reasons, including:

• Diagnosing gallbladder disease
• Checking the thyroid
• Diagnosing certain cancers
• Evaluating lumps in the breast
• Discovering abnormalities in the prostate or genital organs
• Examining blood flow in your blood vessels
• Checking for bleeding in the heads of babies in Neonatal Intensive Care (NIC)
• Guiding a needle for a biopsy, so that radiologists remove the correct tissue or cells

This type of imaging can pinpoint tiny amounts of activity within the body, allowing us to potentially identify diseases in very early stages.

There are two common types of nuclear imaging tests:

• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT): This test allows us to examine the function of your inner organs. For example, we can use a SPECT test to see how blood flows to your heart, or which parts of your brain are affected by diseases, such as epilepsy or dementia.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: This test allows us to examine the function of your tissues and organs. It is often able to show signs of disease before they appear on other types of tests, giving us the ability to diagnose disease in its early stages. PET scans are often used to detect cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.