DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

---

Cardiac CT Angiography (CTA)  is a new and revolutionary method of visualizing the inside of the coronary  arteries.  With the latest advances in high resolution scanning, the 64-Slice CT Scanner  can create amazingly detailed and accurate images of the heart, lungs, and  arteries in just seconds.  That means easier, non-invasive diagnosis of  the cause of symptoms and earlier detection of developing problems before  symptoms have started. Cardiac CTA allows a much  smaller amount of dye to be injected through a small IV in a vein of the arm  followed by a 10 second CT scan of the heart. Unlike Cardiac Catheterization,  with the IV injection there is no risk of vascular damage, heart attack or  stroke.  After the scan, the IV is removed and you can go home, to work,  or resume your normal activities immediately. 

Ultrasound scanning or sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves instead of radiation to visualize regions within the body in real-time.  The patient lies on an examination table and the ultrasound tech applies a clear gel to the area being scanned to ensure the transducer is making good contact with the skin.

Since ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as the blood flow through blood vessels.

Ultrasound is often used to visualize internal structures for:

• Abdominal Imaging
• Vascular Imaging
• Obstetric and Gynecological Imaging
• Breast Imaging 

Ultrasound can be used for biopsy procedures and to help diagnose a variety of conditions such as:

• Abdominal pain or distention
• Abnormal liver function
• Stones in the gallbladder or kidneys
• Tumors and congenital malformations

Rush Copley’s Ultrasound Department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and is one of the few hospital ultrasound departments that have achieved accreditation from both the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR) and Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) to perform Nuchal Translucency examinations for obstetric patients. 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) are imaging tools commonly used in detecting, diagnosing and staging various types of disease, including cancer.  PET reveals the body’s metabolic activity including both normal and abnormal tissue activity (tumors), while CT reveals the body’s detailed anatomic structure.  The PET/CT scanner combines these two powerful imaging tools into one exam to enable physicians to more accurately detect tumors and to pinpoint their precise location in the body. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans now have the most advanced MRI services designed for maximum patient comfort.  Rush Copley is the first and only hospital in the Fox Valley area to offer the most advanced imaging technology available with the new MAGNETOM® Verio 3T MRI scanner from Siemens. 
The 3T MRI boasts the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today and gives Rush Copley physicians access to many applications, including neurology and functional neurology evaluation, orthopedic and cartilage assessment, and breast, vascular and cardiac imaging. The system’s large opening is wide enough to accommodate a diverse array of patients who have traditionally been difficult to scan such as children, the elderly or heavier patients. 

MRI is a non-invasive test that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and advanced computer software to produce clear, detailed images of the structure and function of internal organs and tissues.  MRI gives doctors a window into the body unavailable with X-rays and other imaging technologies.

During an MRI, the patient lies still on a sliding table which is positioned inside the MRI. Imaging professionals are in an adjacent room but in constant contact via an intercom system. People with claustrophobia may need to obtain a sedative to help them relax. Most exams take 15 – 45 minutes, although highly detailed studies may take longer.

MRI is a critical diagnostic tool used to:

• Determine extent of brain injury brought about by trauma or stroke
• Locate internal bleeding
• Assess damage of the head and neck
• Evaluate the heart, aorta, coronary arteries and blood vessels
• Determine the condition of the lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas and abdomen
• Assess the spine after trauma or to diagnose chronic disease
• Evaluate sports injuries.

Since a MRI does not involve radiation, it is also used to examine the reproductive system, pelvis, hips and bladder.

Nuclear Medicine is used to determine how organs and other soft tissues within the body are functioning.  Patients receive a radioactive substance, either by mouth or intravenously (IV) which emits energy that is tracked by special cameras as it travels through the body.  The radiation is similar to that of an x-ray.  The imaging may be done immediately, within a few days, or possibly after several days because organs absorb the substance at different rates.  The scan can last from 20 to 45 minutes during which the patient must remain very still.

Nuclear Medicine is used to:

• Treat thyroid cancer
• Determine Parkinson’s disease
• Reveal tumors, infection and other disorders
• Analyze kidney function
• Image blood flow and function of the heart
• Scan lungs for respiratory or blood-flow problems
• Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor

Nuclear Medicine examinations include:

• Thallium Stress testing
• Thyroid evaluation/ablation
• Hepatobiliary evaluation
• Bone Scan
• MUGA Scan
• Lung examination for pulmonary emboli