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Neurointerventional Radiology | Nuclear Medicine | Vascular and Interventional
Radiology | Women's Imaging | Neuroradiology | Pediatric Radiology | Musculoskeletal Radiology
Neurointerventional Radiology
Neurointerventional Radiology is a new subspecialty that helps treat
problems in the brain, spine, and their associated structures. Brain
aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, tumors of the head and neck,
stroke, and osteoporotic compression fractures are among the most
commonly treated conditions in this subspecialty. This subspecialty
allows these and other conditions to be treated in a less invasive
fashion than was possible in the past. This translates into safer
treatment and more rapid recovery for patients. Modalities used in this
subspecialty include angiography, CT, MRI, Nuclear medicine,
fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and radiography. Angiography is the most
commonly used. The development of new catheter systems, embolic agents
and improved fluoroscopy have opened the door to newer and better ways
to treat disease. For example, intracranial berry aneurysms can now be
treated through a less invasive single groin puncture rather than
surgery on the cranium. Moreover, there is no traction on the brain
during these procedures and consequently less risk of brain damage and
psychological problems. SDI offers a full range of neurointerventional
radiology procedures.
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Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty used to diagnose, manage, and
treat serious disease. Nuclear medicine techniques use small amounts of
radioactive materials to demonstrate both organ function and structure.
Nuclear medicine is especially beneficial for diagnosing and staging
many types of cancers and often can identify abnormalities before
they become apparent on other diagnostic tests. This early detection
allows treatment of diseases earlier in their stages. Nuclear
medicine is also important in the detection and characterization of
cardiac disease. The amount of radiation from a nuclear medicine
procedure is comparable to that received during a routine X-ray.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging is a type of nuclear
medicine examination that enables you to evaluate the metabolic
activity of various organs and tumors. PET is used to stage and
monitor cancer, evaluate the heart, and diagnose brain disease.
There are nearly one hundred different nuclear medicine imaging
procedures available. Every major organ system can be imaged by
nuclear medicine. Several of SDI’s physicians specialize in Nuclear
Medicine.
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Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Vascular and Interventional radiology utilizes small tubes, needles,
stents, balloons, drains, radiofrequency probes, and other tools to
treat a variety of diseases in a relatively non-invasive way. Many of
the new procedures take the place of more invasive surgery or provide
therapy for diseases which were untreatable in the past. Examples
include draining abscesses through the skin using a small tube instead
of major surgery, placement of metallic stents or balloon angioplasty to
open blocked arteries instead of bypass surgery, dissolving clots in
arteries and veins instead of cutting open vessels to pull clots out,
getting samples of abnormal tissue (biopsy) with imaging guidance using
a needle through the skin instead of open surgical biopsy. The list of
relatively less-invasive procedures continues to grow as advanced
technology provides enhanced tools and techniques. Interventional
radiologists use all imaging modalities, but the most common include
angiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound. SDI has several fellowship
trained vascular and interventional radiologists in its group.
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Women's Imaging
Women's Imaging is an emerging area of Radiology that places
emphasis on the unique health needs of women and provides an
increased focus on public awareness and screening programs.
A
key area of Women's Imaging is Mammography, which is beneficial for
the early detection of breast cancer. A Screening Mammogram is
a low cost examination for asymptomatic patients in which four basic
films are taken and are reviewed after the patient leaves. A
Diagnostic Mammogram is for patients with a lump, breast complaint,
or certain high-risk patients. Diagnostic Mammogram films are
checked immediately by a Radiologist and, if necessary, extra views
are obtained in the same visit.
Breast ultrasound is often a compliment to Mammography, primarily to
diagnose benign cysts. Ultrasound, or Mammography, can be used to
guide biopsies of any suspicious areas in the breast.
Ultrasound is a mainstay to evaluate the female reproductive system
and is heavily used in obstetrics, gynecologic complaints, and
uterine and ovarian cancer screening, among others. MRI is sometimes
used to evaluate the uterus or breast implants.
Infertility is often evaluated using a test called a
hysterosalpingogram. A small catheter is inserted into the uterus.
Contrast material which is visible under X-ray, is then injected to
assess the uterine cavity and patency of fallopian tubes. A similar
test using ultrasound, called sonohysterography, can evaluate the
uterine lining.
Osteoporosis is evaluated using a test called a DEXA scan. The scan,
of either the wrist, hip or spine, is used to determine bone density
and assess risk for compression fractures.
There is current emphasis on detecting heart disease in women in
whom the presentation is often atypical. This is easily and
non-invasively done with Nuclear Medicine cardiac perfusion tests.
Many other radiographic modalities such as CT, X-ray, PET scan, and
interventional radiology are also used for the diagnosis and
treatment of specific female and general health concerns.
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Neuroradiology
Neuroradiology is a subspecialty that includes imaging of the brain and
spinal cord, as well as the surrounding supportive structures such as
the skull, spine, and intervertebral discs. Common conditions that are
diagnosed by neuro imaging include stroke, disc herniation, fractures,
tumors, infection, and multiple sclerosis.
CT, MRI, ultrasound, and in selected cases,
Angiography, are the modalities used to 'look inside' the brain or
spine.
In recent years, MR software has been developed to
image arteries and veins allowing the radiologist to diagnose many
vascular problems non-invasively, without conventional angiography
which involves direct catheterization of the artery being studied.
This has been particularly useful in diagnosing the common condition
of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries.
SDI offers all of the above described
neuroradiology diagnostic modalities. The radiologist physicians of
SDI have extensive training and experience in the interpretation of
these studies and in the diagnosis of a myriad of neurologic
conditions.
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Pediatric Radiology
Unlike other Radiological subspecialty areas, Pediatric Radiology is
defined by the age group of which it serves. In doing so, all imaging
modalities can be applied to evaluate each of the body systems. With a
coordinated effort from clinical input the goal is to provide top
quality medical care. Clinicians can consult with Pediatric Radiologists
and solve the unique diagnostic dilemmas of children as they proceed
from infancy to adolescence.
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Musculoskeletal Radiology
Musculoskeletal Radiology is a subspecialty that is comprised of imaging
and diagnosis of diseases or injuries involving the musculoskeletal
system. This includes imaging of muscles, bones, joints, and their
components, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
While standard X-ray of fractured bones or dislocated joints has
been used in radiology since its beginning, musculoskeletal imaging
techniques and diagnostic capabilities have progressed far beyond
basic X-ray. Modern musculoskeletal radiology now uses advanced
techniques to detect and evaluate more subtle but significant
injuries. These modalities include CT (computed tomography), nuclear
medicine, ultrasound, and especially MRI (magnetic resonance
imaging).
The role of musculoskeletal radiology in the assessment of sports
injuries in athletes has also led to this subspecialty being known
as Sports Imaging. The imaging diagnosis of athletic injuries
requires knowledge of the types of injuries to which athletes
involved in specific sports activities are prone. It also requires
knowledge of the anatomic detail that previously could not be
achieved by other methods but that is now visible through
high-quality MRI examinations. For these reasons, advanced training
and expertise, beyond that of general radiology, have become
important in this subspecialty area. SDI is proud to provide expert radiological interpretation for
local and national professional and amateur athletes.
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