Using finely-tuned magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI generates images with unparalleled soft tissue detail which is crucial for evaluating fine anatomic structures and making subtle diagnoses, all without the use of ionizing radiation.  Our highly trained board-certified radiologists are skilled in the interpretation of a wide variety of powerful MRI imaging techniques enabling us to make difficult diagnoses, monitor treatment effectiveness and help guide future therapy.

Computed Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to create high resolution cross sectional images of the human body.  Scans are non-invasive, painless and typically completed in seconds.  Images can be reformatted into multiple planes, and 3-D reconstructions can be created to improve diagnostic accuracy. CT plays a key role in cancer detection, cardiovascular disease screening, and identification of trauma and infections. St Anthony’s Hospital utilizes Toshiba, Phillips, and Siemens CT scanners. Highlights include a cutting-edge Phillips Brilliance iCT 256-slice scanner, capable of imaging the entire heart in two beats. Our SOMATOM Definition AS 128-slice scanner offers the industry’s highest spatial resolution, and is capable of providing the lowest radiation dose possible.

Using high frequency sound waves, ultrasound allows for imaging of tissues, organs and blood vessels from head to toe. Our highly trained radiologists and clinical sonographers work in close collaboration to fully utilize ultrasound for identifying disease, guiding biopsy, and facilitating minimally invasive treatments.

• Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, to examine organ function and structure. This branch of radiology is often used to help diagnose and treat abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease, such as thyroid cancer.
• Nuclear imaging enables visualization of organ and tissue structure as well as function. The extent to which a radiopharmaceutical is absorbed, or taken up by a particular organ or tissue may indicate the level of function of the organ or tissue being studied.
• Thus, diagnostic X-rays are used primarily to study anatomy. Nuclear imaging is used to study organ and tissue function.
• A tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure. The radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is absorbed by body tissue. Several different types of radionuclides are available, the type of radionuclide used will depend on the type of study and the body part being studied.
• After the radionuclide has been given and has collected in the target organ, radiation will be given off. This radiation is detected by a camera outside of the patient.
• By measuring the behavior of the radionuclide in the body during a nuclear scan, the healthcare provider can assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, infections, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan may also be used to assess organ function and blood circulation.

• Scans are used to diagnose many medical conditions and diseases. Some of the more common tests include the following:
  • Pet Scans – These are used to diagnose cancer and detect spread of cancer to other parts of the body
  • Renal scans – These are used to examine the kidneys and to find any abnormalities. These include abnormal function or obstruction of the renal blood flow.
  • Thyroid scans – These are used to evaluate thyroid function or to better evaluate a thyroid nodule or mass.
  • Bone scans – These are used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints, to find bone diseases and tumors, and/or to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation.
  • Gallium scans – These are used to diagnose active infectious and/or inflammatory diseases, tumors, and abscesses.
  • Brain scans – These are used to investigate problems within the brain and/or in the blood circulation to the brain.

Xray is also known as radiography or plain film. Images are created using very small doses of ionizing radiation.  X-rays are the oldest and most commonly used form of medical imaging.  They are often used to diagnose fractures, locate foreign bodies or to look for infection or injury.

Fluoroscopy examinations use x-rays to create real time images of the body’s internal structures, much like an x-ray movie. Many fluoroscopy exams use an iodine based contrast or barium to help improve the visibility or movement of specific structures. Fluoroscopy is also often used to guide diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as lumbar punctures, joint injections and catheter insertions.

A DEXA scan is a method for evaluating bone mineral density and assessing for bone loss.  It is the most common and accurate method for diagnosing osteoporosis or osteopenia.  It can also assess a patient’s risk for suffering a fracture in the future.  DEXA scans are recommended if you have x-ray evidence of a vertebral fracture, have a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture, or have a fracture after only minimal trauma.  Patients with a history of hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, type 1 diabetes, a history of use of medications that are known to cause bone loss, or are a post-menopausal female should undergo a DEXA scan.  A DEXA scan is quick, simple, non-invasive, and uses only a very small dose of ionizing radiation.