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Radiology DefinitionsX-raysConventional X-rays can be used to help identify disease or injury to the body including heart and lung disease, bone fractures and digestive system disease. There are different types of diagnostic X-rays including:
This is an X-ray technique that creates an image of the breast, which may reveal changes in the breast, before a woman or her doctor can discover them. Most experts agree that a woman should have an annual mammogram starting at the age of 40. Moreover, your doctor may recommend a baseline mammogram at age 35, or earlier, if you have a family history of breast cancer. This recommendation may vary depending on your past medical and family history. Doctors may also use mammography, or other imaging techniques, to evaluate lumps found during a breast exam. While most of these lumps are not dangerous, it is important to completely evaluate such findings. Female Board-Certified Mammography Technologists perform mammograms in a private suite within the Radiology Department. CT Scanning CAT Scan is a special type of X-ray that produces detailed pictures of the body. These computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans can often detect the smallest abnormalities and are relatively safe. MRI Testing MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is an exam that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of tissues such as muscle and bone. The MRI test is good at locating abnormalities such as tears in ligaments and tendons, or conditions associated with seizures, strokes or cancer. Conditions that a few years ago might only have been detected from physical signs and symptoms, now may be clearly seen, giving doctors more time and better information to determine the most appropriate treatment. MRI does not involve the use of X-rays and is a safe procedure. Nuclear Medicine Nuclear Medicine Testing is often the best early-warning system for certain kinds of heart disease, thyroid disease, tumors and bone changes. It involves the use of radioactive materials in safe amounts to help identify and treat these and other diseases and disorders. The material used is given in tiny quantities resulting in very low exposure to radiation. The drugs also lose most of their radioactivity in hours or days, and are usually eliminated quickly from the body. Bone Densitometry Bone Density Testing is used as a screening tool to detect osteoporosis. If you are being treated for osteoporosis, your doctor may want you to have the test to decide if your therapy is working. Ultrasounds Ultrasound/Duplex Doppler is a non-invasive (no needles, dye, etc.) medical diagnostic procedure using high frequency sound waves. Ultrasound can produce better images of certain "soft" tissues than x-rays do, because ultrasound distinguishes one form of tissue from another. Ultrasound can also show internal motion such as blood flowing through veins, the heart beating, etc. Ultrasound does not involve the use of X-rays and is a safe procedure. Echocardiograms and Stress Echocardiograms An echo, or echocardiogram, is simply an ultrasound of the heart. You can learn more about ultrasound tests by referencing the above section describing ultrasound. Echos are usually ordered to assess the overall functioning of the heart in terms of its size, ability to pump blood, and valve function. The test usually lasts less than 30 minutes, and usually does not require any special preparations. The ultrasound images are usually obtained by a technician, and then forwarded to a physician trained in echocardiogram interpretation. He or she will send a report of test results to your physician to discuss with you. The stress echo is a test that combines an exercise stress test and an echocardiogram. It allows physicians to see how your heart functions at rest and in response to exercise (usually on a bike or treadmill). Physicians usually order this test to assess the condition of your heart as it relates to: irregular heart rhythm, chest pain (possible decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart), overall level of conditioning and heart function, etc. The test lasts up to one hour. You should have nothing to eat or drink except water within four hours of your test. You should also refrain from caffeine or nicotine intake within four hours of your test. If you're a diabetic, ask your doctor how to adjust insulin and food intake prior to your test. You should also ask your doctor if you should take your regular medications the morning of the test, especially if you're on a beta-blocker (a specific type of blood pressure medicine). Wear clothing and shoes comfortable enough for fast walking or jogging, and don't apply lotions or powder to your chest area before your test. To start, electrodes are attached to monitor your heart's electrical activity (EKG-further described on this page). An echocardiogram is performed at rest. Next, you are asked to exercise for up to 15 minutes. Note that the test will be stopped if you become too tired, or have symptoms such as chest pain, excessive shortness of breath, or concerning EKG changes. Once you have achieved an adequate heart rate, you'll be asked to stop exercising. At that time, a second echocardiogram will be performed. You will probably be given the preliminary results of your test soon after completing the second echocardiogram. Otherwise, the results will be sent to the referring physician so that he or she can discuss the results with you. Barium Enema Barium enema, or Lower Gastrointestinal Series, is done in the hospital Radiology Department. First, a preliminary X-ray is taken. You are asked to lie on your side while a well-lubricated enema tube is inserted gently into your rectum. The barium, a radiopaque (shows up on X-ray) contrast medium, is then allowed to flow into the colon. A small balloon at the tip of the enema tube may be inflated to help keep the barium inside. The flow of barium is monitored by the health care provider on a X-ray fluoroscope screen (a device similar to a TV monitor.) You are asked to move into different positions and the table is slightly tipped to get different views. While the X-rays are taken, you are asked to hold your breath and remain still. The enema tube is removed after the pictures are taken and you are given a bedpan or helped to the toilet. You then expel as much of the barium as possible. One or two X-rays may be taken after the barium is expelled. Once the radiologist has had a chance to look at the X-rays taken, a report will be given to your doctor so that he or she may discuss the results of your test with you. Excretory Urogram Excretory Urogram, also called a Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG), is performed by inserting a catheter into your urethra (tube from the bladder to the outside.) Liquid contrast material is then instilled into the bladder through the catheter. X-rays are taken before, during and after filling of the bladder. When the bladder is full, the catheter is removed. While you empty your bladder, additional X-rays are taken. Upper GI Series Upper GI Series, also called Upper Gastrointestinal Series, uses x-rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine.) It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The Upper GI Series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer or a problem with the way the organ is working. This procedure is performed in the hospital's Radiology Department. During the procedure, you will drink barium (a thick, white, milkshake-like liquid). Barium coats the inside of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum and makes them show up more clearly on X-rays. The Radiologist can also see ulcers, scar tissue, abnormal growths, hernias or areas where something is blocking the normal path of food through the digestive system. Using a machine called a fluoroscope, the Radiologist is also able to watch your digestive system work as the barium moves through it. This part of the procedure shows any problems in how the digestive system functions, for example, whether the muscles that control swallowing are working properly. As the barium moves into the small intestine, the Radiologist can take X-rays of it as well. Intravenous Pyelogram IVP, or Intravenous (in-truh-veen-us) Pyelogram (pie-uh-lo-gram), is a test that uses contrast dye to outline the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder) and bladder on a X-ray. This is done in the hospital's Radiology Department, and because the dye is administered through a vein, an i.v. will be started. X-rays will be taken at certain times after the dye has been injected. At the end of the test, you may be asked to urinate. Another X-ray will be taken to see if urine has stayed in your bladder. The test usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The Radiologist will provide your physician with a report detailing the results of your test. If you have questions about any of the above tests, or if you have questions about a test not discussed here, talk with your doctor or call the Radiology Department at 319-376-2040. | ||||||||
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