Services- Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography (CT) produces detailed images of the body, providing information about the internal organs, bones and soft tissues. A computer processes the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue - such as lungs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels, with great clarity.
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CT Guided Biopsy
.A biopsy is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure using a CT scan that pinpoints a mass in the area to be examined. Under local anesthesia, the radiologist indentifies the mass, adjusts the needle to the correct angle and depth, and extracts the tissue sample with the needle. Only a tiny skin incision is required. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for pathological evaluation.
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Cardiac CT
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Calcium Scoring
This exam looks for calcium build up in the coronary arteries, the pipelines that feed the heart. Studies have shown that the amount of calcification with atherosclerotic plaques is an indication of the total amount of atherocsclerosis in the coronary arteries. Approximately 20% of the plaque is calcified. The amount of plaque present allows the prediction of the likelihood of a high-grade narrowing of at least one coronary artery. Calcium is easily detected by CT scanning. Your test will provide you with a Coronary Artery Calcification Score based on the amount of cacification detected. Your score is a predictor of the degree of narrowing of the coronary arteries and the likelihood of a future coronary event (heart attack).
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CT Angiography
CTA is an examination that uses X-rays to visualize blood flow in arterial vessels throughout the body, from arteries serving the brain to those bringing blood to the lungs, kidneys, and the arms and legs. CT combines the use of X-rays with computerized analysis of the images. Beams of X-rays are passed from a rotating device through the area of interest in the patient's body from several different angles in order to create cross-sectional images, which then are assembled by the computer into a three-dimensional picture of the area being studied. Contrast material is injected through a vein for this study, and no arterial puncture is required.
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Body Imaging
CT scan is now the procedure of choice for the rapid diagnosis of a variety of conditions. The ER uses this as its main diagnostic tool. Now with multislice technology the CT machine is used by the Radiology Associates of Roanoke radiologists to diagnose pulmonary embolism, vascular injuries, infection of the lung and bowels as well as kidney stones and cancer. The radiologists are also using this for the examination of the heart and its blood vessels as well as the rapid detection of stroke.