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.
The neuroradiologist physicians of Summit have extensive
training and experience in the interpretation of these
studies and in the diagnosis of a myriad of neurologic
conditions.
Vascular and Interventional
Radiology
Vascular and Interventional radiology utilizes small tubes,
needles, stents, balloons, drains, 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. Summit has fellowship trained vascular
and interventional radiologists in its group.
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.
Cross-Sectional Body Imaging Radiology
Cross-Sectional or Body Imaging is a subspecialty that
includes chest, abdominal, and pelvic imaging , however
also encompasses additional training in musculoskeletal
radiology and neuroradiology. This subspecialty section
consists of radiologists who have fellowship training
in CT, MRI, and US. They specialize in the diagnosis and
radiological treatment of various abdominal, renal, liver,
and pancreatic diseases. New generation CT and MR scanners
offer a non-invasive alternative to traditional procedures.
For example, MR cholangiography is a technique which depicts
the biliary tract and pancreatic duct non-invasively.
New helical CT scanners are very effective in screening
high risk patients for lung cancer, coronary artery disease,
and colon cancer. Body imagers have extensive knowledge
in the use of Ultrasound, CT & MRI as well as fluoroscopy
of the abdomen and pelvis to help diagnose a myriad of
diseases.
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