Radiology

A Computed Tomography (CT) scanner combines x-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images or slices of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body.

The 160 slice CT scanner results in 50% less radiation while offering the highest quality images because it is built using the latest advances in technology.

A 160 slice CT scanner is used to create very detailed images of:

• Head
• Chest
• Abdominal areas

A Computed Tomography (CT) Urography test uses a CT scanner and a special dye to look at the urinary system in more detail. It can help to identify structures in the kidney, bladder and tubes that connect kidneys to your bladder (urethers). This test can be used to identify where blood in the urine is coming from, the status of cancer and how well treatment is working.

Urography images are used to:

• Evaluate hematuria (blood in urine)
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Cancer in the urinary tract

A non-invasive and painless procedure for diagnosing medical conditions, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan uses a series of X-rays and a computer to produce 3D and cross-sectional images of soft tissues and bones.

Our cutting-edge technology 160-slice CT scanner results in 50% less radiation while offering the highest quality images because it is built using the latest advances in technology.

A 160 slice CT scanner is used to create very detailed images of:

• Cancer and benign tumors
• Heart diseases
• Broken bones
• Blood clots
• Brain and spinal cord
• Chest
• Abdominal areas
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel disorders
• Etc.

Special CT procedures include:

• CT Urography
• CT Angiography

Recognizing the impact of high exposure to radiation, our array of high-quality digital X-ray equipment covers both plain and special x-ray procedures with minimal exposure to radiation doses. All our diagnostic centres are equipped with modern digital X-ray equipment.

X-rays detect pathologies of the skeletal system, diseases in certain soft tissues, and the presence of foreign body objects. In digital x-ray equipment, stitching capacities enable the combination of multiple digital x-rays to give a clearer understanding of a larger image.

X-Rays can:

• Detect bone and joint problems
• Detect soft tissue problems
• Examine an area of pain or discomfort
• Diagnose or rule out pathologies
• Evaluate fractures and localize foreign bodies
• Assess bone age

An ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal structures in the body. The images provide valuable information used to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. An ultrasound uses no radiation, and is therefore the preferred method for viewing an unborn baby during pregnancy.

All our centres are outfitted with high-grade 4D Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonography) Systems that provide exceptional imaging results. This imaging equipment utilize advanced technologies and diagnostic tools to expand clinical capabilities to cover a broad range of medical imaging needs including:

• Studying of unborn babies
• Reviewing of abdominal and pelvic organs
• Monitoring of the developing babies during pregnancy
• Viewing the uterus and ovaries
• Diagnosis of gallbladder diseases
• Evaluation of blood flow
• Guiding a needle for biopsy or tumour treatment
• Examination of breast lump
• Checking thyroid gland
• Detection of genital and prostate problems
• Viewing organs, vessels, and tissues without radiation

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity of your heart at rest. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. This test would show if there were enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure (hypertension) or evidence of a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction).

An ECG can help detect:

• Arrhythmia’s – the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly
• Coronary heart disease – the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances
• Heart attacks – the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked
• Cardiomyopathy – the heart walls become thickened or enlarged

Cardiac imaging uses non-invasive technology to assess the heart and its functions. It is a sub specialty of cardiology concerned with the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease using advanced imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, Computed Tomography (CT) and ECHO.

Cardiac imaging is used to detect and monitor medical conditions such as:

• Heart tumors
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart valve diseases
• Cardiomyopathy

The information provided by this type of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is useful to doctors in assessing the type and severity of heart diseases and enable doctors to decide on the most feasible treatment approach for cardiovascular ailments including but not limited to coronary heart disease, heart valve problems, pericarditis, cardiac tumours or damage from a heart attack.

Our centres are equipped to combine the results from the Cardiac MRIs with the outcome of other radiological and laboratory tests to deliver accurate patient diagnosis for doctors’ management of such conditions.

Cardiac CT is a heart-imaging test that uses Computed Tomography (CT) technology with or without intravenous contrast (dye) to visualize the heart anatomy, coronary circulation, and great vessels (which includes the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries).

Virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography is a minimally invasive exam to screen for cancer of the large intestine (colon cancer). It is a test that uses special x-ray equipment to examine the large intestine for cancer and growths called polyps. The scanner is used to produce three dimensional images of the entire large bowel, which usually includes a virtual “fly-through”, or map, of the entire colon.

Unlike traditional colonoscopy, which requires a scope to be inserted into the rectum and advanced through the colon, virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs. The images are combined and digitally consolidated to provide a detailed view of the inside of the colon and rectum.

Virtual colonoscopy is one option used to screen for colon cancer which can be used to detect:

• Polyps
• Growths of the large bowel

A Hysterosalpingography (HSG) test is a type of x-ray that examines the uterus and fallopian tubes for abnormalities. This x-ray combined with a contrasting material shows all the structures in detail to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

HSG tests are used to detect abnormalities in the uterus and fallopian tubes which result in infertility due to the following:

• Scar tissue
• Polyps
• Fibroids
• Growths
• Structural anatomic anomaly

Ultrasounds that use Doppler studies are non-invasive tests that use high-frequency sound waves to estimate the blood flow rate by bouncing the sound waves off of circulating red blood cells.

A Doppler ultrasound is used to diagnose conditions including:

• Blood clots
• Poorly functioning valves
• Decreased blood circulation
• Heart valve defects
• A blocked artery and veins
• Bulging of blood vessels
• Narrowing of blood vessels

Carotid

Carotid ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of the carotid arteries in the neck which carry blood from the heart to the brain.

Renal

Renal Artery Doppler Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to assess the blood flow into and out of the kidneys.

Peripheral arteries/vein

Doppler ultrasounds are used to assess the blood flow of your arteries and veins.

Hepatic

A Hepatic Doppler Ultrasound assesses the blood that flows into the liver through the portal veins and the blood that flows out of the liver through the hepatic veins which empty into the heart.

Obstetrics

Obstetric Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to detect the blood circulation in the baby, uterus, and placenta.

A transrectal ultrasound scan is an examination of the prostate gland that uses ultrasound to create a video image of and around the prostate gland. These images help in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, trauma, or infection of the prostate.

A transrectal ultrasound is used to detect:

• Prostate disorders
• Enlarged prostate
• Growths on the prostate
• Male infertility

3D and 4D imaging uses sound waves to create an image of a baby in the womb to give a very detailed view of the unborn baby.

• 3D imaging creates a 3D image of the baby
• 4D images shows moving 3D images of the baby

Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, helps in early detection of breast cancer, typically through the detection of characteristic masses or micro-calcifications in women.

Our centres offer digital imaging technology for mammograms that enable accurate screening and excellent image quality.

The centres offer a range of mammogram services which that can be used to:

• Diagnose breast cancer
• Screen for breast cancer

An echocardiogram test, or ECHO, uses sound waves to produce a graphic image of the heart. The test produces images of your heart chambers and vessels. This test is used to assess the pumping ability of the heart muscle. It can also be used to reveal heart defects in unborn babies (fetal echocardiogram).

The images can help them get information about:

• Blood clots in the heart chambers
• Fluid in the sac around the heart
• Challenges with the aorta
• Problems with the pumping function or relaxing function of the heart
• Heart valve problems and pressures in the heart