Radiology

Guthrie Specialists for this Topic
More Information on Radiology and Procedures

 

Mansfield University Radiology Degree Program

Diagnostic Radiology
Nuclear Medicine

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Radiation Oncology


Diagnostic Radiology

The Section of Diagnostic Radiology offers a full scope of services in general radiology: imaging modalities, nuclear medicine, neuroradiology, and interventional radiology. For example, the following services are provided: magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasonography, gastrointestinal and uroradiology, musculoskeletal and neuroradiology, mammography, sialography, digital subtraction and angiography, angioplasty and arterial embolization, urological and hepatobiliary interventional procedures, needle aspiration biopsy, and abcess drainage.

We provide a full complement of breast cancer detection services, including routine screening mammography, problem-solving mammography, high resolution breast ultrasound, cyst aspirations, percutaneous breast biopsies, needle localization for surgical biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions, and state-of-the-art Stereotactic Guided Large-Bore Needle Breast Biopsies.

We use state-of-the-art equipment in the main department at Sayre as well as in the Guthrie Clinic regional offices. This enables us, with minimal radiation exposure, to obtain examinations of the highest quality. All of our mammography units stationed in the main x-ray department and in the regional offices are accredited by the American College of Radiology.

There is a close working relationship among the radiologist, surgeon, pathologist, gynecologist, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist, providing a coordinated approach to diagnosis and treatment of breast carcinoma.

We offer a full spectrum of Interventional radiological services, including peripheral angioplasty, intra-arterial stent placement, intra-arterial embolization, percuta-neousnephrostomy, abscess drainage with catheter placement, cystaspiration and percutaneous tumor biopsies, performed under DVI, CT or ultrasound control and guidance, as indicated.

The selection of cases for peripheral angioplasty and/or arterial stent placement is made conjointly with the Section of Vascular Surgery, usually following evaluation in the Vascular Laboratory. All modes of therapy, both surgical and non-surgical, are considered prior to initiating treatment.

The nephrostomy tube placement cases are usually first evaluated by a urologist. Those in whom internal ureteral stent placement is contrainclicated are referred to percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement under radiographic guidance.

These interventional radiological procedures can be performed on outpatients unless there are specific indications for hospitalization. Arrangements must be made with the radiologist performing the procedure in advance to allow for planning of the procedure and scheduling in the Out-Patient Recovery Lounge (OPRL) in the case of outpatients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered by many to be the most exciting development in radiology since CT scanning. This technique was developed shortly after CTscanning but required moretimeto mature dueto its increased complexity. The unit at the Guthrie Healthcare System uses the latest technology, consisting of a 1.5 Telsa superconducting magnet which was recently upgraded to magnetic resonance angiography.
This high field unit is unique within our region and produces image quality that is not surpassed by any other in the world.

MRI involves placing the patient in a strong magnetic field and stimulating the patient's protons with radiowaves. This avoids the use of x-rays. The contrast material used in MRI has fewer side effects and is needed less often than in CT. MRI allows us to easily obtain views for slices in any plane. MRI is more sensitive than other techniques in most cases.

 

Uses include:

• Head: MRI is more sensitive than other diagnostic tools in the detection of stroke, mutiple sclerosis, tumors, atrophy, and traumatic injury. MRA shows the vascular anatomy of the head and neck noninvasively. 

• Spine: MRI's ability to image a large area in multiple planes makes it exceptionally useful when MRI is combined with Gadolinium enhancement, scarring can be separated from the disk in lumbar ppst-operative patients. Spinal cord pathology is much more clearly seen. 

• Bones and Joints: MRI is an excellent method of looking at joint disease. It can replace invasive arthrography in many cases. Areas of special interest include knees, shoulders, wrists, and TMJs. MRI is the most sensitive method of detecting a vascular necrosis and metastatic disease in bone. 

• Abdomen and Pelvis: The multi-planar capability of MRI makes it superior to CT scanning of the pelvis in most cases. Due to motion artifacts in the upper abdomen, its use has been more selective. It does provide additional information, especially in the liver, that may be useful in some problem cases. 

• Chest: The multi-planar capability of MRI can be used to advantage in medias-tinal lesions. In some patients, evaluation of the great vessels or heart can be achieved non-invasively. 

• Contrast Sensitive Patients: Patients who have a history of reaction to iodinated radiographic contrast material can be studied by MRI without exposing them to that risk. 

The results are interpreted by those members of our radiology staff who have special training and interest in this area. The examinations last from 20 to 40 minutes. A small number of patients may not be eligible for scanning due to certain surgical implants. Claustrophobic patients may benefit from a mild sedative. Very young children may require special arrangements for sedation.

The Mobile Mammography Service of Guthrie Clinic is the latest addition to Radiology and Women's Health programs at Guthrie. Mobile Ultrasonography: Mobile ultrasonic diagnostic imaging is available at several regional off ices. State-of-the-art scanning equipment is operated by an experienced sonographer, certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDIVIS). A full complement of diagnostic sonographic procedures is offered, including abdominal scans, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, renal, abdominal aortic, pelvic and complete pregnancy diagnosis, as well as thyroid and testicular scans.

Mobile diagnostic ultrasonography is presently offered at the Guthrie Clinic regional offices located at Ithaca, Horseheads and Watkins Glen, NY, and Towanda, PA. This service will be provided to other regional offices as needed.

Nuclear Medicine 
The Section of Nuclear Medicine provides radioisotope diagnostic examinations and therapy. Diagnostic services include studies (with planar, quantitative, SPECT, and angiographic techniques) of bone, bone marrow, brain, liver-spleen, lungs, myocardial and cardiac blood pool, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal function and vascular status, thyroid, renal and urinary tract, venous thrombosis, infection and tumors, parathyroid, and vascular structures. Non-imaging diagnostic studies include ferrokinetic and Schilling's tests. Therapeutic services include radioisotopic treatment for both benign and malignant thyroid disease, certain hematologic diseases, and Strontium 89 Treatment for painful bone metastases.