PBRP Imaging Services

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is an X-ray like test that quickly and accurately measures the density of bone. It is used primarily to detect osteopenia or osteoporosis, diseases in which the bone's mineral and density are low and the risk of fractures is high.

Cardiac Imaging

Through advances in technology, radiologists can now see a clearer picture of the heart to better predict and manage heart disease. Read more »

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography (CT), also referred to as CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data by sending X-ray pulses through the body. Each pulse takes a picture of a thin slice of the area being studied from different angles around the body. The images are then saved on a computer and processed to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.

In some cases, a dye or contrast material may be injected to allow better visualization of the structures or organs of interest. The dye may be used to check blood flow, find tumors, find areas of inflammation, or nerve damage.

CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue with great clarity, including organs like the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys.

Diagnostic Radiology and X-ray

An x-ray is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. X-ray involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. When X-rays strike a piece of photographic film, they can produce a picture. Dense tissues in the body, such as bones, block many of the X-rays and appear white on an X-ray picture. Less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, block fewer of the X-rays (more of the X-rays pass through) and appear in shades of gray. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing area of medicine. Interventional radiologists are physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging guidance. Interventional radiology procedures are an advance in medicine that often replace open surgical procedures. They are generally easier for the patient because they do not involve large incisions, they are less risky, they are less painful and in general recovery times are shorter. Read more »

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray examination that uses dye or contrast material to visualize the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder.

When a contrast material is injected into the patient's arm, it travels through the blood stream and collects in the kidneys and urinary tract, turning these areas bright white. An IVP allows the radiologist to view and assess the anatomy and function of the kidneys and lower urinary tract.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. The technique has proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of pathologic conditions in all parts of the body including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders.

Because MRI can give such clear pictures of soft-tissue structures near and around bones, it is the most sensitive exam for spinal and joint problems. MRI is widely used to diagnose sports-related injuries, especially those affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow and wrist. The images allow the physician to see even very small tears and injuries to ligaments and muscles.

Organs of the chest and abdomen—including the lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas and abdominal vessels—can also be examined in high detail with MRI, enabling the diagnosis and evaluation of tumors and functional disorders. MRI is growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional x-ray mammography in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Because no radiation exposure is involved, MRI is often the preferred diagnostic tool for examination of the male and female reproductive systems, pelvis and hips and the bladder.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that is a strong magnet. Information from an MRI can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. Photographs or films of certain views can also be made. In some cases, a dye or contrast material may be used during the MRI to show pictures of organs or structures more clearly.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology. It comprises diagnostic examinations that result in images of body anatomy and function. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient.

Sentinel Node Mapping

A procedure for evaluating lymph node status is sentinel node mapping. This procedure can help determine whether or not cancer has metastasized beyond the primary tumor into the lymph system. Sentinel node mapping requires the tissue surrounding a cancer be injected with a small amount of radioactive material just prior to surgery. The radioactive material will migrate to the "sentinel lymph node". This node, the first draining node, is thought to reflect the status of the remainder of the lymph nodes in the axilla. Once identified, this lymph node can be removed surgically and evaluated by a pathologist.

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of organs and other structures in the body. For ultrasound testing, gel or oil is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves. A small, handheld instrument called a transducer is passed back and forth over the area of the body that is being examined. The transducer sends out high-pitched sound waves that are reflected back to the transducer. A computer analyzes the sound waves and converts them into a picture that is displayed on a TV screen. The picture produced by ultrasound is called a sonogram, echogram, or ultrasound scan. Pictures or videos of the ultrasound images may be made for a permanent record.

Ultrasound is most useful for looking at organs and structures that are either uniform and solid (such as the liver) or fluid-filled (such as the gallbladder). Mineralized structures (such as bones) or air-filled organs (such as the lungs) do not show up well on a sonogram.

Women's Services

Palm Beach Radiology Professionals provides the complete continuum of care for women's imaging services. Read more »

For more information including how to prepare for an exam or the type of equipment used please visit www.radiologyinfo.org, www.sirweb.org or contact your physician.