Gulu Medical and Imaging Consultants Health-care services

WELCOME TO GULU MEDICAL IMAGING CONSULTANTS

Gulu Medical Imaging Consultants is a privately owned facility dedicated to providing the highest quality diagnostic imaging services. GUMIC is committed to using the most advanced technology available. Our mandate is diagnostic imaging that is accessible, safe and effective.

At GUMIC, we understand the language of diagnostic imaging and its significance to patient care. Our hope is that a simplified process saves live and time for patients. Our top priority is ensuring each patient's experience is safe and informed. GUMIC prides in knowing that her clients have the very best in care and diagnosis.

LOCATION

GUMIC is found in Gulu town, Acholi road, opposite the road to labor line.

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ABOUT US

With the use of advanced imaging equipment, GUMIC stands alone at the forefront of the outpatient imaging services in northern Uganda. The facility is run by certified on-site imaging specialists committed to excellent imaging care that satisfies the imagination of the clients. Through state of the art diagnostic imaging equipment our services suits the taste of modern medicine. You are most welcome to experience the compassionate touch at your disposal when you step at the home of GUMIC.

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In quest for innovation the facility networks with other imaging centres around the country and beyond.

Our Mission: To provide the highest quality of medical diagnostic imaging care with state-of-the-art equipment and clinically experienced imaging professionals who are emphatic to patient care and integrity.

Our Vision: To be the premier in diagnostic imaging by providing innovative services to our clients.

Our Goal: To offer safe, convenient, expert imaging in a relaxed environment.

Objectives:

📷 To be the most complete full-service outpatient imaging services in northern Uganda.

📷 To embrace the core values of caring, integrity, and discovery through a multi-disciplinary diagnostic imaging services.

📷 To provide empathetic professional cost effective patient care through modern imaging equipment.

📷 To ensure judicious use of ionizing radiation during investigations.

📷 To advance Medical Imaging Profession in Uganda and beyond.

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PATIENTS

GUMIC is committed to the practice of quality medicine. To achieve this outcome, we strive to provide the best facilities and equipment, recruit and retain the very best staff in diagnostic imaging, and constantly review and measure our own performance to identify opportunities for improvement.

Using the latest and most advanced diagnostic imaging equipment, services are provided by highly trained specialist imaging staff. GUMIC will continue to expand, and invest in the latest technologies that will

provide more accurate and advanced diagnosis to our clients as well as a full range of the most appropriate test at their convenience.

Appointments

Our clients can make an appointment to minimize delays and inconveniences. They should make the arrangement with the receptionist for an appointment time. Patients without an appointment who require urgent attention are seen as soon as possible on first come and first serve bases.

GUMIC offers a full range of medical diagnostic imaging procedures with state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate and speedy results. Together with the caring attitude of our staff, your comfort and privacy is guaranteed and you are given the best information about your diagnosis. Our staff are committed to a friendly, personalized service for all our clients.

You will need to bring the following with you on appointment:

📷 Referral

📷 Previous films

📷 If asthmatic or diabetic please bring your medication along

What you must tell us

The following information must be provided by you to our staff before your examination.

📷 You suspect or know that you may be pregnant.

📷 You have ever experienced a severe reaction to a contrast media.

📷 You are allergic to any prescribed medication.

📷 You suffer from hay fever, are asthmatic or have kidney disease.

📷 You are a diabetic.

📷 Any information you believe may be relevant to your examination.

Imaging

The understanding of the imaging procedure and the preparation of patients before the imaging examination are important factors in providing optimal image results. GUMIC has developed this extensive patient information to optimally prepare patients for the relevant procedure to produce the best results.

Your safety

We believe that the safety of the patient is one of the most important aspects of providing high quality diagnostic imaging services. All our practices have appropriate preventative measures and protocols in place to ensure patients safety.

Your privacy

Privacy is important to your medical care. At GUMIC we are committed to protecting our patients’ privacy, through explaining our practices, only collecting and disclosing medical information with patients’ consent, and resolving any privacy-related problems as quickly as possible.

Complaints

You can complain about how we have treated you in general. The complaint will be taken in good faith and a positive response should follow immediately.

Billing Procedure

All patients are encouraged to settle their bills immediately after the examination. Fees charged by GUMIC are consistent with providing quality, diagnostic imaging services. Fees vary between imaging procedures and patients can request the cost of their examination on arrival or when making an appointment.

Patients who anticipate financial difficulty are asked to discuss their situation with our receptionist.

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PROCEDURES

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Preparing for an imaging investigation depends upon the type of exam. Not all exams require special preparation. On arrival you will be reviewed and provided with specific instructions. Notify the staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you could be pregnant. You will need to bring along the previous imaging study results if available.

General X-Ray: An X-Ray uses individual x-ray particles (called photons) that pass through the body and is used to record the images created. Conventional X-ray or radiography refers to procedures that use standard x-rays to view parts of the body. A very low dose of radiation is used, which make x-rays extremely safe diagnostic tests. Conventional radiography (x-ray) is a simple, painless procedure that enables the specialist to analyze the body anatomy for diagnosis. The average x-ray study takes 15-20 minutes.

Preparation

Most x-rays require no preparation. Once you arrive, you may be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove all jewellery, eye glasses and any metal objects that could show up on the images and overlap important findings. You may take any prescription medications as usual unless otherwise instructed. No injections are required for a general x-ray. If there is any chance that you may be pregnant, please inform us before the examination.

Ultrasound Scan: Ultrasound is a simple, safe, painless diagnostic procedure that bounces high-frequency sound waves off parts of the body and captures the returning “echoes” as images. There is no injection or radiation exposure associated with ultrasound. Ultrasound is able to detect abnormalities and capture moving images of different body parts. When enhanced with Doppler technique, ultrasound can capture moving blood images of blood vessels and moving images of the heart. Depending on the type of exam, it can take anywhere from 20-60 minutes.

Pelvic Ultrasound: A Pelvic Ultrasound provides images of the structures and organs in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The ultrasound is performed to obtain information that will assist in managing your health.

Preparation

2 hours before the appointment, drink 600mls of water. Do not empty bladder.

Obstetric Ultrasound: Obstetric Ultrasound is the use of ultrasound scans in pregnancy.

WHY IS THE ULTRASOUND PERFORMED?

There are a variety of reasons why an ultrasound may be recommended during pregnancy.

📷 Check the baby is alive.

📷 Estimate the age of the pregnancy.

📷 Diagnose congenital abnormalities of the fetus.

📷 Evaluate the position of the baby.

📷 Evaluate the position of the placenta.

📷 Determine if there are multiple pregnancies.

📷 Determine the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.

📷 Check for opening or shortening of the cervix or mouth of the womb.

📷 Assess the baby’s growth.

📷 Assess the baby’s well-being.

First Trimester Ultrasound

In the first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 1 – 14) ultrasound is commonly performed to identify the cause of unexpected bleeding, to determine the estimated date of delivery or assist in diagnosis of tubal pregnancy.

Nuchal Translucency Risk Assessment

This ultrasound examination assists in the diagnosis of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and some other chromosomal problems. The ultrasound does not directly identify Down syndrome or other chromosomal problems, but provides a risk assessment. The examination will also review the fetus for the presence of possible major anatomical abnormalities.

18 – 20 Week Ultrasound for fetal abnormality

At this stage of pregnancy ultrasound can demonstrate many features of the growing infant’s anatomy and for this reason many fetal abnormalities can be detected. Obstetric ultrasound cannot identify all fetal abnormalities.

Third Trimester Ultrasounds

Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound later in your pregnancy for a variety of reasons.

Examples include:

📷 Assessment of the baby’s growth

📷 Assessment of the baby’s position in the uterus

📷 Follow-up examination of a previously identified abnormality.

📷 Placental position.

Ultrasound examination in pregnancy is used to assist in diagnosis of a range of potential problems for both mother and baby during pregnancy. Even in the best of hands the technique has limitations and not all problems in pregnancy can be detected using ultrasound.

Barium E***a: Barium E***a is an X-ray test to examine the large bowel (colon) and helps in the diagnosis of bowel problems.

Preparation

Eat a clear liquid lunch and dinner one day prior to your study (no milk, milk products or high residue foods).

You will need to collect a preparation kit from our clinic at least two days prior to your study. This kit requires you to follow a special diet and take a laxative drink to clear your bowel. You must follow the

instructions given to you precisely. If any of the preparation instructions are unclear, or if you have had previous problems with a similar procedure, please contact the clinic.

How long will the procedure take? The examination can take approximately 1 hour.

SIDE EFFECTS: There should be no ill effects after the examination although your bowel action will be white for some days. Some people feel some cramping discomfort for a short time.

Barium Meal: Barium Meal examination is when x-ray images are taken of your stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum), the passage way that takes food away from your stomach.

Preparation

Please fast for 8 hours for this procedure. If you have diabetes, please inform us before your appointment. Please DO NOT take your normal medication before the procedure, bring your medications with you to take after the examination.

How long will the procedure take?

The barium meal procedure can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the amount of information required. If a small bowel follow-through series is required these may take up to 6 hours. This is to allow the barium to pass through the entire length of the small intestine. After the procedure it is important to drink a lot of fluid and return to your normal diet. Your bowel action will be white for two days following the procedure.

Barium Swallow: Barium swallow examination is when x-ray images are taken of your pharynx (throat) and your esophagus. This will allow clear view of the esophagus (gullet) and its pathway to the stomach.

Preparation

Please fast for 8 hours prior to this procedure. If you have diabetes, please inform the staff before your appointment. Please DO NOT take your normal medication before the procedure, bring your medications with you to take after the examination.

How long will the procedure take?

Whilst usually shorter, the barium swallow procedure can take up to 30 minutes.

After the procedure it is important to drink a lot of fluid and return to your normal diet.

Intravenous Urogram (IVU)

An Intravenous Urogram is an examination of your kidneys, ureters (the tubes leading from your kidneys to your bladder) and your bladder.

Preparation

The preparation begins at breakfast on the day before your examination appointment.

Beginning with breakfast, maintain a light diet throughout the day before your examination. Avoid all milk products (milk, cheese, ice cream).

At 9:00P.M. on the evening before your examination, take the oral laxative medication provided.

After taking the medication, do not eat any solid foods. However you are encouraged to drink adequate amounts of clear liquids (black coffee, plain tea, water, clear juices, or soft drinks)

Do not eat any solid foods on the morning of your examination.

You are again encouraged to have clear liquids as discussed above, up to two (2) hours before the examination, after which time you should not take anything by mouth.

How long will the procedure take?

The time will vary for each patient. Most examinations take one hour. Occasionally they may take longer.

Cystogram:Cystogram procedure is where a urinary catheter (small tube) is placed into your bladder. Contrast media will be introduced into the bladder through the catheter so it can be filmed when it is full.

Preparation: No prep needed.

Voiding cystourethrogram: A voiding cystourethrogram (VCU) is a procedure where a catheter is placed into your bladder. Contrast media will be introduced into the bladder via the catheter until full. Films will be taken when the bladder is at its fullest and also when the bladder is emptying.

Preparation:

Insertion of the catheter can be done by a nurse or the imaging specialist.

The procedure will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.

Fistulography:Fistulogram or Sinogram is an x-ray procedure to view an abnormal passage (fistula/sinus) between two or more organs. It may include a passage from inside the body, to an opening on the skin. Contrast (once called as x-ray dye) is used to identify the start of the fistula/sinus, its pathway and what organs are involved.Fistulography is the most direct means of visualizing a fistula and should be considered when feasible.

Preparation:

For a Fistulogram, there is no preparation. The preliminary film over the area where the fistula is located is taken. The contrast is injected through a catheter into the fistula and films are obtained.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG):Hysterosalpingography is the radiographic evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes and is used predominantly in the evaluation of infertility.

Preparation

No specific patient preparation is required for HSG. Because patients may experience cramping during the examination, women are advised to take a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 1 hour prior to the procedure.

There are two contraindications for HSG: pregnancy and active pelvic infection.

The examination should be scheduled during days 7–12 of the menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of menstrual bleeding).

The patient should be instructed to abstain from sexual in*******se from the time menstrual bleeding ends until the day of the study to avoid a potential pregnancy.

If the patient has irregular menstrual cycles or there is a possibility of pregnancy, the serum human chorionic gonadotropin level is evaluated. We use the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to check for activepelvic infection, which will cause the ESR to be elevated. In patients with a coexistent inflammatory condition (ie, arthritis, sarcoidosis, collagen vascular disease) that may result in an elevated ESR, negative gonorrhea and chlamydia cultures are acceptable. Decisions concerning prophylactic use of antibiotics in patients with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are left to the referring clinicians.

Breast Imaging: Breast imaging is used to investigate for any breast disease.

Scanning of the breast with ultrasound gives very good pictures of lumps felt in the breast and may better characterize a possible abnormality seen at mammography. In many patients less than 35 years of age ultrasound scanning should be the initial examination performed and may be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.

What should I expect after the procedure?

The images will be reviewed and the diagnostic report provided for the referrer. The report will be considered in context of your overall health care by the referring clinician.

REFERRERS

Our guiding principle is to offer a full range of medical diagnostic imaging procedures with state of the art technology to provide accurate and advanced diagnosis for all patients. Availability of imaging specialists to the referring clinician for discussion of imaging requirements and interpretations is guaranteed. The caring attitude of our staff ensures that patient comfort is certain and you are given the best information possible to assist with your diagnosis.

All our practices will remain at the forefront of diagnostic medical imaging technology and provide you with experienced skilled expertise. Recognizing all our stakeholders – We strive to achieve superior outcomes and benefits for all of them.

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I bring somebody with me?

Yes, there is a waiting area where friends or relatives can wait for you. If you would like someone to accompany you during the procedure they must be your attendant or spouse.

Can I eat and drink?

Yes, unless you are told otherwise.

Do I have to stop taking medication?

Continue to take prescribed medication unless you are told otherwise.

Does my doctor need to see my X-rays?

Yes your doctor need to see the x-rays and the written report of the films.

How and when will I get the results of the exam?

You can usually pick the results up at the end of your examination at the receptionist’s desk.

How will I feel after the exam?

In most cases, you can resume normal activity immediately.

My child is having an examination. Will I be able to stay with him/her during the exam?

YES, If your child is under 5, or is unable to go into the examination room alone, we will allow an attendant to accompany the child. The attendant must not be pregnant if the examination involves x-rays.

Who will perform my exam?

Our highly qualified registered imaging specialists perform all examinations.

Why aren’t patients taken by the order they arrive?

We offer many services. Another person in the waiting room may be getting prepared or waiting in a different “line”.

Why do I need to arrive before my actual appointment time?

It’s necessary for you to arrive early in order to review you and prepare you for your examination.

Why do you have to take so many films?

The body is a three dimensional structure, but an x-ray is only two-dimensional. Thus, on a single x-ray the different parts of the body are superimposed on one another or may overlap one another. By taking more than one x-ray in different positions, we can better visualize the bones and soft tissues to detect an abnormality.

Why do you need all of my prior films?

It is extremely important to bring any previous studies in order to compare with the current films. This can often eliminate the need for further studies and also helps to identify any subtle changes that may have occurred since your last examination.

Why does the imaging specialist have to look at my films? Doesn’t my doctor look at them?

An imaging specialist is trained to interpret x-rays. Sometimes your doctor will request to see the x-rays in addition to having the written report.

Will I have to change my clothes?

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes. However, you will be provided with a gown to change into as the examination requires.

Will there be any problems if I have had surgery in which metal has been implanted?

As a rule, no. However, please be sure to notify our staff of any prior surgeries before your exam.

What are the side effects, resulting from the examinations?

There are no known side effects so far with ultrasound use. A very low dose of radiation is used, which make x-rays extremely safe diagnostic tests.

Do you give treatment after the examination?

No treatment is provided. The patients after receiving the images accompanied with the written reports are sent back to their referrers for treatment.

Why should patients fill bladder prior to ultrasound scan?

Full urinary bladder is necessary for certain procedures as it will help to displace the bowel loops with gas away from the structures of interest.

Why do you need a request or referral form?

It is important every patient comes with referral or request form. As this will justify the investigation. A few exceptions of self referrals to be considered include trauma cases and obstetric scans.

GLOSSARY

The glossary term description:

Angiography/Angiogram: Technique that shows up blood vessels on an X-ray. It is done by injecting X-ray dye (contrast) into the blood vessel. An angiogram is a picture of one or more blood vessels which are filled with X-ray dye. Angiography usually refers to arteries; venography is the study of veins using X-ray dye.

Arteriogram: An X-ray of an artery after the injection of dye.

Artery: Vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Arthography/Arthogram: The visualization of a joint by X-ray after the injection of dye into the joint.

Artifact: In imaging, something artificial that appears on a medical image but is not a part of the living tissue being examined. The image distortion could be due to an obstruction, such as a surgical metal clip, or to a problem with the imaging equipment.

Aspirate/Aspiration: Withdrawal of a fluid from the body by suction, usually through a needle or syringe.

Barium: This is a chalky liquid which outlines various parts of the digestive tract on an X-ray. It can be ingested in flavored form to study the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It can be used as an e***a to study the large bowel. It is inert and is not absorbed by the body.

Biopsy: The removal and examination of a piece of tissue taken the body for diagnostic purposes.

Blood clot: A thickened mass of blood.

Cancer: General term frequently used to indicate any of various types of malignant neoplasms, most of which invade surrounding tissues, may metastasize to several sites, and is likely to recur after attempted removal and to cause death of the patient unless adequately treated.

Cervical: Refers to the neck region of the spinal column which includes seven bones, or vertebrae, labeled C-1 through C-7.

Colon: The large intestine.

Colonoscopy: Visual examination of the inner surface of the colon by means of a lighted, flexible tubular instrument inserted into the colon through the re**um.

Computerized Tomography: Also known as CT scans or CAT scans (for Computer Assisted Tomography). This technique uses X-rays to generate computerized images (pictures) of all parts of the body. The technique can create pictures in 2D and 3D.

Contrast or contrast media: A radiopaque substance used during an X-ray exam (or some MRI exams) to provide visual contrast in the pictures of different tissues and organs. This can be given orally or intravenously (by injection).

Core needle biopsy: A type of biopsy in which a large hollow needle is inserted through the skin to the site of an abnormal growth to collect and remove a sample of cells for analysis. This procedure uses an automated needle, which obtains one sample of tissue at a time and is re-inserted several times.

Coronary angiography: This is a study of the blood vessels which supply the muscle of the heart (coronary arteries). By threading a long narrow flexible catheter through an accessible blood vessel (usually in the groin or arm), the individual coronary arteries are injected with a small quantity of X-ray dye, which helps radiologists look for blockages (stenoses). Cardiac catheterization refers to the technique of performing coronary angiography, whereby catheters are threaded into the heart and coronary arteries.

Coronary arteries: The arteries that supply freshly oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

Coronary artery disease: A condition involving the narrowing of the coronary arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Cyst: A sac or vesicle in the body.

Doppler ultrasound: An application of diagnostic ultrasound used to detect moving blood cells or other moving structures and measure their direction and speed of movement. The Doppler Effect is used to evaluate movement by measuring changes in frequency of the echoes reflected from moving structures.

In many instances, Doppler ultrasound has replaced x-ray methods such as angiography, as a method to evaluate blood vessels and blood flow. Doppler ultrasound permits real-time viewing of blood flow that cannot be obtained by other methods. Doppler ultrasound has proved a boon in all areas of ultrasound, aiding in the evaluation of the major arteries and veins of the body, the heart, and in obstetrics for fetal monitoring.

Types of Doppler ultrasound include:

• Color Doppler

• Power Doppler

• Spectral Doppler

Dye (contrast): A radiopaque substance used during an X-ray exam to provide contrast in the different tissues and organs. “Dye” usually refers to the contrast media given intravenously.

Echocardiography: A painless study using ultrasonic waves to visualize structural and functional abnormalities of the heart.

Fallopian tube: A pair of slender ducts through which ova pass from the ovaries to the uterus in the female reproductive system of humans and higher mammals.

Fetus: In humans, the product of conception from the end of the eighth week to the moment of birth.

Fibroadenoma: A benign tumor usually occurring in breast tissue.

Fibrocystic: A common and benign (non-cancerous) condition of cysts in the breast characterized by lumpiness and sometimes discomfort.

Fine needle aspiration: A type of biopsy in which a small needle is inserted through the skin to the site of an abnormal growth to collect and remove a sample of cells for analysis.

Fluoroscopy: Examination of the tissues and deep structures of the body by x-ray, using the fluoroscope.

Fracture: A partial or complete break in a bone.

Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland, usually evident as a pronounced swelling in the neck.

Hematoma: A collection of blood formed when small blood vessels are damaged, causing bleeding into the tissues.

Hepatoma: A malignant or cancerous tumor that arises in the liver.

Hyperthyroidism: A condition, also called Grave’s disease, in which the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs. Symptoms include an enlarged thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Image-guided biopsy: The use of imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, mammography or MRI, to assist in targeting a lesion too small to be felt so that cells can be removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine whether the abnormality is cancerous.

Interventional Radiology: The clinical subspecialty that uses fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound to guide percutaneous (through the skin) procedures such as performing biopsies, draining fluids, inserting catheters, or dilating or stenting narrowed ducts or vessels.

Iodine: A non-metallic element found in table salt, seawater and in plants and animals that grow in the sea. The human body requires small amounts of iodine for healthy growth and development.

Isotope: One of two or more nuclides that are chemically identical, having the same number of protons, yet differ in mass number, since their nuclei contain different numbers of neutrons; individual isotopes are named with the inclusion of their mass number in the superior position (12C) and the atomic number (nuclear protons) in the inferior position (6C). In former usage, the mass numbers follow the chemical symbol (C-12).

Lateral view: On the side.

Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue on the skin or within the body caused by injury or disease. A lesion may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Lumbar: Refers to the low back region of the spinal column, which includes five bones, or vertebrae, labeled L-1 through L-5.

Lymph: A clear, transparent, sometimes faintly yellow and slightly opalescent fluid that is collected from the tissues throughout the body, flows in the lymphatic vessels (through the lymph nodes), and is eventually added to the venous blood circulation. Lymph consists of a clear liquid portion, varying numbers of white blood cells (chiefly lymphocytes), and a few red blood cells.

Lymph nodes: Small structures throughout the body that filter lymph fluid and collect inflammatory cells, keeping them from spreading infection.

Lymph node biopsy: The removal of all or part of a lymph node to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist (a physician specializing in the examination of cells and tissues) to see if cancer cells are present.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A diagnostic radiological modality, using nuclear magnetic resonance technology, in which the magnetic nuclei (especially protons) of a patient are aligned in a strong, uniform magnetic field, absorb energy from tuned radiofrequency pulses, and emit radiofrequency signals as their excitation decays. These signals, which vary in intensity according to nuclear abundance and molecular chemical environment, are converted into sets of tomographic (selected planes) images by using field gradients in the magnetic field, which permits 3-dimensional localization of the point sources of the signals.

Malignant: Cancerous cells also called a tumor, able to grow into surrounding tissue, spread to other parts of the body and destroy normal cells. Malignant is also used to describe other medical conditions that are severe and becoming progressively worse.

Mammography (Mammogram): A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities of the breast.

Melanoma: A malignant tumor, usually in the skin, that develops from a pigmented lesion over a period of months or years.

Metastases: The spread of a disease process from one part of the body to another, as in the appearance of abnormal tissue growths (malignant or nonmalignant) in parts of the body remote from the site of the primary tumor.

Modality: A form of application or employment of a therapeutic agent or regimen.

Musculoskeletal: Relating to muscles and to the skeleton, as, for example, the musculoskeletal system.

Myelogram: An x-ray taken after injecting contrast material into the space surrounding the spinal cord. Its purpose is to identify spinal lesions caused by disease or injury.

Myocardial perfusion scan: The most common Cardiac Nuclear Medicine procedure, which results in imaging of blood-flow patterns to the heart muscles.

Neoplasm: An abnormal tissue that grows by cellular proliferation more rapidly than normal and continues to grow after the stimuli that initiated the new growth cease. Neoplasms show partial or complete lack of structural organization and functional coordination with the normal tissue, and usually form a distinct mass of tissue, which may be either benign (benign tumor) or malignant (cancer).

Nodule: A small, solid lump.

Nuclear medicine: Dozens of different examinations are performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department. The patient gets an intravenous injection of a minute trace of radioactive material which attaches to a certain type of molecule. The type of radioactive tracer and the type of molecule vary, depending on which part of the body is to be examined. Scans are obtained with a gamma camera, which unlike some other radiology devices does not itself emit radiation.

Orbit: The bony cavity containing the eyeball.

Osteoarthritis: A common condition that usually starts in middle age and is characterized by degenerative changes in the bone and cartilage of one or more joints.

Osteomyelitis: Inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone.

Parathyroid glands: Typically four small raisin-sized glands in the neck primarily involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

Perfusion: The flow of blood or other fluid per unit volume of tissue, as in ventilation/perfusion ratio.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD): Arteriosclerosis in arteries of the arms or legs, which become narrow from the buildup of plaque and eventually may cause severe symptoms. The most common form is disease in large vessels supplying the legs, which causes severe pain on walking and may in time make a patient immobile. PVD is sometimes called peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Precancerous: Abnormal tissue changes that often are found before cancer develops.

Primary tumor: A tumor that originates at its location. See also tumor.

Prostatitis: An inflammation of the prostate gland.

Pulmonary: Related to the lungs or the respiratory system, the complex of organs and structures that delivers fresh air throughout the body by exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and blood circulating through the lungs.

Pulmonary embolism: Obstruction or closing of pulmonary (relating to the lungs) arteries, most frequently by detached fragments of a blood clot from a leg or pelvic vein, commonly when the formation or presence of a clot has followed an operation or confinement to bed.

Pulmonary hypertension: A condition of abnormally high blood pressure within the network of blood vessels between the heart and lungs that delivers oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide.

Radiation Therapy: Here, large doses of X-rays are used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. This treatment is not usually part of a radiology department, and treatment is given by physicians who are specialized in this field (radiation oncologists).

Radioactive iodine I-131 therapy: Radioactive iodine I-131 therapy. The use of radioactive iodine I-131 to treat an overactive thyroid, a condition called hyperthyroidism. When a small amount of I-131 is swallowed, it

is absorbed into the bloodstream in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and concentrated from the blood by the thyroid gland, where it begins destroying the gland’s cells.

Radiologic technologist: A person trained in the technique of producing an image with the use of X-rays.

Radiologist: A physician who interprets X-ray images to diagnose disease. In addition to interpreting the original kinds of X-ray films, today’s radiologists use a variety of other modalities such as MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.

Radiology: In general, “radiology” refers to medical imaging techniques, employing advanced computers and other complex equipment, that allow doctors to see inside a patient’s body. Although the word “radiology” implies radiation, not all of the techniques actually use radiation. And although radiology is most commonly used for diagnosis, sometimes it’s used therapeutically — that is, for treatment.

Respiratory: Related to the process of moving air into and out of the lungs, exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body’s tissues. This is also called pulmonary ventilation.

Scan: Term used to describe the computerized images (pictures) generated by CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine studies. These might be referred to as a “CT scan,” “MR scan,” “thyroid scan,” “bone scan,” and so forth.

Scoliosis: A lateral curvature of the spine that usually develops in childhood or adolescence.

Sedative: A drug that allows you to relax during a procedure like angiography, often without putting you to sleep.

Sinusitis: Infection or inflammation of one or more of the sinuses.

Sonographer: An allied health professional who has been specifically trained to perform ultrasound examinations. Many sonographers are certified by a registry of sonographers, provided they meet strict training requirements and pass examinations in basic ultrasound science and clinical applications.

Stress test: A heart monitoring test to discover how well the heart works usually performed via physical exercise, sometimes via pharmaceuticals.

Thoracic: Refers to the chest or ribs region of the spinal column, which includes twelve bones, or vertebrae labeled T-1 through T-12.

Thrombosis: A blood clot or thrombus that forms in a blood vessel or organ of the body, potentially blocking the flow of blood.

Thyroid gland: One of nine endocrine glands in the body located in front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. It is shaped like a butterfly, with two lobes on either side of the neck connected by a narrow band of tissue. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that set the rate the body carries on its necessary functions (metabolic rate). Some of the functions controlled by thyroid hormones include heart rate, cholesterol level, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition and vision.

Thyroid scan: A nuclear medicine examination that helps to evaluate the structure of the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that controls metabolism, a chemical process that regulates the rate at which the body functions.

Thyroid uptake: Also known as radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU) is a nuclear medicine examination that helps to evaluate the function of the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that controls metabolism, a chemical process that regulates the rate at which the body functions.

Tomography: Making a radiographic image of a selected plane by means of reciprocal linear or curved motion of the x-ray tube and film cassette; images of all other planes are blurred (“out of focus”) by being relatively displaced on the film.

Transabdominal: Through or across the abdomen.

Ultrasound: This technique uses sound waves to make pictures of the body organs. Since no ionizing radiation (X-rays) is used, it is ideal for looking at pregnant women and their fetuses, but also has many other uses. It is often used for the neck, abdomen, pelvis, and soft tissues including blood vessels in the arms and legs.

Upper GI Series: An X-ray exam of the upper part of the digestive tract.

Varicose: Abnormally swollen and enlarged.

Vascular: Referring to a person’s system of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillary.

Vertebra: One of the bones that extend from the upper neck to the pelvic level and serve to enclose and protect the spinal cord.

Vertebrae: The bony segments of the spinal column which contain and protect the spinal cord.

X-Ray: The ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted from a highly evacuated tube, resulting from the excitation of the inner orbital electrons by the bombardment of the target anode with a stream of electrons from a heated cathode. Ionizing electromagnetic radiation produced by the excitation of the inner orbital electrons of an atom by other processes, such as nuclear delay and its sequelae.

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