Department of Diagnostic imaging @ Ospedale San Raffaele
Radiology or diagnostic imaging deals with the diagnosis of diseases through the use of different forms of radiation ranging from x-rays (conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound to radiofrequency (MRI). In addition, radiology also deals with minimally invasive therapeutic treatments and interventions (interventional radiology).
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Notable advanced technological equipment
Radiology hosts several X-ray machines for the execution of the main routine and emergency radiological examinations (chest X-ray, X-ray of the different skeletal segments, orthopantomography, one dental cone-beam CT), 7 ultrasounds, 3 Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT), one of which is dedicated to cardiac imaging with a reduced radiation load to the patient. In addition, two 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners and hybrid technology shared with the Nuclear Medicine Operating Unit for both CT-PET and MRI-PET are also in use. A dedicated machine is available for measuring bone density in the spine and hip (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) which helps identify osteoporosis. In addition, a new fully furbished Radiology Section within the Emergency Department hosts one ultrasound, two last-generation MDCT scanners and 2 X-ray suites.
Interventional radiology uses a multifunctional suite where a combination of ultrasound, digital angiography and cone-Beam CT is present.
- Ultrasound
Ultrasound, a probe which produces sound waves is used to study the body’s tissues, in particular soft tissues. Doppler ultrasound can investigate blood flow throughout vessels in the body. Ultrasound is a completely non-invasive technique that uses non-ionizing radiation such as sound waves. Ultrasound can be used to investigate abdominal organs, the musculoskeletal system, the thyroid as well as vascular structures.
Abdominal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): A small amount of intravenous contrast agent – gas filled microscopic bubbles- will be injected before the start of the ultrasound exam. These help better define organs and blood vessels. This contrast agent is safe also in patients with previous history of allergy and those with renal impairment. - Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed Tomography uses x-rays to create cross section scans of the organs and tissues of the body. This imaging technique has detailed spatial resolution with very high temporal resolution. It can be used to depict cardiac and vascular disease, define size and location of tumors, characterize tumors and monitor response to treatment. CT imaging is used in emergency situations. CTs can be acquired with or without contrast agent. Coronary CT angiography is currently used to exclude coronary artery disease.
In our Hospital a program of Low-Dose CT for Lung Cancer Screening is also available. - Magnetic Resonance (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance uses a static magnetic field and radiofrequencies to show in detail soft tissues of the body. MRI is a non-ionizing imaging scan.
MRI can be acquired with or without contrast agent.
Main applications and indications include cardiac-MR, oncologic MR specific for breast, liver, prostate, pancreas and gastrointestinal system investigations. Orthopedic magnetic resonance provide the most detailed information for joints, muscles and tendons.
Meet our team
Head physician
Francesco De Cobelli
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