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).

Our excellence in numbers

60k

conventional X-ray exams

20k

Computed Tomography exams

25k

Ultrasound and Eco-color-doppler exams

9k

Magnetic Resonance exams

1k

Panoramic Radiographs

5k

Emergency department exams

2.5k

Inverventional and Vascular procedures

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.
Read moreRead less

Do you need an appointment?

Contact us and we will take care of you.

Meet our team

Head physician

Francesco De Cobelli

Radiologist
Francesco De Cobelli

Featured physicians

Explore other Departments of Ospedale San Raffaele