Diagnostic Imaging in Riverview

A computed tomography (CT) scan combines X-ray and computer technology to show detailed, 3D images of bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels. CT scans are also sometimes performed using a contrast solution (either swallowed or injected) to make tissues and vessels more visible.

At AdventHealth Riverview, we offer innovative diagnostic procedures, including:

Cardiac Imaging

Doctors can capture images of the heart and coronary arteries in just five heartbeats. The quicker exam time offers a more comfortable experience for sick or elderly patients.

Stroke Imaging

Treatment delivered within the first hour after a stroke provides the best possible patient outcome. CT scans provide the speed and resolution required for rapid imaging of blood vessels in the brain so doctors can begin treatment as quickly as possible.

Advanced CT Technology

We provide a range of advanced CT-guided techniques used in both diagnosis and interventional radiology treatments, including:

• Biopsies and abscess drainages
• CT angiography/arteriography
• CT radiation therapy planning
• Image-guided surgeries and pre-surgical planning
• Myelography (spine imaging with contrast solution)

An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a noninvasive test using sound waves to create a detailed, moving picture of the heart and valves.

An echo lets your doctor evaluate the functioning of your heart and is used to diagnose and monitor several conditions, including:

• Abnormal heart valves
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart murmur
• Infectious endocarditis
• Pericarditis
• Pulmonary hypertension

Our radiology team performs several types of echocardiograms, including:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

The most common type of echocardiogram is performed by moving the transducer (which picks up the sound waves) to different areas on the outside of your chest or abdomen to obtain views of the heart.

Stress Echocardiogram

This test is performed before and after your heart is stressed with exercise or medication to increase your heart rate. Doctors use this test to determine whether you have decreased blood flow to your heart.

Doppler Echocardiogram

This test examines how blood flows through the heart chambers, valves and vessels.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

When a regular echocardiogram is unclear, either due to obesity or lung disease, a TEE can provide a better picture. In this test, a probe is guided down the esophagus and can be positioned closer to the heart without obstruction from the lungs and chest wall. This procedure is performed under mild sedation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless diagnostic procedure that combines a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to provide detailed images of tissues, muscles, nerves and bones.

Because MRI uses magnetic force and radio waves to create images, there’s no radiation exposure. MRI is often used instead of CT to study soft tissues or organs because bones do not obscure the organs and soft tissues as they do with CT imaging.

MRI can be used to assess everything from ruptured discs in the spine to detecting brain tumors and vascular diseases.

We offer several types of MRIs to diagnose your health condition:

Breast MRI

Breast MRI can be a more effective imaging technique than mammography for some people and can provide additional details for diagnosing and evaluating breast abnormalities.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)

This MRI test assesses chemical abnormalities in the brain for conditions such as coma, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, brain tumors, head injury and MS.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

An MRA evaluates blood flow or detects brain aneurysms or blood vessel abnormalities. It is used to visualize renal, carotid and vertebral arteries or examine the aorta for aneurysm. Perfusion and diffusion scanning examine blood flow through tissues to evaluate strokes.

Our radiology team is committed to easing your mind and lifting your spirits during your MRI. We’ve added comfortable touches, such as a larger opening MRI scanner, softer lighting and music. But for those who have difficulties completing an MRI, we offer sedation on specific days. Please talk with us about this service and availability.

Sonography, more commonly known as ultrasound, uses reflected sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, including muscles, blood vessels and organs. There’s no radiation exposure during ultrasounds.

Although most people are familiar with ultrasound as the imaging used to examine a pregnancy, it’s also an effective tool for monitoring blood flow and detecting abnormalities in organs, narrowed arteries, clotted veins or growths such as tumors and cysts.

We offer a variety of ultrasound procedures, including:

• Breast ultrasound exams
• Biopsies of the breast, kidney, liver and thyroid
• Gynecologic and obstetric ultrasound exams
• Obstetric and breast ultrasound exams
• Paracentesis
• Thoracentesis

An important diagnostic imaging test, X-rays help your physician get you on the road to recovery. X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs.

Our radiology teams use X-ray technology in many types of diagnostic procedures, including:

• Arteriograms
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Fluoroscopy

Different body parts allow varying amounts of X-ray beams to pass through.

Soft Tissues

Soft tissue — blood, skin, fat and muscle — allows most of the X-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media.

Bones or Tumors

Bones and tumors are denser than soft tissue and appear white on an X-ray. Bone breaks look like a dark line on a white bone.