Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, exposes parts of the body to high-frequency sound waves that produce pictures of the inside of the body. Because images are captured in real-time, they are able to show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. These images allow physicians to diagnose and treat certain medical condition and can detect changes in appearance and function of organs, tissues, or abnormal masses.
For information or to schedule an appointment, including mammography, call 815.786.3794.
Abdominal
Gallbladder Ultrasound evaluates the function of the gallbladder, and can help determine the cause of pain in the upper-right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that works with the liver and serves as a storage reservoir for bile.
Liver Ultrasound evaluates the size, shape and position of the liver and can be used to evaluate jaundice, cirrhosis, fat deposits or abnormal liver function tests.
Spleen Ultrasound determines the size of an enlarged spleen and look for damage or disease. The spleen is a useful, but nonessential, organ that filters the blood by removing old or damaged blood cells, and helps maintain the health of the immune system.
Pancreatic Ultrasound detects problems with the pancreas, like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. The pancreas aids in digestion of food, and also produces insulin which helps the body break down sugar in food for energy.
Renal Ultrasound determines kidney size and shape, and can detect masses, cysts, stones or other obstructions in the kidney. Kidneys are the organs that remove waste from the blood and produce urine.
Aortic Ultrasound used to obtain images of the aorta and blood flow within it, allowing your physician to see any blockages, narrowing or aneurysms. The aorta is the large blood vessel that is located in the back of the chest and abdomen, and supplies blood to the lower part of the body and legs.
Arterial Doppler
Doppler Ultrasound evaluates blood flow through major arteries and veins of the arms, legs and neck, and allows physicians to see blocked or reduced blood flow that could cause a stroke.
Additional Ultrasound Scans
Breast Ultrasound produce images of the internal structures of the breast, and helps physicians diagnose abnormalities detected during a physical exam and characterize potential abnormalities seen on a mammography.
Scrotal Ultrasound provides pictures of the testicles and surrounding tissues in male patients, and help diagnosis symptoms like a mass felt by the patient or doctor, trauma, or pain or swelling.
Thyroid Ultrasound produces images of the thyroid gland, and is often used to help diagnose lumps in the thyroid, or one that is not functioning correctly. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that controls metabolism.
Prostate or Transrectal Ultrasound supplies images of a male prostate gland. The minimally invasive procedure can detect enlargement, abnormal growth and other prostate disorders.
Carotid Doppler
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound shows how much blood flows and how fast it travels through the carotid arteries, which are vessels in the neck that provide blood flow to the brain. Images can show abnormalities or blockages that could lead to stroke.
Cardiac Imaging
Stress Echocardiogram examines the movement of the heart walls, such as abnormalities and reduced movement, of the left ventricle (the major pumping chamber of the heart). Results of the test can help confirm or rule out heart disease.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers for evaluating the pumping action of the heart. The ultrasound instrument is part of an endoscope, and passes through the mouth and into the esophagus for close images of the heart’s valves and chambers without interference of other internal organs or bones.
4-D Ultrasound allows physicians to accurately view patients’ cardiac structures and blood flow by viewing “virtual” organs.
Guidance Procedures
Ultrasound Guided Drainage allows a physician to insert a tube, or drain, through the skin into the fluid. This tube allows fluid to drain into a bag and be removed from the body. Collections of fluid, called ascites, most often appear in the chest and abdomen and are often due to severe liver disease, but can also indicate other significant medical conditions.
Ultrasound Guided Soft Tissue Biopsies is a safe and efficient procedure that allows a physician to biopsy superficial and deep musculoskeletal tumors. The real-time image of the ultrasound allows the technician to see the subpercutaneous needle as it moves through tissue to the affected site.
Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsies provides real-time images to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, when a needle is used to sample cells from an abnormal area for laboratory testing.
Pediatric
Neonatal Hip Ultrasound supplies images of infant hips in developmental stages, and are performed to ensure proper growth of bones and ligaments after trauma during birth.
Neonatal Head Ultrasound provides images of the central structures of newborns’ brains, and of the bloods circulation within the brain. These scans are often used to obtain images of brains in infants born prior to 32 weeks.
Neonatal Spine Ultrasound supplies pictures of the lower back and is used as screening tool in infants suspected of spinal dysraphism, which are developmental disabilities of the spine, and can be useful in detecting tumors, vascular malformations and cases of trauma.
Obstetrical
Obstetrical Ultrasounds provide images of the fetus during pregnancy. The images allow physicians to monitor fetal movements, monitor heart beat and other growth measurements.
4-D Imaging is provided at no additional cost.
Pelvic
Transvaginal Ultrasound allows physicians to look closely at women’s reproductive organs including the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vagina. The ultrasound instrument is part of an endoscope, and is inserted into the vagina and allows viewing of all pelvic organs and can help diagnose the cause of certain types of infertility, pelvic pain, and menstrual problems.
Venous Doppler
Venous Doppler allows physicians to evaluate blood flow as it moves through the body’s major arteries and veins of the abdomen, arms, leg and neck. This procedure is often used to search for blood clots, determining the cause of leg swelling, and aid in the placement of a catheter in a larger interior vein.
