Radiology & Imaging

A CT scan, also called X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) and computerized axial tomography scan (CAT scan), makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual "slices") of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.

UTMB boasts the use of 64-slice scanners in several locations as well as dose reduction software which can decrease the amount of radiation a patient receives as much as 50% in certain exams. This equipment is ACR (American College of Radiology) certified, and must pass vigorous quality standards in order to achieve this certification.

Comprised of radiological exams such as chest and abdomen x-rays, extremity x-rays and select iodinated contrast exams. The technologists within this area are trained to produce high quality images while still maintaining the lowest possible radiation exposure to the patient.

With recognized radiologists specializing in breast imaging, the most advanced technology and a focus on patient-centric, personalized care and communication, the UTMB Health Comprehensive Breast and Imaging Centers are a valuable regional community resource.

At our centers, top-notch university physicians employ the latest, most sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic technology, including:

• 3D Mammography
• Digital mammography
• MRI
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• MRI-guided biopsy
• Ultrasound biopsy
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
• Self-referral screening mammograms

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The breast imaging program at UTMB has built a reputation for providing excellent and compassionate care to breast cancer patients throughout the region. The hard work and dedication of the breast imaging team has resulted in national recognition. The program has been designated a “Center of Excellence” by the American College of Radiology. UTMB was one of the initial two programs in the Houston area to receive this prestigious honor, and one of the first in Texas to receive the designation.

Like their center colleagues, the Breast Imaging team offers a collaborative approach to evaluating breast health and treating breast cancer patients. The program is:

• fully accredited in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound;

• equipped with state-of-the-art imaging equipment for mammography, breast ultrasonography, breast MRI, and featuring the ability to perform image guided core needle biopsies using mammography, ultrasound, or MRI–whichever is needed to give the most accurate results and is easiest on the patient;

• staffed by expert faculty breast imaging physicians, and supported by excellent mammography technologists and quality assurance technologists with registries in their fields.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to image the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body in both health and disease. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and field gradients to form images of the body.

UTMB is proud to have 2, 3Telsa Magnets at the Galveston and League City Campus locations. Tesla refers to the unit of measure for magnets. Most magnets used in MRI are .6 to 1.5 Tesla, thus with our 3Tesla MRI units, the radiologists will have better, clearer pictures to diagnose patients. This equipment is ACR (American College of Radiology) certified, and must pass vigorous quality standards in order to achieve this certification.

Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) is a nuclear medicine technique using a device which combines in a both a PET scanner and a CT scanner.

Images acquired from both devices can be taken sequentially, in the same session, and combined into a single image. Thus, functional imaging obtained by PET, which depicts the spatial distribution of metabolic or biochemical activity in the body can be more precisely aligned or correlated with anatomic imaging obtained by CT scanning. Two- and three-dimensional image reconstruction may be rendered as a function of a common software and control system.

This modality uses radioactive material to either diagnose or treat a variety of diseases. Some of the common types of tests performed in this area help to identify inflammation in the gallbladder, visualize bloodflow and bloodflow problems of the heart, evaluate bones for fractures and even determine the presence or spread of cancer in various body parts. PET/CT scans are performed to pinpoint area of the body that have abnormal metabolic activity. This equipment is ACR (American College of Radiology) certified, and must pass vigorous quality standards in order to achieve this certification.

Ultrasounds are sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. Ultrasonic devices are used to detect objects, measure distances and to detect invisible flaws.

This modality in the Radiology Department uses sound wave "echoes" to produce images of the organs and other structures found in the body. There is no ionizing radiation exposure to the patient when this exam is performed.

This equipment is ACR (American College of Radiology) certified, and must pass vigorous quality standards in order to achieve this certification. The Ultrasound Technologists at UTMB are required to have ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) certification which ensures that our patients are being imaged by technologists who have met the highest quality standards of their field.

Vascular and Interventional radiology at UTMB Health involves a variety of procedures including regional cancer therapy and endovascular stent grafting. We have a close dynamic collaboration with the surgical and oncology departments and run multiple radiology and multidisciplinary clinics. We offer leading edge technology, tremendous expertise, in an environment where the health care team works together for great outcomes for their patients.

UTMB's radiology section features, at UTMB's Galveston campus, two angiography suites and a dedicated neurointerventional biplane room. Two interventional suites are also located at UTMB's League City campus, with one of the two being a state-of-the-art Siemens Artis zee biplane system. An additional system is being installed currently at UTMB Galveston (both feature DynaCT, allowing acquisition of cross sectional images). State of the art 1.5 and 3 T MRI units are available for MRA and MRCP. The interventional radiology section also offers its patients multiple state-of-the-art wide bore CT systems for CT biopsy guidance and intervention. [Learn more about IR.]