|
Services
The Department of Radiology offers the following services:
Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
 The Department of Radiology at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH,K) has five general radiography rooms with floating tabletops that enable high output and features like high KV, which facilitates visualising the contents of the mediastinum, lungs and heart in chest radiography. Our long cassettes for single films enable us to view the whole spine or the whole lower extremity. Digital radiography (X-ray) is a simple and non-invasive examination which also minimises chance of repeated exposure, thus decreasing the radiation dose.
Intra-Venous Pyelography (IVP)
This is a specific examination for kidneys and other parts of the urinary system. Our IVP unit is equipped with an added feature of tomography. We also provide CT pyelography examination for the patient having contraindication to contrast material.
Tomography
Tomographic examinations show precise and detailed images of selected tissues, organs, or bony structures. Tomography is performed by a series of X-ray exposures focusing on a specific level within the body without using any contrast material other than for IVP.
Fluoroscopy
With two high-end fluoroscopy machines using 90/90 table, we offer fluoroscopic procedures like barium studies, sialogram, myelogram, sinogram, dacrocystogram, MCUG, hysterosalpingogram and others. In addition, we also have video recording in all the fluoroscopy rooms for specific use in paediatric procedures.
Orthopantomography (OPG) and Cephalometry
A state-of-the-art orthopos machine is available for orthopantomography and cephalometry procedures. The machine provides images of face and underlying bones, which is valuable information for plastic and reconstruction surgery.
Mammography
Two types of mammographic examination are available:
- Screening mammogram: Performed on women without any symptoms (complications) of breast diseases. Screening is recommended at the age of 40 (ref ACR).
- Diagnostic mammogram: Performed on women with symptom of breast disease.
We offer services for both routine mammographic screening and diagnostic mammogram. Dedicated mammographic imaging, mammographic biopsy (i.e. needle localisation), steriotactic fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy/excision are available. Mammotome-guided biopsies are also available with ultrasound or mammographic guidance. [Details]
Ultrasound
 Equipped with 10 full-function high-end units, the service provides routine procedures of adult and paediatrics whole body colour Doppler, obstetrics and 4D foetal imaging, musculoskeltal imaging, and transvaginal and transrectal prostate ultrasound. The service also facilitates intervention procedure like FNAs, diagnostic and therapeutic aspiration, and taps and core biopsies. We also provide portable ultrasound services within hospital premises. [Details]
Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR)
Equipped with a digital flat panel detector, our VIR system (also called angiography system) allows acquisition of very high resolution fluoroscopic and angiographic images. In addition to rotational subtraction angiography, our system also provides true real time 3D imaging of vascular structures. The VIR unit offers diagnostic as well as interventional procedure for neuro and peripheral vessels (aneurysm coiling, AVM embolisation, carotid and renal angioplasty/stenting and others.). Other than routine procedures, we also offer embolo-theraphy procedures like chemo-embolisation and non-vascular interventions like biliary and renal interventions. [Details]
Computerised Tomography (CT Scan)
We provide high quality images by using a 64-slice CT system, which makes exam time shorter and accurate. The CT scanner, also called a CAT scanner, has become one of the most important tools to diagnose head and spine injuries, lung and liver disease, cancer, tumours, blood clots, internal bleeding and other diseases and illnesses. Under the guidance of qualified staff, radiologists and cardiologists, the 64-slice CT scan allows physicians to easily capture precise, motion-free images of the heart and coronary arteries to identify soft plaque or measure coronary blockage and detect signs of disease at its earliest stages, reducing the need for high-risk interventional procedures. Our CT section is also equipped with a single-slice CT scanner for routine procedures. [Details]
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Our 1.5 Tesla MRI system has 18 channels with potential to perform a complete range of MRI applications such as whole body MRI, dynamic breast MRI, diffusion, perfusion, spectroscopy, and cardiac, vascular, abdominal, pelvic and general MRI. The major strength of MR imaging includes soft tissue contrast, multiplaner capabilities, non-invasive techniques, lack of ionising radiation and being very safe with no known harmful effects. We offer the safest practices in sedation, where all sedations are administered by highly qualified anaesthetists with MRI-compatible anaesthesia machines and monitoring equipment. [Details]
Nuclear Medicine (NM)
The Nuclear Medicine section has state-of-the-art equipment available with all the routine body and cardiac imaging. Equipped with a dual head variable angle digital gamma camera, the first of its kind in Pakistan, the Nuclear Medicine suite at the Department of Radiology offers services such as bone scan, thyroid scan, brain, liver (hepatobiliary), DTPA and DMSA scan (renal scan), lung perfusion, RBC scan, HIDA scan, cardiac, lympho-scintography, sentinal lymph node imaging and gallium scintigraphy. Recently, octrotide scanning of various tumour like neuroendocrine has also been introduced. Additionally, therapeutic nuclear medicine services like radioactive I-131 for hyperthyroidism and carcinoma thyroid are also available. [Details]
Bone Densitometer
The dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA scan) is carried by a state-of-the-art and the only one of its kind in Pakistan DXA machine. It has a C-arm facility for patient comfort. This test is used to measure the density (strength) of the bones. It is different from a bone scan, which is used to detect bone disease.
|
