Our non-invasive imaging methodologies are used to diagnose and manage your health while providing therapeutic options and expert advice.
What it is: A CT (computed tomography) scan uses a narrow beam of X-rays and computer processing to generate 2D and 3D images of body structures. A CT is quick and non-invasive and sometimes a good alternative for patients who cannot have an MRI. Contrast dye may be injected into the veins or oral contrast solution may be given in certain cases to highlight different tissues for diagnosis.
What to expect: You will lie on a table and feel it move after each scan. The technologist will instruct you when to hold still or hold your breath. An IV will be placed into your vein beforehand if contrast is being injected. The time to scan may only be a few minutes, but the time spent in the room may be 10-15 minutes.
CT scan uses: Head to toe imaging (Head, Neck, Spine, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Extremities)
Imaging of pain or complication after artificial joint surgery
The metal in a total joint replacement often causes problems for conventional CT and MRI scans. Dual-energy technique is utilized to reduce metallic artifact to see tissues around the prosthesis otherwise obscured.
Contact: Dr. Brian Yue (byue@laiic.com)
Chronic back pain after complex spinal surgery
Many factors can contribute to diffuse, dull, aching pain or nerve pain also known as “failed back syndrome”.
A non-invasive CT with metallic artifact reduction or a CT myelogram procedure may help diagnose abnormal bone healing, implant loosening, or scar tissue to further guide pain management and surgical treatment.
Contact: Dr. Brian Yue (byue@laiic.com)
Head-to-toe CT angiography to detect aneurysm, narrowing, blockage, or vascular damage
See more at Interventional Radiology
Non-invasive 3D imaging of blood vessel disease can uncover treatable causes of headache, neck pain, hand and foot pain, cramping, and other problems with blood circulation
Contact Dr. Sabeen Dhand (sdhand@laiic.com) and Dr. Paul O’Connor (poconnor@laiic.com)
Calcium scoring and coronary CT angiogram for heart disease
A specialized scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries before the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease. This may help determine lifestyle management or medical treatment to reduce risk of heart attack or other problems.
A coronary CTA uses a contrast injection to determine narrowing of the arteries or other vascular problems in 3D.
Contact Dr. Daniel Saket (dsaket@laiic.com )
Low dose lung cancer screening
PIH Whittier is a designated ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center
https://www.acraccreditation.org/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center
https://www.acr.org/Media-Center/ACR-News-Releases/2020/Updated-USPSTF-Lung-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines-Would-Help-Save-Lives
Annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in high-risk patients significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. This screening can identify cancers at an early, treatable and curable stage. Given that the American Cancer Society predicts 135,720 lung cancer deaths this year, more-widespread screening could save 30,000–60,000 lives in the United States each year.
Contact Dr. Nanette Kovash (nkovash@laiic.com)
Dual energy non-invasive test for gout
A dual energy CT is a specialized examination that may help your rheumatologist or primary care physician diagnose gout or conditions mimicking gout and guide treatment and management of symptoms.
Contact: Dr. Brian Yue (byue@laiic.com)
Rapid diagnosis and management for acute stroke
PIH Whittier holds Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission and AHA/ASA.
PIH Downey meets standards for Primary Stroke Center
CT-guidance for biopsies, drainages, pain management, and cancer treatment
Utilize CT imaging to guide minimally invasive, less painful procedures that would otherwise require much larger surgery, such as:
Biopsy for diagnosis of cancer or infection
Abscess drainage
Celiac plexus block
Localization for surgery
Microwave ablation for liver cancer
Microwave or cryoablation for renal cancer
Contact: Dr. Joseph Park (jpark@laiic.com)
What it is: Also known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, an MRI scan uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and computer processing to generate 2D and 3D images of select body parts. MRIs are non-invasive and avoid X-ray radiation exposure. As part of the examination, contrast may be injected into the veins to improve the image and quality of the study.
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What to expect: You will lay on a table and will be required to lie still during the MR scan. Depending on the body part that is being examined, you may be instructed to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds. The part of the body being scanned will be placed in the middle of the magnet. During imaging, you will hear a loud intermittent banging noise. You will be provided with earplugs to minimize the noise during the procedure. The technologist will provide you with an alarm button to alert the technologist of any discomfort you may experience at any point during the MRI exam. An IV will be placed into your vein beforehand if contrast is being injected.
MR Scan Uses: Head to toe imaging (Head, Neck, Spine, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Extremities, Blood Vessels)
Neurological
Body
Musculoskeletal
Cardiac
Enterography
Prostate
What it is: Ultrasound scanning uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures and organs in the body. Ultrasound produces excellent images of organs that are soft and/or fluid filled. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions. Also known as a sonogram, an Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves applied through a transducer delivered into body tissues to create echoes which are decoded into real-time images on a computer screen. There is no X-ray radiation exposure.
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What to expect: The exam will be performed in a special hospital or clinic suite. You will be asked to remove clothing and jewelry from the area being scanned. You will be given a hospital gown and will be asked to sit or lie down on an examination table. A small amount of gel will be applied on your skin over the area to be scanned to help transmit the sound waves into your body. The sonographer will slide a transducer through this gel to send sound waves into your body and receive reflected sound waves to create pictures of your organs. Most exams take 15 - 30 minutes to complete. The procedure is safe and generally painless.
US Scan Uses: Study a developing fetus, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or blood vessels and guide needle biopsies and drainages.
Abdomen
Liver
Kidney
Pelvis
Pregnant Uterus
Soft Tissue
Scrotum and Testis
Head and Neck
Vascular
Biopsies
Sonohysterogram
Pediatric
Musculoskeletal
What it is: There are many types of nuclear medicine scan, but all of them involve the application of radioactive material into the body followed by a scan. The radiation emitted from within the body will be recorded by a camera detector which will generate the image. Valuable information about body physiology and function can be obtained.
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What to expect: You will be given the radiopharmaceutical orally or by injection. You will lay underneath a camera for a period of time as the images are acquired. Depending on the type of exam, the image collection may occur immediately or at certain time intervals sometimes for a few minutes while for certain other scans you may be asked to return after several hours or even the next day or two to complete the examination. You will be instructed on how to properly minimize radiation exposure to others and yourself following the scan (e.g. maintain distance, drink fluids, etc).
NM Scan Uses: To study normal or abnormal function of various body organ systems. To monitor or detect tumor or infection.
Bone Scan
Myocardial Perfusion Scan
Blood Cell Imaging
Hepatobiliary Scan
Thyroid Scan
Renal Scan
Gastrointestinal Imaging
Lung Scan
PET/CT Scan
Radioiodine Therapy
What it is: Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor, much like an X-ray movie. Digital Radiography is the newest replacement of conventional X-ray film radiography and offers the advantages of decreased radiation dose and shortened imaging time.
What to Expect: The amount of radiation is very low. You may be asked to stand or lie down during the examination depending on what is needed. Some fluoroscopy procedures may require the administration of contrast material.
X-Ray Scan Uses: Radiography is the most economical way to evaluate the bones and lungs. It may also be used to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries, cancer, abdominal pain, and back pain. Fluoroscopy can evaluate function in addition to anatomy with the additional information provided by real-time movie images, often enhanced by the use of contrast.
Abdominal Radiography
Video Swallow
Esophagram
Upper Gastrointestinal Series
Small Bowel Series
Colonography
Abscessogram / Fistulogram
Retrograde Urethrogram
Voiding Cystourethrogram
Musculoskeletal