Diagnostic Imaging

PMH is linked with Radiologic Associates of Northwest Indiana based at Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso via high-speed telemedicine. This group of radiologists reads all test results from the PMH Imaging Department. If a radiologist is not on site at Porter Memorial, the images are sent to the laptop computer of the physician on call. The images arrive on the doctor's computer as sharp as if looking at the original film.

Ultrasound
The GE Logic 9 is equal to the ultrasound equipment found in university hospitals and medical centers.

For cases of infertility, the Imaging department can monitor the follicular development on the ovary which pinpoints the best time for conception. By watching the size of the follicles, we can tell if the egg/eggs are mature.

With a sonohysterogram, doctors can see the inside of the uterus, looking for fibroid tumors, polyps, retained placenta, and other masses. This is also a very cost effective test, as it can eliminate or confirm the need for more expensive procedures.

The ultrasound is key when performing biopsies in general and especially important to men needing a prostate biopsy.

The volume of diagnostic work at PMH's radiology department is up dramatically because local doctors are referring to PMH more, and physicians from much larger area hospitals are also sending their patients here.

Even though we can't do high-risk surgeries, physicians and patients are coming to the hospital for these high tech procedures and then take test results with them.

CT Scan
The Aquilion^TM from Toshiba America Medical Systems can acquire more anatomical slices than any other system, thanks to a new technology called multi-slice imaging. It is so fast that it can rotate around a patient's body in only half a second. At that speed, this CT creates a gravitational force of 13 G's - four times the force of the Space Shuttle during lift off.

In seconds the Aquilion system's computer assembles the slices into three-dimensional images that are interpreted by a radiologist. This high speed technology can be life-saving, especially for trauma patients.

MRI
MRI combines the use of a powerful, large magnet and radio waves. In fact, a 5 pound pipe wrench held 12 feet from the magnet in an MRI will fly through the air to the magnet if you let go of the wrench. Protons in the patient's body react to the magnetic field, and a computer analyzes the results and makes pictures of the inside of your body.

The length of the exam depends on the area being tested. Each picture can take anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes. A full exam could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half.

"With the ability to differentiate between roughly 100 shades of tissues, MRI images distinguish tendons from muscles, tumors from cysts and white brain matter from gray brain matter. This allows physicians to make more complete diagnoses of brain damage, monitor inflammations of the spinal column or bone marrow, monitor stroke patients' recovery and assess damage to tendons, ligaments and bone."

Mammography
PMH mammography program is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation assesses the qualifications of the mammography staff and the adequacy of the hospital equipment.

PMH also offers the MammoPad, which has been clinically proven in both the U.S. and Swedish evaluations to significantly reduce the discomfort level of a mammogram by 70%.

"Early detection of breast cancer can make the crucial difference between life and death. Mammograms identify lumps that a woman's self-exam wouldn't find until an average of 1.7 years later. I am excited that the MammoPad removes a major barrier to women receiving this important procedure, and it's available at PMH at no additional cost to the patient."

Fluoroscopy (X-Ray)
"Technology beyond Star Wars has arrived at Pulaski Memorial Hospital with the installation of the Phillips Easy Diagnost conventional radio fluoroscopy. None of our patients will need to go anywhere else for RF. We can do everything right here at PMH, with the exception of intricate vascular work such as a heart catheterization."

Because everything about the Phillips Easy Diagnost system is calibrated by computers, each patient's body density is calculated for the precise dosage of x-ray needed. This typically amounts to a 50% reduction in radiation on adults and up to 75% on children. If an image adjustment is needed, it can by done by computer and the patient is not exposed to additional radiation for a retake.

The images from the new RF are very bright, showing much more detail even on something as simple as a hairline fracture. Its clarity and refined detail cannot be over stated.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Because the radiology department's Toshiba QCT is much more sensitive than regular bone density machines, it can diagnose bone loss at an earlier stage. With early detection and follow up treatment it may prevent a life altering break or a collapsing spine.

The BMD test is simple, safe, non invasive and painless. The actual scan time is 4 to 5 minutes. No special preparations are required, and no contrast media is injected or ingested. In most cases, you don't even need to undress. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, preferably without metal buttons, buckles or zippers.

Nuclear Medicine
In conventional X-ray or CT examinations, the radiation comes out of a machine and then passes through the patient's body. Nuclear medicine exams use the opposite approach. A radioactive material is introduced into the patient's body (usually by injection), and is then detected by a machine called a gamma camera.

This procedure is safe because the radioactive material decays rapidly into non-radioactive form. The total dose of radiation is relatively small -- similar and sometimes even less than in many other kinds of X-ray procedures.

Nuclear medicine may be used for orthopedic, cardiac, oncology, and renal (kidney) patients.

For more information, call 574-946-2136.

Radiologists at PMH are employed by Radiologic Associates of Northwest Indiana, Inc.