The Abdominal Division of the Department of
Radiology offers a full range of imaging services to evaluate known or suspected disorders
of the abdomen and pelvis. The Division is subdivided into four separate subdivisions:
Gastrointestinal Radiology, Genitourinary Radiology, Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT)
and Abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). The Gastrointestinal Radiology
subdivision provides the standard examinations for contrast evaluation of the
gastrointestinal tract, including double contrast and biphasic techniques, enteroclysis
and per-oral pneumocolon examinations. Three phase pharyngograms for swallowing disorders
and defecography for incontinence are also performed. Interpretation of all ERCP studies
is provided.
The Genitourinary Radiology subdivision performs the standard contrast examinations
including excretory urography, cystography, voiding cystourethography and retrograde
urethography. All hysterosalpingography is performed in conjunction with faculty from the
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the images are interpreted by the Abdominal
Division.
The Abdominal CT subdivision, in addition to performing standard examinations of the
abdomen and pelvis for detection of the full spectrum of inflammatory and neoplastic
conditions, is in the forefront of development and evaluation of cutting edge advances in
CT technology. The six current CT scanners use the helical technology, including two with
the newest multidetector-row platform. Some of the advanced techniques developed and now
used on a daily basis include 3D CT angiography for renal transplant donors and evaluation
of abdominal aortic aneurysms for stent graft placement, multiphasic imaging of pancreatic
and hepatic neoplasms, and CT densitometry for differentiating benign from malignant
adrenal masses.
The abdominal MR subdivision provides a full range of MR examinations of the abdomen
and pelvis including standard evaluation of known or suspected masses in the liver,
spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands and kidneys. Characterization of known or suspected
uterine anomalies is commonly performed. MRCP studies of the biliary and pancreatic ducts
and MR urography are a growing part of our MR activities. In conjunction with the
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Division, the Abdominal Division performs and
interprets the MR angiography studies of the abdominal and pelvic vasculature. All of the
clinical MR scanners are state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla units.
