North Shore Radiological Associates

Magnetic Resonance is the aquisition of diagnostic images using a strong magnetic field.  MRI shows highly detailed anatomy and has the ability to image in various planes in order to optimize diagnostic information.

Our institution has two 1.5 Tesla Siemen's magnets situated at our Baldwin Park and Presidental Way sites. Our magnets are "short bore" which is beneficial for those with claustophobia. These scanners are higher field strength than "open" systems and provide better diagnostic images.

Routine imaging includes musculoskeletal, brain, spine, breast, abdominal and pelvic studies. In addition we provide specialty MRI exams such as MRCP, MRA and MR Arthrography.

Computed Tomography is the aquisition of diagnostic images by rotating an x-ray beam around a patient's body. Specialized detectors send information to a computer which is used to reconstruct images of the body. There have been tremendous recent advances in CT technology allowing faster aquisition, the ability to perform multiplanar reconstruction, and thinner anatomic slices effectively giving higher spatial resolution. These advances have led to decreased scan times and improved diagnostic capability.

At our institution we have three CT scanners. Two are located at Winchester Hospital and one at Baldwin Park. One of our scanners at the hospital is the latest 64 slice technology.

Routine imaging includes brain, spine, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvic exams. In addition, we perform specialized exams such as temporal bone imaging and CT virtual colonography. Our Siemen's 64 slice scanner has the capability to perform cardiac angiography (CTA) which we hope to offer in the near future.

Interventional Radiology is a specialized area in which highly trained radiologists perform minimally invasive diagnostic and theraputic procedures under imaging guidance. These procedures are largely done utililizing flouroscopic imaging but are also done with the aid of ultrasound and computed tomography.

Winchester Hospital has a state of the art Interventional Suite in which our physicians, Drs. Toran and Korn perform most of their procedures. Patients are frequently sedated for comfort and monitored by the performing physician and a trained interventional nurse.

Interventional procedures performed include angiography, angioplasty and stent placement, percutaneous biopsy and drainage, thrombolysis, percuatneous drainage, vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty, port and central venous catheter placement. Additional procedures include radiofrequency tumor ablation and chemoembolization. We are also one of the few centers which performs fallopian tube recannulizations.

Ultrasound aquires diagnostic images through the use of high frequency sound waves. A tranducer emits sound into the body. These waves are reflected by internal organs and received by the tranducer with subequent processing resulting in diagnostic images. Advantages of ultrasound include lack of ionizing radiation and the ability to image in real time.

Ultrasound examinations are performed at Winchester Hospital, Baldwin Park, Family Medical Center, North Reading Diagnostic and Russell Hill. Radiologists may monitor studies performed at any site and are frequently present for exams performed at both Winchester Hospital and Baldwin Park.

Routine ultrasound exams include imaging of the thyroid, abdomen, and pelvis (obstetric/gynecologic). Specialized exams of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues, neonatal head and hips, and pediatric abdomen are also perfomed. We are certified to perform Nuchal Translucency measurements for the assesment of potential fetal genetic abnormalities during the first trimester.

Nuclear medicine involves the intravenous injection of mildy radiolactive molecules into the body with subsequent imaging using a gamma camera to obtain useful psyiologic and diagnostic images of the body. These radioisotopes are attached to biologic molecules which are used and processed by various tissues in the body. Attechment to specific molecules allows imaging of a specific organ system or physiologic process .

Our nuclear medicine department is located on the first floor of Winchester Hospital and has several cameras which are used to perform both body and cardiac studies. 

Routine exams in the nuclear medicine department include bone, HIDA, ventilation/perfusion (VQ), liver/spleen, thyroid, gastric emptying, renal, infection and tumor imaging scans. Additional studies include preoperative breast and melanoma scintigraphy. We have the capability to perform specialty studies such as three phase bone scans as well as 3D images (SPECT).

Mammography is the  gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Radiographic images are obtained with the breast in compression and analyzed by a radiologist for the earliest signs of breast cancer.

Two different types of mammograms are performed and include screening, for those with no breast related problems, and diagnostic, for those with a specific breast problem, such as a lump. For screening studies, two standard views of each breast are obtained and read with comparision to prior studies if available. Diagnostic studies are tailored to the individual and address the clinical area of concern. Diagnostic exams are performed under the direction of a radiologist. All mammograms we perform are now digital and are read with the assistance of computer aided detection (CAD).

Mammography may be supplemented with breast ultrasound and MRI as well. Specialty studies such as ductography as well as interventional procedures such as stereotatic and ultrasound guided breast biopsies are also performed at the Breast Center by fellowship trained readiologists.

Screening mammography is fully digital and performed at both the Breast Care Center and at Family Medical Center

Positron emission tomography (PET)  is a specialized imaging area with applications primarily related to the diagnosis and evaluation of malignancies. The study involves intravenous injection of a radiolabelled glucose anlog (FDG) which is taken up by metabolically active cells within the body. As tumors are typically more active than normal cells, they are able to be differentiated with whole body imaging. PET images are obtained with correlative computed tomography for improved anatomic resloution.

Indications for PET/CT may include tumor staging, evaluation of response to chemotherapy/radiation and in suspected tumor recurrence.

PET/CT is performed several days a week at our Family Medical center site.  

Computed radiography is the mainstay of diagnostic imaging and are better known as X-rays. State of the art images, which were previously acquired on film, are now obtained using light emitting phosphor plates which are read by a computer and displayed on monitors for interpretation.

Computed radiography is performed at Winchester Hospital, Baldwin Park, Family Medical Center, Montvale Avenue, and our Reading Health sites.

Routine imaging studies include the gamut of bone radiographs, chest and abdominal films as well as images of the soft tissues.

Bone Densitometry uses  x-rays to calculate bone mineral density. Typically the spine, hips and occasionally the wrist are the areas imaged.

Calculations are compared with standard normals and age adjusted standard deviations are obtained from which patients are classifed as having normal BMD, osteopenia (low mineral density) and osteoporosis (significant decreased BMD with elevated fracture risk).

Information is utilized by ordering physicians to determine whether and what type of treatment may be helpful to stop or reverse bone loss and decrease fracture risk. Studies are usually obtained in patients with increased risk of osteopenia including postmenopausal women and those on chronic medications such as steroids.

DEXA exams are perfromed at our Reading Health Center site.