Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed 3D images of the body.

An MRI machine can scan the head, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, joints, blood vessels and musculoskeletal regions of the body. It is frequently used to get clear pictures of soft tissue injuries, ruptured discs in the neck and back, tears in ligaments, joint injuries and the brain.

MRI: Wide bore

Ochsner offers wide bore MRI, the first of its kind in the region. This type of MRI offers a more comfortable experience for many patients. Instead of the traditional tunnel-style MRI machine, the wide bore MRI machine is more open and comfortably accommodates patients who might be difficult to scan, including those who are overweight, claustrophobic, elderly or very young, as well as patients who are in pain. The large field of view also allows for easier imaging of areas such as the shoulder or hip.

Caring Suite technology also provides additional features to improve the patient experience:

• Spacious scanning area
• Quiet technology to reduce noise
• Customizable music, lights and images to put patients at ease
• Precise imaging

Cardiac MRI (CMR)

CMR is used to monitor or detect heart disease. It can also be used to evaluate the heart’s function and anatomy.

The Ochsner Cardiovascular Network has led the region in adult and pediatric CMR since 2005, performing more than 250 each year.

Bone density scans, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, measure bone loss by using low-dose X-rays to determine bone mineral density. Doctors frequently use bone density scans to diagnose osteoporosis, as well as to evaluate the risk for fractures.

Our Pediatric Radiology program provides imaging and radiology services for those from birth to age 21. We know that having tests and imaging done can be scary for kids, so our compassionate technologists do all they can to put kids at ease every step of the way. The following services are available:

• Conventional chest and skeletal radiography

• Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy

• High resolution body CT

• Low-dose scoliosis screening

• Urography and cystography

• CT scans, including coronary CT

• Ultrasonography

• MRI

The Ochsner Chest Imaging Center provides the following services:

• General diagnostic radiology

• Chest radiography with dual energy subtraction

• Computed tomography of the body

• CT angiography of coronary arteries

• CT angiography of pulmonary arteries

• High resolution CT of pulmonary parenchyma

• CT for small airways disease

• Pneumoconiosis evaluation

The Ochsner Musculoskeletal Imaging program provides patients with the following services:

• Conventional radiography and tomography
• Low dose scoliosis screening
• Spine and bone densitometry
• High resolution spinal and extremity CT
• Musculoskeletal MRI
• Arthrography

The Ochsner Gastrointestinal Imaging program provides the following services:

• Conventional radiography
• Abdominal imaging
• Urography
• Cystography
• Transplant radiology
• Computed tomography
• Ultrasonography
• Doppler imaging
• Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy

The Ochsner Radiology Department plays an important role in the screening, diagnosis, confirmation and treatment of cancer. Mammography, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans and other tests are used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer, lung cancer and many other cancers. Ochsner physicians are leading the field regionally and nationally in the use of stereotactic core biopsy, an innovative technique for determining whether a breast lesion is cancerous. Sophisticated diagnostic studies can be conducted to look for metastases, such as the spread of colon cancer to other organs. Surgeons can use imaging technology intra-operatively to identify lesions that must be removed.

As a large, integrated health system, Ochsner offers the full range of radiology and diagnostic imaging services, including disease-specific tests and consultations with imaging subspecialists. A few of the factors that set our services apart include:

• Compassion. Our radiology technologists and other radiology team members go the extra mile to help patients feel as comfortable as possible. They thoroughly explain what to expect with each test and take steps to help patients relax. To ease patients’ anxieties, we play music to enhance feelings of calmness during tests. We also rely on wide-bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units, which are designed to reduce feelings of claustrophobia. For patients preparing to have interventional radiology procedures, we send digital links to images of our interventional radiology suites so patients can familiarize themselves with the space ahead of time.

• Disease- and patient population-specific imaging. We offer many forms of chest imaging, including chest X-rays with dual-energy subtraction. We also offer arthrography, low-dose scoliosis screenings and other types of musculoskeletal imaging to help diagnose conditions of the bones and soft tissues. Our radiologists can perform abdominal imaging, Doppler imaging, cystography and other scans to help diagnose gastrointestinal diseases. We use several forms of imaging to identify certain types of cancer. Imaging can also help guide some radiation oncology treatments. We also offer pediatric radiology services for patients up to age 21.

• Subspecialist radiologists. Our team of radiologists includes many with subspecialty expertise in interventional radiology, pediatric imaging, breast imaging, musculoskeletal imaging and more. These experts help ensure we provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.

We offer:

• Breast imaging
• Computed tomography (CT) scans, including CT angiography of the coronary and pulmonary arteries and high-resolution CT of the spine and extremities
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (bone density) scans
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Interventional radiology
• MRI, including cardiac and musculoskeletal MRI
• Mammograms
• Nuclear medicine
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Ultrasound, including general ultrasound, vascular ultrasound and echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart)
• X-ray exams

Information is empowering. In medicine, the information from medical imaging scans helps doctors make the best decisions for patients. In other words, the path to a diagnosis and treatment often runs through radiology. Each step along that path involves a team.

Making an accurate diagnosis and determining a treatment plan is a collaborative effort: Radiologists, radiologic technologists and other members of the radiology team all play important roles. Our radiologists work closely with your doctor, including primary care physicians, orthopedists, gastroenterologists, heart and vascular specialists and cancer specialists, to provide the best care possible.

We’re committed to providing excellent radiology and diagnostic imaging services throughout our health system. The results are reflected in the recognition we’ve received from the American College of Radiology, the premier radiology accrediting organization.

Many Ochsner locations hold American College of Radiology accreditation for various types of imaging, including CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, breast MRI and breast ultrasound. In addition, the American College of Radiology designated several Ochsner locations as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence.

The American College of Radiology isn’t the only organization recognizing Ochsner for high-quality radiology and diagnostic imaging services. United Healthcare named Ochsner a Designated Diagnostic Provider based on the quality and efficiency of our services.

Ochsner radiologists specialize in more than ten areas of imaging, so you can always rely on our expertise to get you the answers you need. What's more, Ochsner is a teaching hospital committed to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Our team of radiologists lead both diagnostic and interventional radiology residency programs, enhancing patient care and promoting excellence across these areas of specialty:

• Community
• Emergency
• Interventional
• Mammography/Breast
• Musculoskeletal
• Neurologic
• Neuro-interventional
• Nuclear
• Pediatric
• Ultrasound

Our Faculty

Diagnostic radiology uses imaging tests to determine the cause of symptoms, diagnose or conduct screenings for diseases, and track the progress of treatments. Interventional radiology relies on medical imaging that allows clinicians to see structures inside the body as they perform procedures. Many interventional radiology procedures are minimally invasive.

The answer depends on the type of test you’ll be having. Some imaging tests require little to no preparation. For others, you may need to fast or stop taking certain medications in advance. Follow the preparation instructions from your physician or the imaging team.

We’re committed to making your results available as soon as possible. The timeline varies according to the type of imaging you have. Your physician will review your results in our electronic medical record system before sharing them with you.