General Imaging (Radiology)

Innovative Imaging and Diagnostic Techniques for Accurate Diagnoses

Loyola Medicine offers state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic techniques in order to provide timely and accurate diagnosis for our patients. Our expert radiologists are recognized nationally and internationally for clinical excellence, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methods and skilled use of the latest technology.

Our experienced technologists provide testing in a caring and compassionate environment where we want you to feel comfortable asking any questions you may have about your test or procedure.

Our team offers a full spectrum of imaging services, ranging from the simplest radiographs and ultrasound images to the most complicated and high-tech CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and nuclear medicine.

Our radiologists perform the latest interventional techniques in the central nervous system, vascular system, abdomen, breast and musculoskeletal systems.

Why Choose Loyola for Imaging (Radiology) Tests?

As an academic medical center, Loyola provides compassionate, comprehensive care to patients and trains future leaders in advanced imaging technology. Loyola takes an integrated approach to patient care and provides support services for patients and families.

Your entire Loyola healthcare team has one goal: restoring you to better health.

Electronic images are available to your doctors instantly through an electronic medical record system, allowing us to deliver timely, effective care to our patients.

At Loyola, we understand the importance of continuity of care and will provide seamless communication with your doctor through our secure medical information portal, LoyolaConnect. You can also access results from your lab tests and evaluations through myLoyola.

Which General Imaging Tests are Performed?

Loyola’s expert imaging team knows that when you are experiencing unusual or concerning symptoms, you want an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.

We offer non-invasive, radiation-free imaging studies whenever possible; and when tests using radiation are required, your Loyola healthcare team will use the lowest dose of radiation possible.

Loyola’s dedicated team will deliver the highest quality of care – from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. We offer the latest diagnostic techniques and leading-edge technology, including:

• CT scan (computed tomography) — A CT scan combines a series of cross-sectional X-rays, which allows your doctor to visualize your bones, blood vessels and soft tissues in order to diagnose disease or injury and create an effective treatment plan.
   
• Fluoroscopy — Fluoroscopy uses continuous X-ray technology to produce video images of your skeletal, urinary, digestive or respiratory system. Your doctor may use a fluoroscopic study for the evaluation of the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory or reproductive system.
   
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — A MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images of your organs, tissues and skeletal system. MRI does not use radiation.
   
• PET scan (positron emission tomography) — Loyola offers one of the world’s most sophisticated PET scanners for detecting cancer, heart disease and neurological problems. This nuclear imaging study is used to show how the organs are functioning through the use of a tracer that highlights abnormalities or disease. Several PET scans may be taken over time to monitor how well you are responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.
   
• Ultrasound — Using high-frequency sound waves, your Loyola technologist can produce moving images of organs, bones and soft tissues. Ultrasounds are also used to monitor the health and development of an embryo or fetus during pregnancy. Ultrasound does not use radiation.
   
• X-ray — X-ray technology is efficient and painless in providing images of your bone structures and tissues that can be used to detect bone fractures, cardiovascular conditions, cancer and pneumonia. A contrast medium may be used to show greater detail.

Advanced Imaging Services to Enhance Diagnostic Results

Loyola offers diagnosis and treatment in outstanding, conveniently located facilities. We offer multidisciplinary facilities at the Loyola University Medical Center campus, in addition to outpatient services at other locations.

We offer the following specialized services to provide you with the most comprehensive care:

• 3-D imaging — Our 3D imaging lab reconstructs CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) images into three-dimensional models that can show the relationship between blood vessels, bones and muscles.
   
• Cardiac imaging — Loyola’s expertise in high-resolution cardic imaging, including heart MRI and cardiac CT, allows our world-class team of imaging specialists to see details and detect complications that might otherwise go undiagnosed. We provide imaging and consultation for the most severe cardiac cases, including complex arrhythmias and heart transplant candidates.
   
• Interventional neuroradiology — Loyola’s skilled interventional neuroradiology team provides high-tech, minimally invasive treatment for neurological problems—such as brain aneurysms, blood clots and tumors—which can prevent the need for surgery.
   
• Interventional radiology — Using imaging technology and very small instruments, our interventional radiology team treats a variety of disorders without surgery. These techniques include balloon angioplasty to open blocked blood vessels, embolization to stop bleeding or block blood flow to an aneurysm or tumor and radiofrequency ablation to kill cancerous tumors.
   
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center — Our MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technologists provide unique diagnostic information useful in the evaluation of diseases of the central nervous system, the heart and mediastinum, abdomen, pelvis and musculoskeletal system.
   
• Nuclear cardiac imaging — Loyola provides a wide spectrum of non-invasive nuclear cardiac imaging studies for the detection of diseases and conditions of the heart. This technology uses no radiation, but rather a radioactive substance injected into the body that appears on images of your body and highlights areas of disease, tumors and other abnormalities.
   
• Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging — Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures – which are noninvasive, safe and painless – are used to diagnose and manage the treatment of cancer, heart disease, brain disorders such as alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, gastrointestinal disorders, lung disorders, bone disorders, kidney and thyroid disorders and more.
   
• Pediatric imaging — Loyola’s pediatric imaging specialists are versed in the care and precision required while performing diagnostic testing for children. Our compassionate staff will ensure your child’s comfort during a test or procedure and perform accurate testing with the lowest dose of radiation possible.
   
• Vascular imaging — Loyola’s skilled vascular imaging team offers many non-invasive diagnostic techniques for evaluating the movement of blood and the health of the blood vessels. We provide imaging and consultation for the most severe vascular cases, including peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and renal artery stenosis.
   
• Women’s imaging — Screening and diagnostic imaging is performed in a facility dedicated exclusively to women’s imaging. Loyola provides digital mammography for the detection of breast cancer, because early detection allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes. We also offer bone density testing, image-guided breast biopsy and breast ultrasound.

Leading-edge Research to Improve Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

Loyola’s expert radiology team is actively pursuing new research. Current studies include:

• Breast imaging and intervention
• Helical CT
• Liver tumor treatment programs
• State-of-the-art stroke intervention
• Ultrasound imaging
• Vascular and neurovascular intervention

As an academic medical center, Loyola is dedicated to improving future treatments by conducting research on new diagnostics and treatments. Loyola’s patients benefit from research discoveries made here.

Learn about Loyola’s current clinical trials