Diagnostic Radiology
U.S. PATIENTS:713.790.3333
INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS:+1.713.441.2340
During the COVID-19 crisis, our imaging and radiology services are available. The safety of our patients and staff is our first priority, and we are taking every precaution to keep everyone safe.
Our Approach to Treatment
Houston Methodist offers patients advanced imaging and radiology services and technologies. Our board-certified radiologists have access to a range of diagnostic imaging and radiology services, including:Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography (CT) — moves an X-ray around a patient to produce multiple detailed images from different angles. CT provides greater detail of:
- Abdominal and aortic aneurysms
- Blood flow
- Bone injuries and density
- Head, neck and spine injuries
- Heart conditions and cardiovascular disease
- Internal organs
- Muscle and skeletal disorders
- Oncological imaging
- Transplant imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — uses high-powered magnets and radio waves to produce images of organs and structures to:
- Diagnose cardiac conditions and strokes
- Assess blood flow and vascular conditions
- Detect tumors and diagnose cancer
- Diagnose breast disease
- Examine reproductive organs
- Diagnose brain, spinal cord, bone and joint conditions and injuries
- Evaluate infections
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine — uses small amounts of radioactive materials texamine organ function and structure. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of nuclear medicine that uses radioactive materials, a special camera and computer tevaluate organ and tissue functions. Tests include:
- Bone scan — diagnoses bone diseases, infections or injuries
- Brain scan — evaluates brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, tumors and strokes
- Hepatobiliary scan — identifies gallbladder disorders and bile duct obstructions
- Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (VQ scan) — measures air and blood flow in and out of the lungs
- Lymphoscintigraphy — evaluates the lymphatic system and identifies lymph nodes for removal
- Octreoscan — whole-body scans that identify rare neuroendocrine tumors
- Renal scan — evaluates Kidney blood flow and function
- Parathyroid scan — identifies abnormal parathyroid glands that cause hyperparathyroidism
- I-131 whole body scan —detects thyroid cancer spread
Ultrasound
Ultrasound — uses sound waves tproduce images of soft tissues inside the body. Types include:
- Abdominal ultrasound — detects gallstones or tumors
- Aortic duplex exam
- Arteriography and venography —diagnose blood flow abnormalities
- Breast ultrasound
- Carotid ultrasound
- Doppler ultrasound
- Echocardiogram
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVU) — enables radiologists tsee the inner wall of blood vessels
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound — examines joints or muscles
- Obstetrical ultrasound — monitors fetus development
- Pelvic ultrasound — identifies tumors or masses
- Peripheral vascular ultrasound — diagnoses vascular conditions
- Prostate ultrasound — examines nodules
- Renal ultrasound — examines the kidneys and urinary tract
- Scrotal ultrasound — examines the testicles
- Thyroid ultrasound — examines the thyroid
- Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
- Vascular ultrasound
X-Ray
X-ray — uses a small dose of radiation tproduce images of body structures. Types include:
- Barium X-ray — diagnoses conditions such as tumors, polyps, hernias, strictures, ulcers and other gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions in the GI tract
- Bone density scan
- Fluoroscopy — studies movement of internal body parts and systems such as blood flow through a blood vessel or food passing through the stomach and intestines