Neuroradiology

Neuroradiology is an imaging subspecialty focused on diagnosing conditions in the brain, spine and soft tissues of the neck. With today’s powerful and versatile imaging modalities, radiologists are now better able to help neurologists and neurosurgeons diagnose a broad spectrum of conditions, everything from nerve-root compression in the spine to vascular occlusion in the brain. Often, accurate interpretation of these test results can spot potentially disastrous problems early, allowing for the most effective medical intervention. At Valley Radiologists, our board-certified and subspecialized neuroradiologists work closely with physicians to select the exams that will provide the most useful images and the most thorough and accurate diagnoses. Comprehensive capabilities provide real hope for neurologic conditions.

 

MRI, CT and PET are fast becoming routine methods of evaluating and diagnosing neurologic disease. With their unique methods of acquiring images, each modality provides its own advantages in the assessment and diagnosis of various neurologic disorders.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides outstanding detailed images that make it possible to map parts of the brain that are responsible for essential functions and to identify small anatomical changes. MRI helps our neuroradiologists distinguish normal tissue from diseased tissue, determine the extent (and age) of brain condition and assess the potential risk of neurosurgical intervention. MRI helps us plan treatment, evaluating the effect of therapies and help predict the course of disease. 

With its ability to very precisely image internal body structures, computed tomography (CT) is an essential diagnostic tool for neurologic conditions. It is increasingly used to help physicians identify and locate traumatic brain injury, blood clots, bleeding involved in stroke, ruptured aneurysms and enlarged ventricles in patients with hydrocephalus. CT is invaluable for assessing bone and soft-tissue damage resulting from facial trauma and for detecting spinal injury. In addition, CT is well-suited for evaluating the paranasal sinuses and soft tissues of the neck.

Positron emission tomography helps our neuroradiologists diagnose memory disorders, brain tumors and seizures. PET is especially adept at differentiating primary neurodegenerative dementias from other causes of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease. With PET/CT, we’re able to combine PET’s metabolic data with CT’s precise anatomic detail for a highly useful image that helps us locate metabolic abnormalities within their true anatomic context.

CT, MRI and PET are very useful in identifying the presence of tumors in the head and neck. CT with intravenous contrast agent can provide accurate information regarding tumors and additional pathology in the neck. MRI is particularly useful in evaluating the skull base, eye sockets and salivary glands. MRI may be used when CT is contraindicated because of contrast dye allergy or an elevated creatine level from renal failure. By improving the sensitivity and specificity of localization and staging of head and neck tumors, PET serves as an outstanding complementary tool to both CT and MRI. In addition, PET’s metabolic information can significantly increase the accuracy of diagnosing the recurrence of head and neck cancer.

MR angiography (MRA) is an excellent noninvasive imaging approach for the blood vessels in the head and neck. Conditions that once would have required catheter angiography for diagnosis, such as aneurysms, vascular malformations and tumors of the brain, spine, head and neck, can now be diagnosed using noninvasive MRA. MRA provides an accurate and noninvasive evaluation without the cost and risk of conventional angiography. MRA can be combined with conventional brain MR and CT imaging to evaluate stroke and major vascular disease. Additionally, MRA provides additional anatomic information not evaluated with conventional angiography. With MRA, contrast agents can be entirely avoided in certain situations, eliminating the risk of allergic or adverse reaction.

At Valley Radiologists, neuroradiology is just one of the many focused programs we offer with the clinical excellence that’s been the cornerstone of our reputation for more than 40 years. With subspecialty training, credentials and practical experience in neuroradiology, we’ve helped evolve this imaging subspecialty to its current standard. At the same time, our radiologists are always available to help select an exam, confirm a diagnosis, plan treatment and evaluate treatment efficacy.

Click on the image to download more information on neuroradiology, Valley Radiologists, or our other areas of subspecialty expertise or if you wish to refer a patient, please call 623-847-2000.