Imaging Services

An echocardiogram, or echo for short, is an ultrasound, which bounces sound waves off the heart to create images that can help physicians detect problems.

Chest Echo (Transthoracic)

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is taken from the surface of the chest wall with transducer or probe (device that looks like a microphone). It can show:

• The functioning of heart valves 

• Tumors or infectious growths around heart valves

• The outer lining of the heart (pericardium)

• Problems with the large blood vessels that enter and leave the heart

• Blood clots in the heart chambers

• Abnormal holes between heart chambers

Transesophageal Echo (TEE)

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) records images of the heart with a probe inside the esophagus to help detect and treat problems such as infection, disease, or defects in the heart’s function, walls or valves. This test may be done when a chest echocardiogram (transthoracic) does not provide enough information.

Patients are given a throat spray to numb the throat and may be given medicine through an intravenous line (IV) in the arm to help them relax. 

Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and computer scans to create a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues, such as the lining of sinuses, organs, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and bones. CT can be used to assist in guidance for biopsies and invasive procedures. 

Eskenazi Health uses a 256-slice CT scanner for cardiac imaging and two 128-slice scanners for general and invasive imaging. 

Eskenazi Health’s CT services are accredited by the American College of Radiology, which means board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging have reviewed the staff’s professional qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance and quality control procedures. The review process ensures that Eskenazi Health’s CT services meet nationally-accepted standards of care and meet or exceed quality assurance and safety guidelines.

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast that is used for screening and to detect problems such as cysts or cancer. Having a regular mammogram is the best step women can take to detect breast cancer early. Eskenazi Health offers the latest 2D and 3D breast imaging, as well as Automated Breast Ultrasound for patients with dense breast tissue.

For more information about Eskenazi Health’s breast services click here.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnets and radio waves to capture an image of the inside of the body. Eskenazi Health has two 1.5 Tesla MRI machines.

Metal objects cannot be near an MRI machine. Patients will be asked to remove jewelry, belts and any other item that has metal. Be sure to tell the radiologist if you have any form of metal in your body. Metal can be found in many items, including, but not limited to:

• Ear (cochlear) implants

• Clips used for brain aneurysms

• Metal coils put in blood vessels

• Defibrillators

• Pacemakers

• Artificial joints

• Adhesive patches

• Splinters

• Make-up

• Magnetic eyelashes

• Some forms of athletic clothing

Using a special camera and a small amount of radioactive material, a nuclear medicine scan captures images of organs (heart, lungs, liver and gallbladder) and bones. Nuclear medicine scans may be used to both diagnose and treat disease. Some types of common nuclear medicine scans include:

• Bone scans

• Cardiac stress tests

• Thyroid imaging with therapeutic services 

• SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography)

Eskenazi Health offers general ultrasound, OB ultrasound and vascular ultrasound, as well as ultrasound elastography, which identifies the elasticity and stiffness of soft tissue. Ultrasound can be used to assist in guidance for biopsies and invasive procedures.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to capture images of internal organs. It can be used to detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones or liver disease. It can also show the details of many blood vessels in the abdomen and be used to evaluate blood flow in the abdomen.

Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and does not have any known risks. 

An X-ray machine uses a small amount of radiation to create images of bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to detect bone or joint injuries or changes, or to check the heart and lungs. X-rays can be taken at the Sandra Eskenazi Outpatient Care Center on the downtown campus or at Eskenazi Health West 38th Street. X-rays do not require an appointment.