An ultrasound is a high-frequency soundwave that can create images from inside the body. It is a commonly ordered diagnostic imaging tool used for screening and examining organs and tissues. It is often used to assist and guide doctors performing other medical procedures, such as biopsies. An ultrasound is painless and does not expose patients to any radiation. We specialize in both screening and diagnostic vascular ultrasound, including aortic aneurysm screening and follow-up post-aneurysm repair, evaluation of vascular access complications, arterial bypass graft surveillance, renal artery stenosis, venous thrombosis, and venous reflux.We also provide evaluation of dialysis fistulas and grafts, native peripheral arteries, and peripheral arterial disease. We have recently introduced two new ultrasound clinical applications that incorporate the latest advancements in technology: Elastography to assess liver fibrosis, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver masses. Elastography to assess liver fibrosis This technique allows doctors to evaluate fibrosis in the liver while simultaneously assessing the liver with regular ultrasound to check for masses and other abnormalities. Noninvasive, image-guided elastography of the liver can accurately detect liver fibrosis, allowing patients with chronic liver disease to be safely monitored and avoid the risks associated with liver biopsy. We are also investigating elastography of lesions to determine if this technique can be used to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver masses The intravenous injection of microbubbles (tiny bubbles of gas), in combination with ultrasound, allows physicians to determine if a liver lesion is benign or malignant. This method can determine the risk of developing cancer or recurrence of a tumor in at-risk patients with cirrhosis, or those who have been treated with chemo or radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors. A relatively noninvasive procedure, this provides an alternative to the more invasive and costly computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. We also perform many other services, such as: Fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid, parathyroid, and soft tissue masses Thyroid and parathyroid imaging Lymph node mapping prior to thyroidectomy, and screening for metastatic disease after a thyroidectomy Musculoskeletal ultrasound for ligament and tendon tears and joint abnormalities Evaluation of the anal sphincter and rectal cancer staging with transrectal ultrasound using the 360° Endorectal Probe Gynecological ultrasound, including first-trimester imaging, ovarian cancer screening, sonohysterography (ultrasound of the uterus), HyCoSy (ultrasound of the fallopian tubes), and other gynecologic imaging exams

The breadth of experience among our doctors is reflected in their unique approach to patient care, management of complex medical cases, expertise in imaging guidelines and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose and treat medical conditions. It uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. An MRI does not use radiation. A computed tomography scan, more commonly known as a CT scan, is a diagnostic medical test that produces multiple images of the inside of the body. The cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes, and can even generate three-dimensional images of internal body structures. We also specialize in fluoroscopic imaging—real-time moving pictures displayed on a monitor. This specialized technology helps us detect conditions that affect the gastrointestinal as well as the urinary and reproductive (genitourinary) tracts. Our experts perform esophagrams, upper GI series and barium enemas to look for swallowing and digestion conditions. In addition, we do a variety of other imaging tests, including cystograms to detect voiding issues and hysterosalpingograms, which help us see if a woman’s fallopian tubes are open or blocked.

The Body Imaging division at Yale consists of two cohesive sections (Abdominal Imaging and Ultrasound) whose faculty members provide world-class subspecialty clinical care across a wide range of diseases. Our commitment to clinical excellence, compassion for our patients, and reputation for progressive innovation has allowed us to remain on the forefront of clinical medicine. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the section of Abdominal Imaging provides comprehensive Body MR, Body CT, and fluoroscopy imaging services that encompass a full range of diseases involving the abdomen and pelvis with a focus on high-end oncology imaging. The Ultrasound section offers a comprehensive range of imaging exams that encompass a wide-range of both vascular and non-vascular pathology. Our state-of-the-art equipment, coupled with our world-class facilities at both the Smilow Cancer Center and our various outpatient sites provide an unparalleled experience for all our patients.