Services :

To examine various parts of the body, such as thoracic cavity, abdominal
cavity and musculoskeletal system.

Digital X-ray :

The last few decades have seen numerous technological advancements in the field of radiology with the introduction of newer technologies such as Sonography, Color Doppler, CT, MRI and DSA. In fact this has prompted the change of the nomenclature of this speciality from radiology to medical imaging. Alas the modality that invented this specialty, conventional radiology or more fondly known as plain films has been bereft of any significant technological advancement. The other modalities have significantly benefited because of their reliance on computer technologies. As the hard ware and soft ware revolution has progressed globally in all fields, this has naturally benefited these modalities but not conventional radiology, which has practically no reliance on computer technologies. The key to advancements in conventional radiology is in digitizing the images so they can be manipulated in an electronic format and thus enhanced.

There are two means available to obtain Digital X-Rays.

1. Digital Radiography
2. Computed Radiography

Digital Radiography : The X-Ray machines are digital machines with flat panel detectors. There are no available portable digital X-Ray machines. So portable X-rays would still remain conventional.

Computed Radiography : CR uses standard X-Ray machines. There is no need to change existing X-Ray machines as is required in Digital Radiology. There is
only a change in the recording device i.e. the cassette. In CR rather than a
film, the image is exposed on a digital plate. The Digital image is then transferred to a reader, where the image is displayed on a monitor. This image being digital can be modified to adjust the exposure. Once the quality is approved the image may be printed on film in a laser camera. The images may also be stored in an electronic format on CD or sent to a remote location in the hospital via a local area network or even emailed to any location in the city, country or world. The images may also be transferred to a workstation similar to a CT or MRI workstation. If the department has existing CT and MRI workstations these can be used without the need to obtain a new workstation. There are numerous advantages of a workstation, the images can be modified, cropped, magnified and labeled.

Multislice Spiral CT :

The development of multislice (multidetector) CT represents a major advance in the ability to rapidly scan large imaging volumes with thin sections. While the temporal resolution of multislice CT is now comparable to MRI, the spatial resolution remains superior to MRI, and can be close to isotropic, and the extent of coverage exceeds MRI. Multislice CT may appear to be simply an incremental improvement in spiral CT technology. This view of multislice CT is incomplete, since the unprecedented capability to rapidly acquire numerous thin sections in multiple phases of enhancement provides both great challenges for image handling and storage, as well as great opportunities for three-dimensional postprocessing and display.

It is possible that multislice CT will become the key factor in promoting wide dissemination of PACS technology and three-dimensional soft-copy image interpretation. Multislice CT emerged in the late 1990s, following the introduction of single detector spiral CT in the early 1990s. The technology is spreading rapidly. Already, approximately 40% of the estimated 14,000 CT scanners in the United States are multislice. Of the remainder, 50% are single detector spiral scanners and 10% are conventional scanners.

It is expected that more than 85% of new scanners sold in 2002 will be multislice in type (vendor, personal communication). While the clinical ramifications of multislice CT may not become clear for several years, these early indicators of market penetration suggest the impact will be considerable, and therefore a brief overview of the current and potential status of multislice CT is appropriate.

4 D Ultrasound :

Ultrasound is an essential imaging tool used to clearly visualize the fetus
in the womb. Recent advances in imaging have resulted in the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Used in conjunction with traditional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging, which has been in use for more than 25 years, 3D/4D ultrasound provides a higher resolution image in actual or “real” time. Such imaging is especially useful for obstetricians who suspect structural abnormalities and need to see specific surface renderings of a fetus.

In conventional 2D ultrasound, the body is scanned using a movable probe over the surface of the abdomen. The image received is made up of thin views or “slices” of an image; only one slice may be seen at a time on the screen. While informative, the image does not always give an adequate view of the structure being studied.

In 3D ultrasound, the technologist sweeps a probe over the maternal abdomen. A computer takes multiple images and renders a life-like 3D image. With 4D ultrasound, the computer takes the images as multiple pictures while the technician holds the probe still and simultaneously renders a 3D image in real time on a monitor; the difference between the 3D and 4D is that 4D is real-time imagery.

In most cases, the standard 2D ultrasound is taken, and then the 3D/4D scan capability is added if an abnormality is detected or suspected. The 3D/4D is then focused on a specific area, not the whole body, to provide the details needed to assess and diagnose a suspected problem. Some doctors routinely will perform a quick 4D scan of the fetus’ face at the end of a routine exam, providing the parents with a color photo that clearly shows their fetus’ features. Many parents-to-be have commented on the clarity and high quality resolution, even noting genetic similarities to family members. In this respect, the 4D scan also helps to promote maternal and paternal bonding.

4D ultrasound and its clear, real-time images may be particularly useful in detecting fetal abnormalities and structural problems, such as cleft lips and hand, spinal, and cardiac deformities. The results from these scans can be shared with the referring physician, a pediatric surgeon, or others who will treat the newborn after birth so they may prepare for post-delivery care. The new technology can also be used to determine fetal age, analyze fetal development, evaluate multiple or high-risk pregnancies, and diagnose ectopic pregnancies. 4D ultrasound also has practical applications in gynecological practice: scans can be used to detect endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, and ovarian tumors.

Radiologists :

• Dr.Nipawan Ngampiyaskul
• Dr.Chanthip Aeksin
• Dr.Somboon Niyuthmethakul
• Dr.Jannara Hookluan

For more information, please contact
Diagnostic Imaging Center
Tel : (66) 3931 9888 ext 2100
Direct Phone Line : (66) 3931 9812