The Department of Radiology at the University of South Alabama Medical Center (USAMC) in Mobile, Alabama, fulfills it's tri-part mission of education, clinical care and research, through the outstanding contributions of it 's faculty.
The Department serves the USA Medical Center, Children's & Women's Hospital, three out-patient centers and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. The department also serves the needs of the USA College of Medicine and the College of Allied Health by training medical students and radiologic technology students in it's facilities.
Our highly skilled faculty have trained at premier institutions across the United States. A number of faculty members have served or currently serve in national organizations and have produced many original journal publications, reviews and texts. All faculty participate in the USA College of Medicine's teaching mission throughout our ACGME accredited residency program.
The Radiology Department at the University of South Alabama prides itself on cutting edge therapies in all modalities of diagnostic and interventional imaging. The Department has established an extensive teleradiology network that provides radiological support to six rural hospitals in Alabama and seven Veteran Administration facilities in five states.
The USA Radiology Department's Clinical Sections include:
Abdominal Imaging
The area of study devoted to abdominal imaging performs diagnostic studies using fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT scans), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Computed Tomography: CT scans are performed using advanced medical and multidetector CT scanners with rapid scanning capabilities as well as 3-D reconstruction. CT scans are used for diagnostic treatment of abdominal disorders, angiography, CT guided biopsies, catheter placement, tumor detection, and virtual colonography.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used in the diagnosis of all types of abdominal pathology. In addition, MRI is available for evaluation throughout the body including MRA (angiography) and MRV (venography) both of which provide a less invasive method of screening and detection of vascular abnormalities, such as aneurysms or stenosis.
Genitourinary Imaging
The GU section of Radiology offers a complete range of diagnostic procedures, including evaluation of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and gynecological organs using ultrasound, CT, radiography and MRI. CT and ultrasound guided biopsies are also performed.
Breast Imaging
The breast imaging area is located in the USA Children's & Women's Hospital Imaging suite. All of our mammography technologists and breast imaging radiologists are trained to be highly sensitive to patient concerns. In this section both screening and diagnostic mammography services are performed using all digital equipment. Services include needle localizations, ductography, high resolution ultrasound, MRI (including biopsies) and digital stereotactic guided biopsies and aspirations.
Chest Radiology
In Chest Radiology we use digital radiography, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine and interpret thoracic pathology. The treatment of chest disease includes interventional diagnostic procedures including needle biopsies as well as lung and abscess drainages.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A complete range of procedures are offered in the MRI section at both USAMC and USACW, including brain, joint, knee, shoulder, chest, heart, abdomen, and pelvis studies. Both MRA and MRV studies are performed to avoid more invasive procedures. MR spectroscopy is also used to investigate brain pathology.
Musculoskeletal Radiology
The musculoskeletal section of radiology utilizes state-of-the-art imaging including digital radiography, ultrasound, CT and MRI in the diagnosis of trauma, body tumors, arthritis, sports injuries and issues. Additionally, flouroscopic procedures are performed including arthrograms and joint aspirations/injections.
Neuroradiology
The neuroradiology section performs all procedures concerning the central nervous system. Radiographs, CT and MRI, including 3-D reconstruction, are all utilitized to evaluate the entire central nervous system and brain. Special procedures employed include myelograms, spinal cord angiograms, cerebral angiograms and arteriography of both the internal and external carotid arteries. Interventional neuroradiolology procedures include coil and balloon emobolizations as well as stroke intervention using MERCI retrieval devices and intra-arterial thrombolysis.
Nuclear Medicine/PET
A state-of-the-art positron emission tomography (PET) scanner is used to diagnose and manage all forms of cancer at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. We are also leading the way in evaluation of bone metastases with combined scanning with FDG and Na-F PET/CT. The nuclear medicine faculty and staff have extensive expertise in evaluating and managing patients with the full armament of nuclear medicine radiotracers.
Interventional Radiology
This section provides a wide range of both vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures. Digital subtraction angiography is performed in evaluation of all vascular procedures. Interventional radiology includes routine angiography, venography, balloon angioplasty, placement of intravascular stents, chemoembolization, placement of intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion, catheters, embolization of vascular malformation, tumors, or active bleeding vessels, TIPS procedures, ureteral/biliary dilation and stenting. Abscess drainages and image guided biopsies are also performed in this section utilizing CT and ultrasound.
Interventional Radiology also provides pain relief and management. Currently the major focus is chronic low back pain management and vertebroplasty. Procedures available for low back pain include epidural, facet joint and sacroiliac joint steroid injections. Radiofrequency ablation of metastatic bone lesions is also used for pain relief.
