Imaging Services at Stern

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement of the aorta which can be detected by this screening ultrasound examination. AAAs are usually asymptomatic and can go unnoticed for many years but growth beyond 5.5 cm puts a patient at risk for a fatal rupture. The recommendation for screening is a one-time study in men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked or a man age 60 years or older who are a sibling or offspring of a person with a known history of a AAA.

This is a noninvasive screening test that measures the blood pressures in your upper and lower extremities. A significant discrepancy would suggest reduced blood flow to your legs (peripheral arterial disease). The results of this test will help determine if additional diagnostic testing or medical therapy will be required.

This is a procedure done that uses sound waves to create a color map of the arteries in your legs and to determine if there is any narrowing of the vessels that may be causing leg discomfort when walking. Your cardiologist will use the results of this test to determine if medications or interventions will be required to fix the blockages.

We have a state-of-the-art CT scanner at our Wolf River office. A coronary CT angiogram is the only noninvasive method to evaluate a patient's coronary arteries. It a great testing option for those with chest discomfort or shortness of breath who are at risk for heart disease. An IV is required so that medications and contrast can be administered to optimize the test. Coronary CT angiography allows for not only determining the presence of blockages but also the severity. A calcium score is also obtained prior to the angiogram portion of the test. This study allows for evaluation of the entire heart structure, in addition to the assessment of the coronary arteries. Results will be used by your cardiologist to determine if you require additional medications or further testing, such as a heart catheterization to fix any significant blockages. We can also use the scanner prior to cardiac procedures, such as an ablation or aortic valve replacement to get a better picture of the cardiac anatomy to assist in planning purposes.

A carotid ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to examine blood flow through the carotid arteries. It is used to assess for blockages in the carotid arteries that can increase a patient's risk for stroke. Test results will allow your cardiologist to determine if medications or interventions will be required.

The purpose of this scan is to screen for the presence of coronary artery disease. This test has been proven to be more predictive of future cardiac events, such as a heart attack than a cholesterol level. This test is done in asymptomatic patients without chest discomfort or shortness of breath with activity. No IV contrast is required and the test only results in minimal radiation exposure. Patients with coronary artery calcifications are often started on protective medications sooner in hopes to prevent a future heart attack.

A coronary angiogram is a special x-ray of the arteries that supply your heart to help detect any blockages. This test is performed at the hospital in patients who present acutely with a heart attack. It is also performed in patients who have persistent symptoms despite medical therapy or in those who have abnormal noninvasive testing. This test allows your cardiologist to determine the best course of therapy with options including medications only or need for revascularization procedures, such as stents or bypass surgery.

This is a study performed to evaluate exercise capacity and to assess for potentially reduced blood flow to the heart that could lead to symptoms, such as chest pressure or shortness of breath. The results of this test will be used to determine if further testing, such as left heart catheterization will be required to fix blockages.

Our available CT scanner also allows our clinicians to evaluate for diseases that may be present in other organs and vascular territories. A CT of the chest can be performed to evaluate for lung nodules that may be a sign of lung cancer, pulmonary emboli/clots in the lung arteries that could lead to significant shortness of breath and chest discomfort and to scan the aorta to look for aneurysms that could lead to a life-threatening rupture. Furthermore, the CT scan can be used to evaluate for blockages in the carotid arteries. Blockages in these vessels can lead to strokes. CT angiography of the peripheral arteries in the legs can be used to evaluate for significant blockages that could lead to weakness and cramping with walking.

This is an imaging test that can be performed with exercise stress or with a medicine that mimics exercise by dilating the heart arteries. It is not performed for patients who present with complaints of chest discomfort or shortness of breath with activity. A small amount of radioactive tracer is administered through an IV and an imaging machine creates pictures showing the blood flow to your heart. The test will measure blood flow while you are at rest and after stress to look for discrepancies. This test will help determine the presence and severity of coronary artery disease and help your cardiologist determine if you will require further testing, such as a left heart catheterization to fix blockages.

This is an alternative method to test for potential blockages in the heart arteries. Patients who are deemed good candidates will have resting echocardiographic images obtained. Afterwards, the patient is stressed either by exercise or a pharmacologic agent and images are repeated to assess for discrepancies that would suggest blockages in the heart arteries. Your cardiologist will use these results to determine if subsequent testing, such as a heart catheterization will be required to fix potential blockages.

A cardiologist may recommend a tilt table test for those who experience fainting for an unknown reason and do not have a structural heart disorder. Patients are strapped to a motorized table and are lying flat for several minutes at the beginning of the procedure. During the test, the table is tilted nearly upright and blood pressure and heart rate are monitored in addition to patient symptoms. An IV is placed as some patients may require the administration of a pharmacologic agent to uncover pathology.

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a semi-invasive procedure in that the probe must be placed in the esophagus. An anesthesiologist helps put the patient to sleep to ease any potential discomfort. Your cardiologist will take live pictures of your heart. This test is often ordered to better evaluate for a potential cardiac cause of a stroke or prior to performing a cardioversion (shock) to help restore a normal heart rhythm. The advantage of this test is that some patients have poor transthoracic image quality and this test allows for better visualization of the cardiac structure and function.

This is a noninvasive ultrasound that allows for assessment of cardiac structure and function. It is ordered to evaluate a multitude of patient symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Your cardiologist will get information such as the function of your left ventricle, the pressures inside your heart chambers and function of your heart valves. This will help guide further treatment and testing.