Houston Methodist’s board-certified radiologists use the newest imaging technologies to provide patients the most accurate diagnoses, recommend the best possible treatments and administer minimally invasive therapies. We offer 13 convenient imaging locations across the Greater Houston area to serve you near your home or office.
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials to examine organ function and structure.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of nuclear medicine that uses radioactive materials, a special camera and computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. Tests include:
Bone scan – diagnoses bone diseases, infections or injuries
Brain scan – evaluates brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, tumors and strokes
Hepatobiliary scan – identifies gallbladder disorders and bile duct obstructions
Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (VQ scan) – measures air and blood flow in and out of the lungs
Lymphoscintigraphy – evaluates the lymphatic system and identifies lymph nodes for removal
Octreoscan – whole-body scans that identify rare neuroendocrine tumors
Renal scan – evaluates kidney blood flow and function
Parathyroid scan – identifies abnormal parathyroid glands that cause hyperparathyroidism
I-131 whole body scan – detects thyroid cancer spread
Datscan
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of soft tissues inside the body. Types include:
Abdominal ultrasound — detects gallstones or tumors
X-ray uses a small dose of radiation to produce images of body structures. Types include:
Barium X-ray – diagnoses conditions such as tumors, polyps, hernias, strictures, ulcers and other gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions in the GI tract
Bone density testing (DEXA | DXA) – uses X-rays to determine if you have osteoporosis
Fluoroscopy – studies movement of internal body parts and systems such as blood flow through a blood vessel or food passing through the stomach and intestines
We also offer:
Angiography – uses X-rays and a contrast dye to visualize arteries
Barium X-ray – diagnoses conditions such as tumors, polyps, hernias, strictures, ulcers and other gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions in the GI tract
Bone density testing (DEXA | DXA) – uses X-rays to determine if you have osteoporosis
Echocardiogram – also known as a cardiac ultrasound or echo, an echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart
Fluoroscopy – studies movement of internal body parts and systems such as blood flow through a blood vessel or food passing through the stomach and intestines
Heart scan – also known as calcium scoring, assesses your risks of developing heart disease and helps a physician anticipate future cardiac events
Myelogram – uses X-rays (or CT) and a contrast dye to visualize the spinal canal