General Diagnostic
The Division of General Diagnostic Imaging encompasses several radiologic subspecialties including Musculoskeletal, Thoracic, Emergency, Gastrointestinal, and Genitourinary Radiology.
Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Imaging
Musculoskeletal Imaging
The Musculoskeletal Imaging subdivision provides comprehensive diagnostic and image-guided interventional procedures of the musculoskeletal system. Modalities included conventional and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conventional, CT, and MR arthrography are routinely performed by the division’s subspecialized radiologists.
Image-guided biopsies and therapeutic procedures of bones and soft tissues constitute a portion of the daily workload and specialty training. Where appropriate, both minimally invasive fine needle aspiration and core biopsy techniques are utilized. The University of Rochester is also one of few national centers that routinely performs percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas as an alternative to surgery.
Thoracic Imaging
The Thoracic Imaging subdivision provides interpretation services of computed and digital radiography. All bedside and portable radiography at the medical center is performed using computed radiography, with images sent electronically from the intensive care units to the thoracic radiology reading room workstations for soft-copy interpretation. Ambulatory inpatient and outpatient examinations are performed using state-of-the-art digital or computed radiography located in the main radiology department and emergency radiology annex.
The Department of Imaging Sciences was one of the first departments in the nation to install a PACS system, and we remain at the forefront of digital media and workstation technology. Faculty and residents work in a ‘filmless’ environment, interpreting studies off of dual high-resolution flat-panel workstations which include 3D volume applications. All dictations are performed using voice recognition software.
Emergency Radiology
The Emergency Radiology subdivision provides imaging services for the Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. In addition to dedicated Emergency Radiology faculty, subspecialty radiologists are available for consultation.
The Emergency Department at Strong Memorial Hospital is a Level 1 Trauma and Burn Center for adult and pediatric patients. Over 75,000 patients undergo their initial imaging work-up provided by the Emergency Radiology subdivision.
The Department of Imaging Sciences recently opened a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Radiology annex which includes two multi-detector CTs, 6 digital radiography suites, a dedicated diagnostic ultrasound room, and a new radiology reading room equipped with sophisticated 3D workstations. The annex is staffed and open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Imaging
The Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Imaging subdivision provides standard examinations for contrast evaluation of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Routine studies include single and double contrast examinations, enteroclysis, three phase pharyngograms for swallowing disorders, excretory urography, cystography, voiding cystourethography and retrograde urethography. Hysterosalpingography is also performed. Faculty and residents also provide interpretation of abdominal and pelvic digital radiographic studies.