Imaging Services at Middlesex Hospital

Throughout Middlesex Health System, all of our radiology imaging staff members have been trained to provide exceptional customer service and compassionate care in a safe, efficient and professional environment.

Radiology Imaging Services Include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. MRI can be used to evaluate any part of the body, in order to diagnose internal injuries or conditions, or to monitor effects of medications and treatments.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRA is a study of the blood vessels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRA produces very detailed two- and three-dimensional images of the blood vessels and other parts of the body by using radio waves in a strong magnetic field instead of using x-rays.

Ultrasound Imaging Services

Also called a sonogram, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine internal organs in the abdomen, producing real-time images of soft tissue and capturing movement of internal organs. If a Doppler ultrasound is done, the doctor is able to see blood flow in major blood vessels.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive material, either injected into a vein in the arm, inhaled or swallowed, to diagnose and treat disease. By using a gamma camera to detect emitted radiation, and a computer, images are produced that can determine cellular and organ function as well as structure. Common tests and treatments in Nuclear Medicine:

Brain Scans

Brain scans are done for people who have had a stroke or who have severe headaches, seizures or other related conditions. Nuclear brain scans can reveal problems such as tumors, aneurysms (ballooning of an artery) and hydrocephalus (water on the brain).

Cardiac (heart) Scans

Cardiac (heart) scans can be used to detect heart attacks, and study the heart’s motion at rest and under stress.

Lung Ventilation Scans

Lung ventilation scans can help detect blood clots and other problems by showing how well air is distributed inside the lungs.

Lung Perfusion Scans

Lung perfusion scans (or lung blood supply scans) show blood flow patterns within the lungs.

Gallbladder and Liver Scans

Gallbladder and liver scans help detect cirrhosis, hepatitis, cysts and other conditions. The gallbladder helps the body digest fat. This organ sometimes develops painful stones.

Renal (kidney) Scans

Renal (kidney) scans can detect kidney tumors, cysts, obstructions and other problems. Nuclear scans give information about the structure and function of the kidneys.

Bone Scans

Bone scans may detect bone tumors, breaks, arthritis and other conditions.

CT Scan

Computed Tomography (CT Scan) also referred to as Computer Aided Tomography (CAT Scan) combines x-rays and computers to image the body. Just about any body part can be imaged (abdomen and pelvis, chest, brain, blood vessels, neck) and typically CT scans are done to look for injuries, tumors, stones, and other disease. A x-ray unit inside a shallow, donut shaped machine produces x-rays, which are collected on the other side of the machine to create cross-sectional image of the body part being examined.

Sometimes radiographic contrast or "x-ray dye" may be needed to better visualize the body part being examined. The dye is injected into a vein in the arm to “highlight” blood vessels and other vascular structures within the body. For CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, oral contrast called barium may be given at least one hour prior to the scan to highlight the stomach and intestinal tract.

Indications for CT Scan Imaging Services include:

Abdomen and Pelvis

A CT scan can evaluate for liver disease, jaundice, abdominal pain, and can determine whether cancer has spread from another part of the body. The scan can look for and bleeding in the liver and/or spleen. CT can evaluate inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder, look for diverticulitis, polyps, and for abscess or infection. A doctor may order a CT for hematuria (blood in the urine), difficult/painful urination, bloody stools, changes in bowel habits, chronic/acute abdominal pain and/or fever, appendicitis, enlarged lymph nodes, evaluate for aneurysm, evaluate blood vessels of upper/lower extremities and head/neck for narrowing or blockage.


A CT scan can evaluate for pneumonia, lung nodules and/or masses, evaluate for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) such as emphysema, evaluate for aneurysm or stenosis (narrowing), chronic cough, fever, chest pain, to evaluate for blood clots within the blood vessels of the lungs.

Head and Neck

CT scan is commonly used to evaluate the brain for stroke and intracranial bleeding (hemorrhage). It can evaluate for brain and neck masses, look at the blood vessels in the brain and neck, and evaluate for skull and cervical (neck) spine fractures.

Extremities and Spine

CT scan can be used to evaluate any bony anatomy and look for fracture in just about any part of the body, from the top of the skull to the base of the feet, including the entire spine and pelvis, the face and any extremities (arms and legs).

CT scan can also be used to evaluate for disc herniations (slipped and torn discs in the back and neck).

Biopsy and /or Drainage

A CT scan can be used to guide a needle or catheter to the area of the body being examined. An Interventional Radiologist, who is a specially trained doctor that can accurately obtain a sample of tissue or fluid for laboratory analysis, performs this procedure.

CTA or (Computed Tomography Angiography)

A CT scan performed specifically to evaluate the blood vessels. It is a less invasive alternative to conventional angiography and involves no sedation. It involves to administration of “x-ray dye” through a vein in the arm, and can image to brain, neck, chest, abdomen/pelvis, and extremities.


A CT scan performed to evaluate the colon or large intestine. This is a less invasive radiology imaging alternative to conventional colonoscopy involving no sedation. Is primarily performed to evaluate for polyps and diverticulitis.


A procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. A catheter is inserted into a vein or artery at the groin. The catheter is maneuvered under x-ray to the affected blood vessel and then a balloon at the end of the catheter is pumped up until the blood vessel is open allowing normal blood flow.

PICC Line Placement (or Radiographic Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter)

An intravenous access line inserted into a vein in the arm for infusion of medications, feedings or drawing blood.


Vertebroplasty is to correct an acute collapse of spinal vertebrae. Under x-ray control a needle is inserted into the collapsed vertebrae and then a cement mixture is injected to stabilize the fracture.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

A catheter is inserted into a vein or artery at the groin. The catheter is maneuvered under x-ray to the blood vessel that feeds the fibroid and then either a gel foam, particles or coils are inserted to cut off the blood flow to the fibroid.

Venous Access Port (Portacath)

A catheter is placed under the skin of the left or right arm. The tip of the catheter is placed in a large central vein called the Superior Vena Cava. The Passport is used for long-term injection of medications or chemotherapy and can be in place for 2 to 3 years.

Dialysis Catheterization Placement and Management

A catheter is placed under the skin of the neck into the jugular vein. The tip of the catheter is placed in a large central vein in the chest and the external tip can then be hooked up to a dialysis machine for treatment of renal failure.


The removal of a sample of tissue or cells from the body for examination. A pathologist usually does the examination of the tissue or cells. The tissue or cells are generally examined under a microscope to determine the presence of any abnormality.


Fluid is removed from an organ or body cavity and then tested.

Needle aspiration

A needle is inserted into a lump, and fluid and/or tissue is removed for examination.

Open biopsy

An incision is made into the breast, and a piece of tissue or the entire lump is removed for examination. Performed by a surgeon in an operating suite.

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Middletown, CT 06457

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