Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool for the imaging evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders and the first modality of choice for the assessment of soft tissue and joint disease. Ultrasound has several inherent advantages. The dynamic real time nature of Ultrasound often results in a more directed examination specific for the individual. A wide spectrum of pathologic conditions of the musculoskeletal system can be demonstrated:

• Muscles, tendons, ligaments
• Superficial joints
• Shoulder pain
• Shoulder tendon tears ( rotator cuff )
• Hernias
• Soft tissue swellings and bumps
• Foreign bodies
• Bursitis
• Impingement
• Enlarged Cervical Lymph Nodes

Warm gel is placed on the area of the body to be examined. The ultrasound probe is moved around to obtain specific images of the muscle, tendon or soft tissue to be examined such as tears of the rotator cuff or the Achilles tendon in the ankle. Bleeding and other fluid collections within muscles, bursae and joints can also be examined.

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes at the clinic for this test. The patient may be lying on an examination table or sitting in a chair depending on what muscle or tendon is being examined.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

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Areas assessed during a male pelvic ultrasound:
• Bladder (including post void residual when indicated)
• Seminal vesicles
• Prostate (volume only)
• Kidneys
• Aorta
• Appendix when indicated

The patient lies on an examination table. The sonographer uses a transducer or ultrasound probe lubricated with warm gel on the lower abdomen to obtain images of the organs to be assessed. A pelvic ultrasound scan can detect tumors and other conditions relating to the urinary bladder. In males, this scan is used primarily to view the bladder, seminal vesicles and the prostate. Some common indicators of male problems arising from obstructive urinary symptoms are, delay in passing urine, poor flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder and urgency to visit the toilet. Ultrasound can also detect an enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy). A volume measurement can be taken. A transabdominal cannot detect prostate cancer with any confidence.

Note: A full bladder is required for this test so the patient is advised to drink at least 500ml of water an hour prior to the appointment. Be prepared to spend at least twenty minutes at the clinic for this test.

Note: Add an abdominal ultrasound scan to your appointment at no extra cost.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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Areas that may be assessed during a female pelvic ultrasound:
• Bladder
• Appendix when indicated
• Endometrium
• Uterine arteries and other fertility assessment requirements
• Kidneys and Aorta
• Gynaecological ( uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries)

Organs and structures that are solid and uniform like ovaries and uterus or fluid filled like the bladder show up clearly on a pelvic ultrasound. Ultrasound is the most commonly used method to examine the uterus and the ovaries when indicated by abdominal and pelvic pain or menstrual problems such as heavy and painful periods and abnormal intermittent bleeding. Ultrasound can detect cysts, fibroids, endometrial thickening and numerous other uterine and ovarian abnormalities. It is also very useful if there is concern about the position of an intrauterine contraceptive device.

What does Trans-abdominal Pelvic Ultrasound involve?

The patient lies on an examination table. Using a probe lubricated with warm gel, the sonographer moves the probe across the lower abdomen to obtain necessary images of pelvic structures. The full bladder provides a window so that pelvic structures can be visualized. There are times when it is necessary to gather more precise and detailed information and a transvaginal ultrasound will also be indicated. The sonographer will ask you to empty your bladder for this test.

What does the Transvaginal Scan Involve?

A transvaginal ultrasound can provide very detailed information about the uterus, endometrium and ovaries. It is very indicative when following follicle size and number during fertility treatments. A transabdominal ultrasound will always be performed first to give an over view of pelvic structures. The patient then empties her bladder and a specially designed transducer or ultrasound probe is placed within the vagina so that detailed images of the uterus and ovaries can be taken. The patient’s hips are raised on a cushion as she lies on an examination table. The patient is kept well covered by a sheet during the test. The ultrasound probe is disinfected and covered by a sterile sheath.

Note: A full bladder is required for this test so the patient is advised to drink at least 500ml of water an hour prior to the appointment. Be prepared to spend at least twenty minutes at the clinic for this test.

Note: Add an abdominal ultrasound scan to your appointment at no extra cost.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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Ultrasound of the renal tract is a very common request. The patient lies on an examination table and to examine the kidneys the sonographer uses warm gel on the abdomen to visualize and take images of the kidneys. The kidneys are positioned on either side of the spine on the back side of the abdomen.

Ultrasound of the kidneys is a useful screening tool for kidney stones, cysts and masses. It can assess complications of obstructive kidneys stones. It provides useful information when a patient is in renal failure or if there is blood found in the urine. It can also provide information for those suffering from repeated urinary tract infections.

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes at the clinic for this test. There may be an indication that the bladder should be assessed as well and in that instance we may ask you to fill your bladder by drinking several glasses of water.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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The term vascular refers to the blood vessels. Therefore, vascular ultrasound imaging refers to the examination of the body’s circulatory system. This scan studies the speed and volume of blood flow using the Doppler phenomenon.

Strokes secondary to atherosclerotic disease is a major concern. Blood restriction to the brain by a flow limiting narrowing caused by atherosclerotic disease involving the extra-cranial carotid arteries is implicated in approximately 20 to 30% of strokes. Possibly 80% of strokes are thromboembolic ( blood clot) in origin often with carotid plaque as the source. A carotid ultrasound is the most non-invasive and cost effective screening modality to assess and diagnose suspected extra-cranial carotid artery disease.

Areas to be examined are as follows:
• Common carotid artery
• Internal carotid artery
• External carotid artery
• Vertebral artery
• Subclavian artery if indicated

The patient lies on an examination table with the head slightly elevated. The sonographer applies warm gel to the neck area on both the right and left side. The transducer or ultrasound probe is moved around so that images can be taken of the arteries. You will hear the sound of the blood flowing as the sonographer takes measurements of the blood flow. A full report of all the images and measurements taken will be sent to your doctor so the results can be discussed in depth with you at a time convenient for you and your doctor.

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes at the clinic for this test. It depends on whether one or both extremities are being assessed.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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The term vascular refers to the blood vessels. Therefore, vascular ultrasound imaging refers to the examination of the body’s circulatory system. This scan studies the speed and volume of blood flow using the Doppler phenomenon.

Areas to be examined are as follows:
• DVT Deep vein thrombosis ( blood clot ) in arms or legs
• Arteries for flow limiting stenosis (usually leg arteries)
• Peripheral veins to assess varicosities and venous reflux (insufficiency)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome

Ultrasound is currently the most widely used imaging technique in the diagnosis of vascular disease. It can sometimes be used as a stand alone examination. Indications for ultrasound of the peripheral arteries or veins is for swollen legs or arms sometimes caused by a blood clot. Pain in the legs after walking a certain distance is sometimes caused by reduced arterial blood flow to the legs by disease (intermittent claudication). Another indication is varicose veins. The patient is lying down on an examination table or it is sometimes necessary to have them examined while standing to assess the competency of the lower leg veins.

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes at the clinic for this test. It depends on whether one or both extremities are being assessed.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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A complaint of any pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom of an abdominal problem. When this is the case, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan. However, he may also recommend it for other reasons of concern such as findings on a blood test.

Primarily, abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and blood vessels of the abdomen. In addition, the ultrasound can detect stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, cysts, and some tumors. It can also detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm—a fatal condition that can be prevented by early detection.

Areas examined are as follows:
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Aorta

The patient lies on an examination table. The sonographer uses warm gel and an ultrasound probe to look at all the solid upper abdominal organs. Several different positions are used to examine all of the organs from lying on your back to your right and left side. A full report will be sent to your doctor so the results can be discussed in depth with you at a time convenient for you and your doctor.

Note: You must be fasting for at least 8 to 12 hours prior to the scan. You should wear comfortable, loose- fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Be prepared to spend at least thirty minutes at the clinic for this test.

Note: You may add a pelvic ultrasound scan to this same appointment at no extra cost.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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The thyroid gland ultrasound scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure. For this test, the sonographer uses a probe lubricated with a warm gel to get the necessary images. The transducer or probe is moved gently over the anterior neck area.

Thyroid ultrasound is usually performed to assess an existing lump or an enlarged thyroid gland. The ultrasound scan can establish whether the lump is within the gland or outside the gland.

The thyroid ultrasound scan is a very simple exam and does not need any special preparation on the part of the patient.

The patient needs to make an appointment to see his/her GP after we send the result to the doctor. Your doctor is the best person to explain the results of the test and may want to further evaluate your thyroid function through a blood test.

• Thyroid gland (neck swelling)
• Lymph nodes
• Parotid gland
• Submandibular Gland

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes at the clinic for this ultrasound scan.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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Areas to be examined are as follows:
• Kidneys
• Testicles
• Epididymis

Testes or scrotal ultrasound is usually carried out when a patient notices a lump or feels pain in his testicles and/or Testes area. This is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Using a transducer lubricated with warm gel, the sonographer moves the transducer over the scrotum to obtain the necessary images. Both testes, epididymides are examined to characterize any palpable lumps or to identify inflammation in the case of epididymo-orchitis.

This is a very simple procedure and it does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient.

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes at the clinic for this test.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a syndrome characterized by blood flow compromises including both reduced and intermittently reversed (reflux) flow velocities. CCSVI is also reportedly associated with stenosis or obstructions of the jugular and azygos veins and the formation of collateral venous channels. Such a vascular picture was described by Paolo Zamboni in 2008, who also reported an association of CCSVI with multiple sclerosis (MS). The hypothesis has generated optimism and scepticism. CCSVI is currently under research. Examination and treatments are not standard medical methods.

Ultrasonic and venographic examinations of normal controls and patients without MS have demonstrated a much lower prevalence of features of CCSVI. There is need for more research and although we believe that CCSVI exists it is still not proven whether CCSVI is a cause of MS or related to MS in some other manner.

Catheter venography is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of CCSVI but since it is such an invasive test it cannot be used as a screening modality. In contrast ultrasound is an ideally suited non-invasive method of screening and a valuable test, with venography needed when a decision has been made for intervention.

Following the protocol set out by the International Society for Neurovascular Disease we are offering appointments to screen for any features of venous compromise within the jugular and vertebral veins using Doppler ultrasound. Your images will be given to you at the conclusion of the appointment. A formal report will follow.

What you should know:
• Examination will be performed by a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer specially trained to assess for signs of CCSVI
• Doppler ultrasound is a screening imaging modality that assesses the dynamics of blood flow
• Ultrasound can assess venous response to patient positioning
• Ultrasound can assess the valves within the internal jugular veins
• The results of a dynamic ultrasound can only demonstrate features of CCSVI

Note: Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes at the clinic for this test. If stairs are a problem we can arrange an appointment at a more convenient location.

*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate is applied for all scans.

Contact us for more information.

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