Sharper Images, Better Outcomes: Advanced Imaging Technologies at AGH

When it comes to your health, having clear, accurate answers matters. At AHN Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), our imaging specialists use advanced technologies to see what’s happening inside your body — helping your care team find answers sooner and create the right treatment plan to get you feeling better.

Why might you need medical imaging?

Medical imaging takes pictures of the inside of your body so doctors can better understand what’s going on with your health.

Your primary care physician may refer you to AGH for imaging if you:

• Have a broken bone
• Have chronic or unexplained pain
• Have blood clots or heart issues
• Have had a stroke or other brain condition

“Sometimes an image can reveal exactly what we need to know,” said Jeffrey Mueller, MD, interim chair of the AHN Imaging Institute and division director of cardiothoracic imaging. “The clearer the image, the faster we can guide patients toward the right treatment.”

Diagnostic imaging at AGH

If you need imaging for a diagnosis, there are many different scans available at AGH. Depending on your symptoms or needs, your doctor may recommend:

• X-ray – Takes 2D images of injuries like broken bones. AGH offers walk-in X-ray services for patients who need to be seen quickly.
• Ultrasound – Uses soundwaves to take 3D images when monitoring things like pregnancy or abdominal health.
• CT (computed tomography) scan – Takes 3D images to get information about injuries or conditions like stroke, cancer, or cardiovascular disease.
• PET (positron emission tomography) scan – Takes 3D images to help diagnose and assess treatment response to cancer.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed 3D pictures inside the body. Most commonly used for brain, spine, joints, and solid organs.
• DEXA – Takes 2D X-rays to measure bone strength and check for risk of a fracture.

Before your scan, the radiology team at AGH will talk with you about what to expect, including what to wear and other ways to prepare. How long the exam lasts will depend on the type of image being captured. Some exams, like X-rays, take only a few minutes. Others, like MRIs or CT scans, may take longer and may require injection of dye.

After your imaging is done, AHN radiologists will look closely at the results and share them with your care team to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Interventional radiology: Benefits of less invasive treatment

Doctors at AGH also use advanced technologies to perform minimally invasive surgery using imaging — a specialty known as interventional radiology. These techniques can diagnose or treat many conditions, including bleeding, blood clots, and some cancers.

Minimally invasive procedures guided by medical imaging involve smaller incisions than traditional surgery. Often times, this helps patients recover faster and face fewer side effects. 

“By using advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans, our team can treat complex problems through a tiny incision, often no bigger than a pencil tip,” said Dr. Mueller. “Patients are often amazed at how quickly they’re able to get back to their normal lives.”

Clear images and compassionate care

AHN Allegheny General Hospital’s radiology team is proud to offer advanced imaging technology to help you understand your health and get the right treatment. Learn more about advanced technologies offered at AGH’s Imaging Center.