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What We Do

A Wide Range of State-of-the-Art Services

The clinic provides services in all imaging modalities using the latest technology:


General radiology, diagnostic mammography, bone density and fluoroscopy (gastrointestinal procedures) are covered by the Quebec health insurance (RAMQ). The other modalities are moderately priced and are generally covered by private health insurance plans.

Digital Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast where compression is applied to the breast. This results in a better quality image, lower dose of radiation and spreads out the tissues. The radiologist then looks for possible abnormalities such as cysts, tumours, etc. which can be benign or malignant. Early detection of any such abnormalities is very important making regular check-ups an essential diagnostic tool. Typically, the mammogram examination takes 15 to 20 minutes.

There is sometimes the possibility that we call a patient back for additional views if an area of the breast was not clear on the routine images or if questions still remain unanswered with the images already acquired.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2701

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is a diagnostic process by which a very low dose of x-ray is passed through an instrument to measure the calcium content of the bone, usually the spine and hip areas. Early detection of a low mineral content (osteoporosis) enables the doctor to start treatment before any fractures occur. This test is especially important for post-menopausal women but should be done pre-menopausal as well in order to establish a baseline reading. The patient is asked to lie on a bed and rest comfortably. The machine arm passes over the body during the exam and captures the information necessary to measure the bone density. A computer program deciphers the data and produces a graphical report with measurements. An x-ray of the lumbar spine is also performed with the bone densitometry to assist in the interpretation of the results. Typically, the exam takes 30 minutes.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2701

Gastro-Intestinal Tract

There are several different studies done, to evaluate the state of the gastro-intestinal tract. Each of these requires the administration of Barium liquid.

Barium Swallow is done for the throat area. It is typically recommended if there is difficulty in swallowing food. The patient will be required to stand and drink barium while images are obtained. This exam takes 15 minutes without special preparation.

Barium Meal (Upper G.I.) is done for the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is usually ordered to diagnose ulcers. This exam typically takes 15 minutes with a preparation prior to the exam. The patient will be required to drink a glass of barium with some pills that create gas in the stomach. (Patient should be fairly mobile for this exam.)

Preparation

Small Bowel Follow-Through demonstrates the approximately 26 feet of small bowel. This is usually ordered to assess mal absorption disease and inflammations of the bowel (such as Crohn's disease). This exam can take from 20 minutes to 3 hours depending on how fast the digestive system works before the barium reaches the end of the small bowel. This exam requires fasting and preparation. The patient will be required to drink approximately 2 to 3 glasses of barium for this exam.

Preparation

Barium Enema is an exam that focuses on the large bowel. It seeks to see the large bowel through a tube inserted into the rectum. A small amount of barium and air are introduced to produce a double contrast effect. This enables the capture of images that allows the radiologist to evaluate the state of this organ. Typically this takes 30 - 40 minutes and requires 24 - 48 hours of fasting and preparation.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2715

Panorex

This is a radiograph of the full mouth. This is prescribed to see the position of the teeth and state of the roots. This exam takes 10 minutes.

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2701

CT Scan

The CT scanner allows the acquisition of transverse images of the body.

The patient is placed on a table that moves inside the ring; this ring contains an x-ray tube that rotates around the patient. Facing the tube there are thousands detectors that will receive information, and from all this data, a very powerful computer will produce clear images of 1-10 mm in thickness.

At some point during the exam an injection of a contrast agent may be required. This is required in order that certain tissues stand out better in the picture.

Westmount Square Medical Imaging clinic is equipped with a multi-slice helical scanner. This allows for example to perform an abdominal study in less than 30 seconds. The helical mode allows us as well to obtain very precise images that can be reconstructed in different planes or in 3D.

Further, the CT Scan used at the clinic contains very advanced software that measures the beam's radiation intensity necessary for each patient. This results in reducing the radiation dosage without losing or affecting the image quality. We offer a complete series of procedures including specialized examinations:

Maxillary pre-implants study (Dentascan): in supplying a tridimensional images, the scanner allows to confirm the presence or absence of anatomical limitations for implants, and help to prevent unecessary complications.

Angio-scan: tridimensional study of the vascular system of the head or abdomen.

Arthro-scan: after contrast injection within a joint (ankle, shoulder, etc) the CT Scan produces very fine cuts of the examined region.

WSMI is constantly seeking new medical imaging procedures elaborated in the United-States and worldwide. Our team of specialists will offer you soon still more specialized exams.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2715

Virtual Colonography

Virtual Colonography is a screening technique for the colon using a CT Scanner. A small tube is inserted into the rectum and the colon is inflated with air. An intravenous injection of an antispasmodic medication (Buscopan) is given prior to the administration of air to reduce the natural movement of the colon and cramping. This procedure enables the radiologist to visualize the entire colon reaching all the way to the cecum and determine the presence of a lesion. Since V.C. scans the abdomen and pelvis, nearby organs are also included in the study and incidental assessment can be useful. The exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2715

Cardiac Scoring

Cardiac Scoring is a CT examination of the coronary arteries. The software tool on the CT Scanner determines the amount of calcium and plaque in a person's arteries. It is a test that attempts to estimate a person's risk of heart disease.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2715

Chest Screening

Chest Screening is an examination performed by CT scan to assess for lung cancer. The CT allows the radiologist to visualize the lungs and detect abnormalities not seen on x-rays.

No preparation needed

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2715

CT Enterography

CT Enterography is a CT examination geared towards assessing the small bowl. The patient is asked to drink 4 cups of whole milk (1 cup every 15 minutes) starting one hour before the exam. An intravenous injection of an antispasmatic medication is also administered before the exam to relax the bowel. This exam also requires the injection of iodine contrast and therefore a recent creatinine is required before making an appointment.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2715

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a way to take pictures of the inside of the body. It is based on magnetism which is a natural force all around us. MRI uses a tunnel-like magnet to set up a strong magnetic field around the patient. Radio waves are transmitted and pass inside the body.

MRI does not use X-rays and is not known to be harmful. It is also painless. At some point during the exam an injection of a contrast agent may be required. This is required in order that certain tissues stand out better in the picture.

It is not okay to have an MRI examination if you have:

• A cardiac pacemaker;
• An aneurysm clip in your head;
• Shrapnel or bullets in your body;
• An ear implant (cochlear);
• Metal in the eye;

Questionnaire

These metal items are okay:

• A metal prosthesis;
• Certain other non-magnetic implanted devices (e.g. an intrauterine device);
• Dental fillings.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2702

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a painless and essentially a non-invasive test used to image different areas of the body. Ultrasound uses sound waves and a type of a sonar detection system to generate images. These images enable the radiologist who is a specialist in diagnostic imaging to determine if there are any problems.

During the test an ultrasonographer or a doctor will apply some clear non-allergenic, non-staining water based gel to the body part in question. This will allow contact with the surface of the probe used to take images. Most often, the sensor just contacts the skin surface while other times pressure may be necessary to acquire an ideal picture, which may cause some discomfort, but this is rare.

During the test there may be some loud noises like ocean waves or your hearbeat.

This is a way for the instrument to measure blood flowing in the veins or arteries. Unlike other imaging modalities, ultrasound is interactive, between the patient, the ultrasonographer and the radiologist. There are no side effects to ultrasound examinations.

Requisitions for abdominal, pelvis, endovaginal or muskulo-skeletal ultrasounds must be faxed to the clinic for protocol. The patient must bring in on the day of the exam any pertinent films and/or reports.

Preparation

To schedule an appointment, please call (514) 939 9764 Ext 2714