Emergency radiological services are required in conditions where there is an immediate requirement of a medical intervention. These include conditions such as acute stroke, head injury, polytrauma, acute abdominal emergency, pulmonary embolism, and aortic dissection. As radiologists may not always be present on-site, there might be a delay in the treatment. To tackle this problem, Statim healthcare provides services of radiologists operating remotely, who can analyze and interpret the CT, MRI, Xray / ultrasound images in emergency cases.
Computed Tomography (CT):
CT imaging is a widely used imaging modality for emergencies due to its rapid process and simple methodology. It produces high-quality 3D images of the internal anatomy. To further improve the visualization of the images, an iodizing agent is used. Based on the anatomical region assessed, the CT imaging is further subdivided into subcategories such as abdominal CT, brain CT, spinal CT, etc. CT is useful in the detection of acute stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), head injury and intracranial hemorrhage, polytrauma (head–chest–abdomen–pelvis), aortic dissection or rupture, pulmonary embolism, acute abdominal emergencies (perforation, obstruction, ischemia), spinal trauma, and active internal bleeding.
Ultrasound (Bedside STAT imaging):
Ultrasound is widely used in emergency settings, as it is a portable and radiation-free imaging modality. There are eFAST/FAST, Point-of-Care (POCUS), and Doppler ultrasound categories, which are adapted for faster imaging. It is useful in the analysis of several emergency cases. These include free fluid in trauma, ectopic pregnancy, abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute biliary pathology, hydronephrosis, deep vein thrombosis, and cardiac tamponade (echo).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
MRIs are effective in producing high-resolution 3D images; however, they are not typically used in emergency settings due to their constraints. But in some cases, faster imaging modalities such as x-rays may be inadequate to observe the abnormalities in the anatomy. In such cases, MRIs are used as a second-in-line modality, and their protocols can be adapted to produce rapid results. Emergency complications assessed using MRI consist of stroke MRI (diffusion-weighted imaging-based protocols), spinal cord compression, cauda equina syndrome, acute demyelination, and infection (brain abscess, encephalitis).
X-ray:
X-rays are one of the most widely used radiological imaging techniques during emergency/STAT cases. X-rays generate 2D images and are best for hard tissues like bones and supporting structures. It is mostly used as a first-line imaging tool, as it is rapid and simple to perform. It can be adapted for various conditions like chest X-ray (ICU/ER), trauma skeletal surveys, cervical spine X-ray where computed tomography is not available, abdominal X-ray for obstruction or perforation clues, and line and tube placement verification.