Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic Imaging - West Toronto

Diagnostic Imaging at Trillium - West Toronto offers a full range of diagnostic services with new state-of-the-art equipment and an ongoing refurbishment master plan.

Bone Densitometry

The measurement of bone density is a major advancement in the new preventative approach for the treatment of osteoporosis. New computerized equipment with continuing software upgrades measures central bone density on the spine and hip.

CT Scan

With computer-assisted digital images, the CT Scanner has become a major role player in the diagnosis of abnormalities of the entire body, but particularly in the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. It also plays a key role in assessing the spine, particularly evaluating disc disease.

Assessment of the head includes evaluation of the brain as a first line investigative procedure for headache and stroke, but is also very useful in evaluating the sinuses.

General Radiology

All aspects of general radiology are offered including examination of the bony skeleton, particularly in trauma, chest x-rays and examinations of the abdomen and pelvis.

Mammography

The importance of mammography for the early detection of breast cancer is well established. With new low dose equipment, both screening and diagnostic mammography is carried out, often in conjunction with ultrasound. The department will soon become a screening centre in conjunction with The Ontario Breast Screening Program.

Nuclear Medicine

New advanced equipment provides information of both structure and function of virtually every major organ system of the body. The main indications include the following:

1. Imaging of the bony skeleton for occult fractures, the presence or absence of malignancy and infection.
   
2. Imaging and function of the thyroid gland.
   
3. Imaging of the heart following exercise to evaluate the presence or absence of ischemia prior to cardiac bypass surgery and angioplasty.
   
4. To evaluate kidney function.
   
5. The lungs can be examined to diagnose pulmonary embolus.
   
6. Examination of the brain can be carried out and is particularly helpful in diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease.

Ultrasound

Three new state-of-the-art ultrasound machines provide:

1. Abdominal ultrasound used mainly to assess the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys and spleen.
   
2. Pelvic ultrasound to assess bladder, uterus, ovaries and prostate.
   
3. Obstetrical ultrasound to evaluate both early pregnancy and a detailed assessment at 18 weeks.
   
4. Doppler ultrasound which has the ability to evaluate blood flow and is particularly useful to evaluate the carotid arteries and the arterial system of legs to assess for stricture and plaque formation. It is also useful to evaluate the venous system for deep vein thrombosis.
   
5. Muscular Skeletal ultrasound, a relatively new application of ultrasound that is particularly helpful in evaluating the shoulder for rotator cuff tears.
   
6. Ultrasound Biopsy is especially useful for biopsy procedures of the breasts, prostate, abdominal organs and for guiding the aspiration of excess fluid in the chest and abdomen.