Radiology

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Neuroradiology

State-of-the-art imaging is offered by the University of Mississippi Medical Center's neuroradiology department, a branch of radiology dedicated to the diagnosis of diseases of the brain, spine, spinal cord, head, and neck. The minimally invasive techniques used by our radiology specialists help in diagnosis and treatment of conditions including brain aneurysms, stroke, arteriovenous malformations, spinal compression fractures, and tumors in the brain, head, neck, or spine.

Leading technology and advanced training also allows UMMC neuroradiologists to obtain images for similar conditions in unborn babies, a technique known as fetal MRI.

Typical radiographic studies performed and interpreted by UMMC neuroradiologists include magnetic resonance images (MRIs), computed tomography (CT) scans, angiograms, myelograms, discograms, and other complex diagnostic studies for adult and pediatric patients. Results are shared as part of a multidisciplinary team with neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and neuro-intensivists. 

Specialty services we offer

Advanced brain tumor imaging

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is an academic medical center and the only hospital in the state that offers advanced brain tumor imaging, including tumor perfusion and both single and multivoxel spectroscopy. The method helps determine a tumor's grade and spread and answer the difficult question of differentiating between residual tumor and radiation necrosis in patients who have undergone multispecialty management.

Advanced imaging techniques

Our neuroradiologists are the state's only specialists in advanced imaging techniques, which include MRI perfusion, diffusion tensor mapping (DTI), CT angiography, and CT perfusion. These sophisticated techniques help our clinical colleagues quickly and precisely diagnose conditions, such as stroke, that require rapid treatment.

Anesthesia assistance

In conjunction with UMMC Anesthesiology, we also provide sedation or general anesthesia to assist in diagnostic or interventional procedures when needed in children or adults.

Fetal MRI

This new technique allows a fetus to be imaged and various conditions diagnosed prior to birth. The collaboration with UMMC fetal surgeons has helped establish the Children's Hospital as a leader for fetal disorders in the southeastern region. Fetal MRI has lead to early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities, some of which can be treated with intrauterine or immediate postnatal surgical interventions.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and brachial plexus MRI

These studies help specialists diagnose inflammations and trauma to this jaw joint and the nerves of the arm.

Trauma imaging

As part of the state's only Level 1 trauma center, UMMC neuroradiologists are on the forefront of trauma imaging. Emergency CT and MR coverage and interpretations are available 24 hours a day in partnership with the emergency radiology staff.

Tumor mapping for image-guided radiation therapy (IMRT)

Collaborative work with UMMC's otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat) has enhanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Head and neck radiologists are skilled in brain tumor and head and neck tumor imaging and work closely with radiation oncologists to provide image-guided radiation therapy (IMRT).