Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging

Exceptional Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging Services in Central Massachusetts

Accurate imaging is essential when there’s an issue with organs and other structures in your abdominal area or pelvis. At UMass Memorial, you receive services from abdominal radiologists with advanced fellowship training. This additional training assures a high level of expertise, so you can count on us for accurate interpretations.

Conditions Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging Is Used For 

We use this type of imaging to evaluate and guide treatment planning for patients with: 

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
• Bladder problems and erectile dysfunction 
• Digestive disorders 
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Genitourinary cancers
• Kidney disorders
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Uterine fibroids

Types of Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging Studies We Offer

We offer standard and advanced tests, including: 

Fluoroscopy

This technique uses X-rays to create real-time, moving images. We use it to evaluate functions within the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. There are many types, including barium studies that use contrast dye to evaluate the upper or lower digestive system. We also use fluoroscopy to assess issues affecting the bladder and bowels.

CT Scans 

CT scans use X-ray technology to take cross-sectional views (slices). A computer assembles the slices into detailed images, enabling abdominal radiologists to assess the fine details of organs and structures. 

UMass Memorial has a dual-source CT scanner that uses two X-ray sources instead of one. This technology doubles the speed of the scan, reducing your radiation exposure. It also creates crisp images that support comprehensive evaluations.

Abdominal or Pelvic MRI Scans

This test uses radio waves instead of radiation, magnetic fields and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of abdominal and pelvic organs. It provides information about blood flow, organs and whether there’s swelling or tissue damage. We may use MRI to investigate issues such as abdominal pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, lumps and swelling.

Nuclear Medicine Studies

You receive a low dose of radioactive material, and a special camera shows where it is in the body. The material finds its way to unusual cell activity, enabling us to pinpoint the location of tissue damage and diseases.

This advanced imaging test shows how certain abdominal or pelvic organs are functioning. You may also need it if doctors suspect gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancer. Nuclear imaging studies will show signs of cancer before it’s visible through other imaging modalities. 

Abdominal or Pelvic Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to investigate issues involving your abdominal or pelvic organs. The sound waves produce real-time images on a small screen. Ultrasound helps us check for unusually thick or thin tissue, assess blood flow and monitor organ size, shape and positioning.

Abdominal Interventional Radiology

Our team also includes specially trained abdominal radiologists who perform image-guided procedures to screen for, assess and treat a variety of conditions. Procedures we perform include biopsies, ablation (which destroys targeted areas of diseased tissue) and virtual colonoscopy. Learn more about abdominal interventional radiology.