Equipped with cutting-edge technology and backed by the expertise of skilled faculties, the Radiology department at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre is one of its kind in the country. The department functions as a Tertiary Referral Centre for Radiology with sub-specialisation and specific focus on Neuroimaging, Functional Neuroimaging, Head and Neck Imaging, Abdomino-pelvic, Chest and Musculoskeletal Imaging along with Interventional Radiology.
The complete range of imaging services are provided for all age-groups of patients, using the latest equipment and techniques. With the highest quality of imaging and image-interpretation, the Radiology department provides a strong foundation for expert care at the hands of our experienced specialists.
With top-of-the-line personnel in the capacity of Division Chiefs for each of the different sub-specialties in Radiology, we are proud to have such valuable experts for our patients.
Technology & Infrastructure
Ergonomically designed, the Radiology department at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre is located on a single floor, close to the OPD clusters, for efficient administration and a better patient experience.
The seamless integration of our digital radiology equipment, HIS (Hospital Information Systems) and the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) ensures real-time transfer of data and reports across the hospital systems, and remote access
We have ensured careful planning and use of various associated diagnostic equipment for specialties like Cardiac Sciences, Pulmonary Medicine, co-located within OPD clusters (Distributed diagnostics).
Cutting-edge Technology:
SOMATOM FORCE CT 384-slice dual source: The ‘first scanner’ of its generation installed in Asia that performs at greater speed, and so reduces radiation exposure. .. Read more:
Somatom Force is the fastest CT scanner made by Siemens. What does this mean to the patient? We can scan the entire chest and abdomen of any patient in just one second! This means that we rarely have “blurred pictures” because of patient movement. This is of great benefit when scanning small children or elderly patients. The Somatom Force can scan 737 mm length per second.
The speed of this scanner allows us to see the arteries supplying the heart (coronary arteries) very clearly without the need to slow the heart down with drugs. This lets us do CT Coronary angiography to look for blocks in these arteries which can cause myocardial infarction (Hear Attacks). This procedure now needs just a few minutes and can be done in all kinds of patients.
This scanner also has a unique ability to find and analyse kidney stones so that the treating surgeon can decide how to treat them. This is possible because of “Dual Energy scanning”. In many cases this can also help in diagnosing joint disease.
This scanner has very low radiation dose for scanning. This is important, because many patients need repeated scanning, and radiation reduction is very important. This can reduce the radiation dose in lung studies by almost 50%.
Very low dose of contrast medium injection is required with an advanced scanner like this. The dose is almost half that required for older scanners with 64 slice.
MRI (3Tesla) – SOMATOM Skyra: The ‘first scanner’ of its generation in Mumbai and the second in India, for high resolution images with greater speed. Read more
The Siemens MRI at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital is one of the latest models with a 3Tesla (3T) magnet and advanced technologies. This scanner has advanced neuroimaging, musculoskeletal, breast, and cardiac imaging capabilities. With consultants who are experts in using the latest techniques.
The advanced capabilities include Functional MRI, Cardiac Imaging, MR elastography, Advanced Liver Imaging etc.
The Lunar iDXA – Bone Densitometry unit: Offers research-grade image resolution, high precision and accommodates obese patients too. Read more..
- BONE DESITY TESTING
- The weight of our entire body is borne by the bones that make up our skeletal system. Every movement needs muscles that move the bones to allow us to stand and walk. The strength of the bones, particularly in the important weight bearing areas, is very important in preserving health and quality of life.
- The measurement of bone density allows us to learn what the risks are of breaking a bone. For many reasons some persons may have reduced bone density, and this increases risk of fractures, and these fractures can take away the ability to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
- The measurement of bone density is done using a technique called as Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). The equipment can measure many things in the composition of the body and the bone. Such a measurement allows us to decide your risk of having fractures and whether you need specific treatment to improve the strength of the bones.
- What can DEXA testing do?
- This test can :
- Tell you if you have reduce density of bones
- Predict you risk of having a fracture in the future
- Measure if the bone density is improving or getting worse
- In case treatment is started for the condition, measure if it is working
- Who Should Be tested?
- Anyone with a fracture who in the opinion of the doctor may have reduced bone density
- Women after menopause, particularly if they have risk factors
- Men over 70 or even earlier if they have certain risk factors.
- Patients with X-Ray of the spine which shows a break or bone loss
- Patients with back pain
- Patients with height loss
- When should the test be repeated?
- If you are on medicines for a problem with bone density, the test is to be repeated once an year or once every two years at the very least. Your doctor will decide how often you need testing in a given situation.
Mammomat Inspiration (for Mammography) with Stereotactic Biopsy unit: Better image quality, decreased amounts of scattered radiation and reduced radiation dose. Read more
- At Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, we use specialized imaging to aid in early detection of breast diseases. We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team offering digital mammography, breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), sonomammography (breast ultrasound), breast elastography, breast mass biopsies, sonography and mammography guided hook-wire placements, breast MRI etc.
- MAMMOGRAPHY:
- What is a mammogram?
- A mammogram is a specialized X-ray of the breast showing small details of breast tissue performed by a trained technician who properly positions and compresses the breasts. It is performed both as a screening test and as a diagnostic exam.
- What are the benefits – why should I undergo this test?
- The early detection of breast cancer can lead to early treatment. Mammograms can detect breast changes which may or may not be felt during a physical examination, including small changes requiring further investigation. The images are then interpreted by a radiologist.
- When should I get a mammogram?
- A screening mammogram is used to detect early breast cancer in women with no symptoms. Screening mammography can begin at age 40 (according to latest American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging guidelines), but some women at high risk of breast cancer may need to start earlier. Discussion with your doctor about your risk for breast cancer and when you should get screened would be worthwhile.
- Diagnostic mammogram is done to evaluate abnormal clinical findings, such as a breast lump, nipple discharge that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammogram to further evaluate the area of concern.
- What is breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammography?
- Breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammography is a newer technique wherein multiple slices of entire breast are taken to better aid in pin pointing size, shape and location of an abnormality. World wide research shows better cancer detection rates and a decrease in call backs as compared to conventional 2D mammography.
- Here, at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre, we have a state-of-the-art Siemens Mammomat equipment with low dose 3D tomosynthesis.
- Is a referral letter needed to get a mammogram?
- A screening mammogram can be scheduled without a referral letter, however, a diagnostic mammogram typically requires one.
- What are the risks?
- Mammograms typically involve a small radiation dose, thus the health risk is very low. The radiation does not remain in the patient’s body after the test. The benefits of detecting small tumors far outweighs the risk associated with radiation exposure.
- Are there any alternatives?
- In case you are pregnant or breast feeding, it is vital to inform prior to undergoing the mammogram. Other appropriate alternative like an ultrasound scan may be performed, if deemed pertinent.
- What I need to do prior to undergoing the mammogram?
- No fasting is required.
- Please bring all your previous investigations (films and reports) when you come for the test.
- You will be asked to undress waist upwards.
- If you have undergone breast implant surgery, any previous breast surgery, chemoport insertion or pacemaker, please inform the technician when you come to the mammography room
- Avoid wearing perfume, lotion, powder or deodorant on your breasts and underarms as it may affect image quality.
- Fall risk assessment:
- If you have any prior history of vertigo, giddiness, vasovagal attacks, difficulty in standing, please inform the technician in the mammogram room.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form which states that you agree to undergo the test and understand what it involves.
- What happens during the procedure?
- Pressure may be felt as each breast will be squeezed by the compression paddle. Women with sensitive breasts may experience some discomfort, please inform the technologist. During tomosynthesis, the tube rotates in an arc-like fashion, your face and other body parts must remain away from the tube to avoid artefacts.
- What happens after I undergo the mammogram?
- The images will be read by a radiologist and sometimes a call back is necessary to further evaluate an area of concern. Though it may seem alarming, many women are called back to help in preparing the most accurate report. If the radiologist spots a potential area of concern, you may be asked to return for additional diagnostic mammogram images or ultrasound.
- After the procedure:
- No special instructions need to be followed, one can pursue normal activities.
- What are the limitations of mammography?
- Dense breast tissue makes it difficult to see a cancer on mammography. In such scenarios, a sonomammogram (breast ultrasound) may be suggested for additional evaluation. Breast implants may block a clear view of tissues underneath and it is advisable to inform the technologist prior to the test.
- SONOMAMMOGRAM & ELASTOGRAPHY:
- Sonomammogram or breast ultrasound is performed using a high-frequency linear transducer, as a solitary test, if performed under the age of 40 years or coupled with mammography for diagnostic indications. It is a safe examination as sonography does not involve radiation. Breast ultrasound elastography is an advanced tool that uses strain or shear-wave technology for quantification of tissue stiffness. It helps in further clarification of breast lesions to improve sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis.
- MRI BREAST:
- MRI Breast is performed at RFH on state-of-the-art 3T MRI with dedicated breast coil typically performed for certain indications like women with high risk or dense breasts. MRI breast is not better than mammography, just different. Examination takes about 45 minutes and nearly always involves a contrast injection. A prescription from your referring doctor will be required prior to making an appointment.
- BREAST INTERVENTIONS:
- Various interventional procedures namely breast lump core biopsy, cyst and abscess aspiration and hook-wire placements are performed under high-frequency ultrasound guidance to improve accuracy of obtaining sample for assessment. Additionally, a suspicious area seen only on MRI can be targeted using our specialized MRI guided biopsy equipment. A prescription from your referring doctor will be required prior to making an appointment for these services.
Fluoroscopy unit, Ultrasound scanners, Portable USG machines, Digital Radiography, Portable X-ray units, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).
Services
Services provided by the Radiology department are at par with international standards and include:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- CT scan (Computerised Tomography scan)
- Mammography (Digitised)
- Bone Densitometry
- Fluoroscopy
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- Second Opinion Service-“We have experts in imaging of specific areas like brain and spinal cord, heart and blood vessels, Abdomen, breast, bones and joints, lungs etc. If you need a second opinion for any reason, you can submit images (on film or CD). You can discuss the findings with our experts by appointment. Limitations imposed by the provided images and protocols used for acquisition of images will apply on imaging done elsewhere. “
Interventional Radiology:
Interventional Radiology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital is at the cutting edge of minimally invasive therapy and provides treatment for vascular and non vascular disease across the entire spectrum of the specialty.
Interventional radiology utilises the imaging capabilities of modern radiology equipment like Digital Subtraction Angiography, CT Scanning and Ultrasound to guide the placement of catheters and needles very very accurately to treat diseases within the human body without cutting it open
The skilled consultants at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital are some of the very best in the country.
Read More about Interventional Radiology and what it can treat….
Peripheral arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease can cause blockages of the arteries supplying the legs and this causes pain while walking. Other patients may have wounds that do not heal. With increasing severity, it can lead to gangrene and loss of the limb. This is especially common in diabetics. Sir HN reliance foundation hospital is fully equipped to diagnose and treat the conditions causing these serious problems. Endovascular treatment for these conditions is low risk and done through small “pinholes” to open up blockages using angioplasty and stents where necessary. The patient does not usually need general anaesthesia, and recovery is very quick. Newer treatments using special devices to remove plaques such as atherectomy etc are also used when required.
Venous Disease:
Venous disease can be mild or severe. Early problems include varicose veins, small or large, mild swelling of legs and ankles etc. More advanced cases can have severe swelling, blackening of skin and significant skin damage leading to wounds that do not heal. The treatment of venous disease can involve dissolving and removing clots in the veins, or blocking veins that have valves that do not work properly. All this is done through “pinholes “with guidance of DSA or Ultrasound with quick and durable treatment and short hospital stays.
Uterine Fibroid :
Uterine fibroids or “Leiomyomas” are common tumours that are not cancerous. These are found in women of child bearing age and can cause many symptoms when large. The symptoms can be excessive bleeding, pain, difficulty with urination or bowel movements etc. These problems can now be solved by blocking the blood supply of these benign tumours using catheters and thus causing them to shrink. This is a short stay procedure and has a very high success rate.
Aortic Aneurysms:
The aorta is the biggest artery in the body. When its wall becomes weak, it enlarges like a balloon and can burst and bleed. This is a life threatening situation. Aneurysms like this are treated by endovascular techniques which are the standard of care for these conditions.
Interventional Radiology in Cancer Patients Liver Tumours:
Cancer of the liver (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) which cannot be operated can be treated by two main techniques using Interventional Radiology:
(a)Transarterial Embolisation with chemotherapy or radiotherapy: in this technique, the tumours are treated through the arteries supplying the tumour to deliver drugs and other agents directly to the cancerous tissue so that the dose to the cancer is high and the side effects are less.
(b)Percutaneous Ablation with a special probe (like a needle) is placed in the tumour under ultrasound or CT scan and the tumour is killed from the inside using Radiofrequency energy, microwaves and other forms of energy. All these special techniques are used at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital for treating these patients.
Jaundice because of Biliary Obstruction:
Many patients with blockage of the bile duct can be treated by placing a stent in the biliary system to reopen it. This procedure can be done under local anaesthesia with ultrasonography and fluoroscopic guidance.
Venous Access:
Patients with cancer frequently need long term chemotherapy through intravenous injections. Interventional Radiologists are experts in placing tubes and access devices in veins that can last for a long period of time. These reduce the need for repeatedly undergoing painful injections and prevent blockage of many veins in the arm.
Portal Hypertension:
Patients with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis frequently start accumulating a lot of water in the abdomen at time. This is very uncomfortable and can be life threatening. Many of these patients also bleed from the veins inside the bowel because of high pressure. A procedure called “Transjugular Intrahepatic Shunt” (TIPS) can be done to bypass the high pressure in the liver and thereby reduce the pressure in the veins which causes these symptoms. This procedure is done through the vein and does not involve any open surgery. This can be very useful in many patients with advanced cirrhosis.
Prostate Enlargement:
Many people with age get a large prostate which can cause difficulties with passing urine. The National Health Service (UK) as well as the FDA (USA) has approved a technique of blocking the blood supply to the prostate thus shrinking it in size so that the urinary symptoms are reduced or eliminated. This is being used as first line treatment at many centres for this common condition.
There are many other conditions and situations in which the accuracy and minimally invasive nature of interventional radiology is making it the first choice treatment for many patients the world over.
Vertebral Column and Joint Pain:
Pain in the back can occur because of many conditions. Painful Tumours and fractures of the vertebral column can be treated using techniques like Vertebroplasty where the painful vertebrae are injected under Image guidance to take away the pain.
Similarly, many conditions of joints can be treated with image guided injections to reduce the pain.
All these are minimally invasive and low risk methods for providing symptomatic relief in suffering patients.
Partners in care
Dr. Abhijit A Raut
Director of Radiology and Imaging
Qualification
MD Radiology
Dr. Rochan Pant
Director
Department
Radiology and Imaging
Qualification
MBBS, MD (Radiology)
Dr. Meher Ursekar
Consultant and Division Head – Neuroradiology
Department
Radiology & Imaging
Dr. Aditya Daftary
Consultant
Qualification
- Certification Board of Nuclear medicine. October 2005
- American Board of Radiology. June 2005 (Recertified 2015)
- American Board of Nuclear Medicine. October 2002
- MBBS from Dr.D.Y.Patil Medical College, University of Mumbai. February 1997
Dr. Ashwin Lawande
Consultant
Qualification
MBBS, DMRD, DMRE, DNB
Dr. Chander Lulla
Consultant
Department
Radiology & Imaging
Qualification
MD (Radiology), DMRD, Mumbai University
Dr. Himanshu S. Choudhury
Consultant
Department
Radiology & Imaging
Qualification
MBBS, DMRD, MD, DNB, MNAMS
Dr. Malini Lawande
Consultant
Department
Radiology & Imaging
Qualification
MBBS, MD, DNB, DMRE
Dr. Nishant Aditya
Consultant
Qualification
MBBS, MD (Radiodiagnosis)
Dr. Rahul Sheth
Consultant
Department
Radiology & Imaging
Qualification
MBBS, DMRD, DNB
Dr. Saba Shaikh
Consultant
Department
Radiology and Imaging
Qualification
MBBS, D.M.R.D., D.M.R.E., DNB (Radiology)
Dr. Saloni Desai
Consultant
Department
Radiology and Imaging
Qualification
MBBS, MD (Radiology), DNB (Radio diagnosis)
Dr. Bharati Singhal
Consultant
Dr. Rajani Krishnan
Consultant