Preventative Screenings

Some of the preventative screenings we offer at AROC include:

Coronary CT Angiography

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) is a new, non-invasive imaging test that produces two- and three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries. It is the only test that can detect, quantify and characterize atherosclerotic plaque from the early stages to eventual calcification. These tests can also identify plaque at risk of rupture that would not be detected by an EKG or stress perfusion.

heart as seen in CT scan

The 64-slice CT used at AROC is the most
advanced scanner of its kind, capable
of producing exceptionally detailed,
precise and vivid images. 
(image from the Cleveland Clinic)

Although catheter angiography is considered the ‘gold standard,’ it is an invasive test and can only provide information about the disease process within the vessel wall. Compared to conventional catheter angiography, CTA (the testing performed at AROC) shows excellent correlation with sensitivities greater than 90% and negative predictive values of as high as 99%.

While not intended as a replacement for cardiac catheterization, CTA is now considered an excellent alternative to catheterization and stress test in certain defined clinical situations including:

  • Patients with certain types of chest symptoms, especially when the likelihood for an angioplasty is low
  • Patients for whom coronary artery disease is suspected but have passed a stress test
  • Patients who refuse a catheterization
  • Patients who have been screened with Doppler or rudimentary imaging and require quantification of carotid artery disease before proceeding to MRA or catheterization
  • Patients who require better evaluation of plaque morphology
  • Patients who have coronary stents or bypass grafts to verify that the arteries are open and functioning properly

For more information on our heart health screenings, follow this link. 

Coronary Calcium Score

Until recently, coronary artery disease (CAD) has been one of the most difficult diseases to detect and prevent. The coronary calcium score has emerged to become one of the most validated tests in modern medicine, and is five times more accurate than the Framingham Risk Assessment model at determining a patient's risk for coronary artery disease.

Endorsements from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and NCEP ATP III in recent years have increased the popularity of this test among doctors and patients, and have finally given the calcium score—now more than a decade in existence—the credit it merits.

For intermediate risk patients, this low-cost, elective test can provide invaluable information for the primary care physician. It can more accurately identify patients requiring cholesterol-lowering therapy, helping to reduce instances of unnecessary, costly medication. The test is also used to effectively measure response to targeted therapy over time.

The coronary calcium score is non-invasive, and the 64-slice CT scanner we use at AROC delivers a lower radiation dose than previous generations of CT scanners.

After the test, we issue your physician a complete report, including a description of the scores and recommended treatment protocols. If desired, our cardiologists are available to discuss the results in greater detail.

For more information on our heart health screenings, follow this link. 

 

Carotid Ultrasound
This fast, non-invasive (and radiation-free) test uses ultrasound to look at blood vessels within the neck. It looks for the presence of atherosclerotic plaque, which could lead to stroke and may indicate the presence of other cardiovascular diseases.
NOTE: The Heart Scan (CCS) and Carotid Ultrasound can be performed without a physician referral. CT Angiography does require a referral from you doctor.

Carotid Ultrasound

This fast, non-invasive (and radiation-free) test uses ultrasound to look at blood vessels within the neck. It looks for the presence of atherosclerotic plaque, which could lead to stroke and may indicate the presence of other cardiovascular diseases. (For more information on our ultrasound options, follow this link.)

 

Virtual Colonoscopies

Virtual colonoscopy is an easy and safe alternative to traditional colonoscopy testing that provides a very accurate and detailed look at the interior of the colon. Virtual colonoscopy is as effective as a standard colonoscopy in detecting even small infiltrating cancers of the colon and can visualize polyps and tumors as small as 6 millimeters.

The test performed at Associated Radiologists of Clarkston is minimally invasive and does not require a heavy prep or a five-foot optical scope. Because there is no sedation or hospital stay required and takes only 5 to 10 minutes, you can resume normal activities immediately following the test.

Good candidates for a Virtual Colonoscopy include patients who:

  • have medical conditions such as COPD
  • are allergic to sedative medications
  • have no personal history of colon cancer
  • have no personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
  • have had an incomplete colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
  • are on blood thinners

Your doctor will have your test results within 24 hours.