Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine (332385)

About the department

The Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine at the PAN Clinic Cologne offers the full range of medical services in the areas of its specialization. The main focus of the department's clinical practice is imaging diagnostic tests and diagnostics using radioisotopes. In the field of interventional radiology, CT-guided periradicular infiltration therapy is performed for back pain. The Chief Physician of the department is Dr. med. Michael Herbrik.

The medical facility has a modern technical base: advanced systems for computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, 3D mammography, high-resolution 3D ultrasound scanning, digital X-ray, scintigraphy and other tests. When carrying out diagnostic procedures, the doctors strictly observe radiation protection standards, and therefore any risks to the health of patients are excluded. All specialists of the medical facility have excellent qualifications and vast experience that allows them to provide reliable diagnostics using advanced equipment.

The patients are provided with all modern options for comprehensive breast diagnostics. The diagnostic rooms are equipped with devices for 3D mammography, 3D sonography, 4D elastography and duplex sonography of the breast. One of the innovative diagnostic tests in this area is 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which is carried out using the advanced Hologic digital mammography device. This machine makes 1 mm thick slices and allows the doctors to detect the slightest changes in the breast tissues.

An indispensable diagnostic examination for suspected diseases of the internal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, lungs, etc.), bones, joints, spine, nervous system and heart is computed tomography (CT). This examination is an X-ray method, but unlike classical X-ray scanning, the technique allows the doctors to examine organs and anatomical structures layer by layer, which provides detailed images with high spatial resolution. In addition, CT ensures 3D images of the internal organs. The department's doctors perform CT scans on an innovative premium class scanner – Siemens Somatom Definition Edge. One of its main advantages is the use of low doses of radiation during the examination, which do not pose any harm to the patient's health. At the same time, the accuracy of the obtained diagnostic data is at the highest level. In addition, the department's doctors use computed tomography to guide periradicular infiltration therapy for back pain. The method is a sparing minimally invasive procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia.

The department also carries out examinations on advanced 1.5 T open MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging is not an X-ray method. This type of scanning involves the use of the physical phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. MRI scans are highly accurate and are indispensable in the diagnostics of diseases of the brain and spinal cord, spinal column, pelvic organs, kidneys, adrenal glands and other organs. The innovative MRI scanner used in the department is an open device that guarantees the patient maximum comfort during the examination. This is especially important for claustrophobic and obese patients (if the patient weighs more than 120 kg).

In the field of nuclear medicine, the focus is on scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These diagnostic tests are most often indicated for the patients with suspected diseases of the thyroid gland, skeletal bones, heart, kidneys, lungs and liver.

The department's range of medical services includes:

• Diagnostic radiology
  • Computed tomography (CT)
    • Volumetric computed tomography
    • Multislice computed tomography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
    • MR mammography
    • MR angiography
    • Multiparametric-MRI of the prostate
  • 3D mammography
  • 3D sonography, 4D elastography and duplex sonography of the breast
  • Digital radiography
  • Densitometry (bone mineral density measurement)
• Interventional radiology
  • CT-guided periradicular infiltration therapy for back pain
• Nuclear medicine
  • Scintigraphy (thyroid, skeletal, etc.)
  • Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
• Other services