Image
The Department of Radiology at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram, provides diagnostic imaging and image-guided treatment for adults and children. Services include X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry, nuclear medicine, PET-CT and interventional radiology procedures performed under imaging guidance.
Imaging supports diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up across almost every medical and surgical specialty. It can identify a fracture, assess a suspected stroke, help stage cancer, investigate sudden breathlessness or guide a biopsy. Timely imaging and a clear report help the treating team decide what should happen next. Emergency imaging and reporting are provided for time-sensitive conditions such as stroke and major trauma.
Radiologists are doctors trained to interpret medical images and perform image-guided procedures. They work with referring specialists, review complex findings in multidisciplinary meetings and advise on the most appropriate investigation for the clinical question. The choice of test takes account of symptoms, age, pregnancy, kidney function, implanted devices, previous imaging and the need to limit radiation exposure.
Our Radiology Team
Imaging at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram, is provided by consultant radiologists with experience in cross-sectional imaging, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, women's imaging, interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. The multidisciplinary team includes radiographers, sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, imaging nurses and radiation safety personnel. Radiologists review complex cases with the treating teams and contribute to multidisciplinary clinical meetings. Our specialists include:
- Radiology
Radiology and Imaging
28+ years ,
MBBS, MD (Radiology), Fellowship – Interventional Radiology
Radiology and Imaging
12+ years ,
MBBS, MD (Radio-diagnosis), Fellowship in Breast Imaging
- Cancer Detection, Staging and Treatment
- Brain, Spine and Neurological Conditions
- Chest and Lung Conditions
- Abdominal and Digestive Conditions
- Bone, Joint and Injury Conditions
- Heart and Blood Vessel Conditions
- Women's Health and Pregnancy
- Kidney and Urinary Conditions
Cancer Detection, Staging and Treatment
- Cancer detection and diagnosis: Imaging can identify a mass, describe features that raise or lower concern for cancer and guide a needle biopsy. Imaging alone cannot always determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant, so tissue sampling may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
- Cancer staging and treatment response: CT, MRI, PET-CT and other studies help determine the extent of cancer, plan treatment and assess response. Comparison with earlier scans helps radiologists distinguish stable findings from new or changing disease.
- Image-guided cancer treatment: Selected tumors in the liver, kidney, lung and other organs can be treated with thermal ablation or catheter-based therapies. These treatments are considered alongside surgery, radiation therapy and systemic treatment according to the tumor type, location and the patient's overall condition.
Brain, Spine and Neurological Conditions
- Stroke: A non-contrast CT scan can quickly identify bleeding in the brain and may show other causes of sudden neurological symptoms. CT angiography, CT perfusion or MRI can provide further information about blocked vessels and brain tissue at risk, helping the stroke team select appropriate treatment.
- Head injury and bleeding within the skull: CT can detect skull fractures, brain injury and collections of blood that may need urgent treatment. Worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing drowsiness, confusion, seizures or new weakness after a head injury requires prompt medical assessment.
- Brain and spinal tumors, seizures and headache: MRI provides detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, optic pathways and pituitary gland. Most headaches do not require imaging, so scans are recommended when symptoms, examination findings or warning signs suggest an underlying cause.
- Spinal disc disease and cord compression: MRI can show discs, nerve roots, the spinal cord and surrounding soft tissues. Back pain accompanied by new limb weakness, numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control requires emergency assessment.
Chest and Lung Conditions
- Pneumonia, tuberculosis and other lung infections: A chest X-ray is often the first imaging test. CT may be used when the findings are unclear, the illness is severe or a complication is suspected.
- Interstitial lung disease: High-resolution CT can show patterns of inflammation and fibrosis that help clinicians classify the condition and plan further assessment or treatment.
- Pulmonary embolism: CT pulmonary angiography is commonly used to look for clots in the pulmonary arteries when clinical assessment suggests a pulmonary embolism. The need for imaging is based on symptoms, examination findings and pre-test probability.
- Lung nodules and lung cancer: CT can detect and characterize pulmonary nodules and masses. Assessment considers size, shape, growth, smoking history and previous imaging. Many nodules are benign and need only follow-up imaging, while others require PET-CT, biopsy or specialist review.
Abdominal and Digestive Conditions
- Gallstones, liver and pancreatic disease: Ultrasound is often the first test for the gallbladder and liver. CT, MRI and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, or MRCP, provide more detailed assessment of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts when needed.
- Appendicitis, bowel obstruction and acute abdominal pain: Ultrasound and CT help identify the cause of acute abdominal pain and detect conditions that require urgent medical or surgical treatment.
- Fatty liver and liver fibrosis: Ultrasound can show changes associated with fatty liver, although mild disease may not always be visible. Elastography measures liver stiffness and can support assessment of fibrosis without a biopsy.
Bone, Joint and Injury Conditions
- Fractures and trauma: X-ray is usually the first test for a suspected fracture. CT provides more detail for complex injuries and surgical planning, while MRI can identify bone and soft tissue injuries that may not be visible on an X-ray.
- Ligament, cartilage and tendon injuries: MRI shows the soft tissue structures of joints such as the knee, shoulder and ankle. Ultrasound can assess superficial tendons and allows dynamic examination during movement.
- Arthritis and joint inflammation: X-rays show alignment and established joint damage. Ultrasound and MRI can detect inflammation, fluid and selected early changes in the joints and surrounding tissues.
- Osteoporosis: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, commonly called DEXA or DXA, measures bone mineral density and helps estimate fracture risk.
Heart and Blood Vessel Conditions
- Coronary artery disease: CT coronary angiography provides detailed images of the coronary arteries and can assess plaque and narrowing in appropriately selected patients. The test is chosen according to symptoms, heart rate, kidney function and overall clinical risk.
- Vascular disease: Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography and MR angiography assess blood flow, narrowing, aneurysms and clots in arteries and veins.
- Internal bleeding: CT and angiography can identify active bleeding after trauma, from the digestive tract or following childbirth. Interventional radiology can treat selected cases by blocking the responsible blood vessel with a catheter.
Women's Health and Pregnancy
- Breast symptoms and screening: Mammography and ultrasound assess breast lumps, pain and other symptoms and are used for screening according to age and individual risk. Image-guided biopsy provides tissue for diagnosis when an abnormality needs further evaluation.
- Gynecological conditions: Ultrasound and MRI assess fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic masses and the uterine lining in people with abnormal bleeding.
- Pregnancy assessment: Ultrasound confirms pregnancy location and gestational age, supports screening, examines fetal anatomy and monitors growth, amniotic fluid and blood flow later in pregnancy.
- Uterine fibroids: Uterine artery embolization treats selected symptomatic fibroids by reducing their blood supply. Suitability is assessed alongside surgical and medical options, taking symptoms and future pregnancy plans into account.
Kidney and Urinary Conditions
- Kidney stones and urinary obstruction: CT can identify stones and blockage of urine flow. Ultrasound is preferred in pregnancy and is often used in children or when radiation should be avoided. A nephrostomy tube can be placed through the skin under imaging guidance when a blocked kidney requires urgent drainage.
- Kidney masses and cysts: Ultrasound, CT and MRI help characterize renal lesions and determine whether they need follow-up, biopsy or treatment.
- Image-guided biopsy
- Drainage procedures
- Nephrostomy and urinary drainage
- Biliary drainage and stenting
- Vascular access procedures
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Embolization
- Uterine artery embolization
- Varicocele and varicose vein treatment
- Tumor ablation
- Transarterial liver tumor therapy
- Vertebral augmentation
- Inferior vena cava filter placement
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Targeted radionuclide therapy
- Ultrasound-guided injections and aspirations
Image-guided biopsy
Tissue can be sampled from the lung, liver, kidney, thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, bone and other sites under ultrasound, CT, mammographic or fluoroscopic guidance. The sample is examined by pathology to establish the diagnosis.
Drainage procedures
A catheter can be placed to drain an abscess, infected collection, pleural fluid, abdominal fluid or another collection. Imaging helps select a safe path and confirm catheter position.
Nephrostomy and urinary drainage
A tube is placed through the skin into the kidney to relieve urinary obstruction and protect kidney function. It may be performed urgently when obstruction is accompanied by infection or impaired kidney function.
Biliary drainage and stenting
A blocked bile duct can be drained or stented under imaging guidance when endoscopic treatment is not possible, has not worked or is not appropriate.
Vascular access procedures
Image-guided insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters, tunneled catheters and implanted ports for people who need longer-term intravenous treatment. Interventional radiology also treats selected narrowed or blocked dialysis access circuits.
Angioplasty and stenting
A balloon, and sometimes a stent, is used to open a narrowed or blocked artery through a small arterial puncture. Suitability depends on symptoms, anatomy, circulation and other treatment options.
Embolization
A catheter is used to block a blood vessel deliberately. Embolization can control selected cases of bleeding after trauma, gastrointestinal hemorrhage or childbirth and can treat some aneurysms, vascular malformations and tumors.
Uterine artery embolization
Treatment for selected symptomatic fibroids that reduces their blood supply. Benefits, possible effects on fertility and pregnancy, and surgical alternatives are discussed before treatment.
Varicocele and varicose vein treatment
Catheter-based embolization can be used for selected varicoceles, while endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation treats selected varicose veins.
Tumor ablation
Heat or cold delivered through a needle can destroy selected tumors in the liver, kidney, lung, bone and other sites. Ablation may be used alone or with surgery, radiation therapy or systemic treatment after multidisciplinary review.
Transarterial liver tumor therapy
A catheter is used to deliver embolic material, chemotherapy or radioactive microspheres into arteries supplying a liver tumor. The treatment is considered for selected primary and metastatic liver tumors.
Vertebral augmentation
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be considered for selected patients with persistent pain from a vertebral compression fracture after clinical assessment and imaging review. It is not appropriate for every spinal fracture.
Inferior vena cava filter placement
A filter may be placed in the inferior vena cava for selected patients with acute venous thromboembolism who cannot receive anticoagulation or have another specific indication. Retrievable filters should be reviewed for removal when protection is no longer needed.
Radioactive iodine therapy
Radioactive iodine is used to treat selected cases of hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer. The dose, admission requirements and precautions around other people vary according to the indication.
Targeted radionuclide therapy
A radioactive substance linked to a molecule targets specific tumor cells. These treatments are used for selected neuroendocrine tumors, prostate cancers and other conditions after confirming that the tumor has the relevant target.
Ultrasound-guided injections and aspirations
Ultrasound guides needle placement for selected joint, tendon sheath and bursal injections and for aspiration of cysts, fluid collections and joint effusions.
- CT imaging
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- Digital radiography
- Picture archiving and communication system
- Interventional imaging
- Radiation safety
CT imaging
Modern multi-detector CT scanners can acquire images quickly, reducing movement and breath-hold time. Automated exposure control, iterative reconstruction and examination-specific protocols help keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Pediatric protocols adjust settings for a child's size.
MRI
MRI provides detailed soft tissue images without ionizing radiation. It is particularly useful for the brain, spine, joints, heart, abdomen and pelvis and for selected imaging during pregnancy and childhood. MRI safety screening remains essential because of the strong magnetic field.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging without ionizing radiation. It can be used at the bedside, in the operating room and in critical care and can guide biopsies, drainage procedures and vascular access.
Digital radiography
Digital systems display images quickly and allow image processing, secure storage and comparison with previous studies. Radiation exposure is adjusted to the body part and clinical question.
Picture archiving and communication system
A PACS stores imaging studies digitally, allowing radiologists to compare current and previous examinations and share images and reports with treating teams.
Interventional imaging
Real-time fluoroscopy, ultrasound and CT guidance support catheter- and needle-based procedures for bleeding, vascular disease, obstruction and selected tumors.
Radiation safety
Imaging protocols use the lowest radiation dose that can answer the clinical question. Equipment quality assurance, staff monitoring, facility design and regulatory licensing support safe practice.
1
What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?
CT uses X-rays and acquires images quickly, making it useful for the lungs, bones, acute bleeding and many emergencies. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and provides detailed images of soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, joints, heart and pelvic organs. The most appropriate test depends on the clinical question.
2
Are X-rays and CT scans dangerous?
X-rays and CT scans use ionizing radiation, but the dose is controlled and the test is recommended when the expected diagnostic benefit outweighs the radiation risk. CT generally involves more radiation than a plain X-ray. Ultrasound and MRI do not use ionizing radiation. Unnecessary repeat imaging should be avoided, so bring previous scans whenever possible.
3
Is MRI safe? What if I am claustrophobic?
MRI does not use ionizing radiation and is safe for most people, but the strong magnetic field requires careful screening. Tell the team about any pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant, aneurysm clip, metal fragment or other implanted device. If enclosed spaces are difficult, discuss this before the appointment so the team can plan appropriate support, which may include relaxation measures or prescribed medication.
4
Is contrast material safe?
Most people receive contrast without a serious problem, but reactions and kidney-related considerations are possible. Tell the team about any previous contrast reaction, kidney disease, pregnancy, asthma, significant allergies and all medicines you take. Kidney function testing and changes to medicines such as metformin are needed only in specific clinical situations, based on the type of contrast and the patient's kidney function.
5
Will I be told the sex of my baby during an ultrasound?
No. Prenatal sex determination and disclosure are prohibited under Indian law. The ultrasound focuses on the health, growth and development of the fetus.
6
Can I have a scan during pregnancy?
Yes, when imaging is clinically needed. Ultrasound is usually the first choice, and MRI without contrast can be used when it provides useful information. X-ray or CT should not be withheld in an urgent situation when it is the best test, but the examination is planned to keep radiation exposure as low as possible. Gadolinium contrast is generally avoided during pregnancy unless it is essential. Always tell the imaging team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
7
How should I prepare for my scan?
Preparation depends on the examination. Some abdominal ultrasounds require fasting, selected pelvic ultrasounds require a full bladder, PET-CT usually requires fasting and blood glucose preparation, and MRI requires removal of metal objects. Follow the instructions provided when the scan is booked and bring previous images and reports.
8
How long will it take to receive my report?
Reporting time depends on the type and urgency of the examination, whether previous studies need comparison and whether the radiologist needs to discuss the findings with the treating team. Emergency findings are communicated promptly.
9
Can the radiologist tell me the result immediately?
Urgent or important findings are communicated to the referring team promptly. The formal report is issued after the radiologist has reviewed the complete study and compared it with previous imaging where relevant. The treating doctor will explain the findings alongside symptoms, examination results and other tests.
10
My scan report mentions something unrelated to my symptoms. Should I be worried?
Incidental findings are common. Many are harmless and require no action, while others need comparison with earlier imaging, follow-up or additional assessment. Discuss the finding with your treating doctor rather than assuming that it represents a serious condition.
11
Can I get a second opinion on a scan performed elsewhere?
Yes. A radiology second opinion requires the original images as well as the report and relevant clinical details. Images may be provided through a secure digital link, disc or another accepted format.
12
Is an image-guided biopsy painful?
Local anesthesia is used for most needle biopsies, so patients commonly feel a brief sting followed by pressure. The procedure time and observation period vary with the organ sampled and the type of biopsy. Tell the team about blood thinners, bleeding disorders, allergies and other medicines before the procedure.
13
What is interventional radiology, and how is it different from surgery?
Interventional radiology uses ultrasound, X-ray, CT or other imaging to guide needles and catheters through a small puncture. It can be used to take biopsies, drain collections, stop bleeding, open blocked vessels and treat selected tumors. It is less invasive than open surgery, but it is not suitable for every condition.
14
Is nuclear medicine dangerous? Will I be radioactive?
Diagnostic nuclear medicine uses a small amount of radioactive tracer. It leaves the body over time, and any precautions depend on the tracer and examination. Therapeutic doses, including radioactive iodine and other radionuclide treatments, require specific temporary precautions around other people, particularly children and pregnant women. The nuclear medicine team provides written instructions.
15
Why did my doctor order a scan when another doctor said it was unnecessary?
Imaging is chosen for a specific clinical question. A test that is useful for one set of symptoms may add little for another, and unnecessary imaging can lead to radiation exposure, incidental findings and further testing. Ask the referring doctor what question the scan is expected to answer.
16
Should I bring my previous scans?
Yes. Comparison with earlier imaging can show whether a finding is new, stable or changing and may prevent unnecessary repeat tests. Bring the images and reports in the format requested by the hospital.
17
Are scans safe for children?
Imaging is selected according to the child's symptoms and age. Ultrasound and MRI are preferred when they can answer the question without ionizing radiation. When an X-ray or CT is necessary, pediatric protocols adjust the dose to the child's size. Some young children need sedation for MRI or another lengthy examination, which requires separate assessment and monitoring.
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This page is for general awareness. Which investigation is appropriate, and how findings are interpreted, varies from patient to patient and is decided in consultation with the referring doctor.
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