Chest Imaging

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s radiology experts use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose, treat, and monitor chest (thoracic) conditions and provide visual guidance during procedures.

Our dynamic and innovative radiology service is committed to achieving the highest standards of patient care and staying on the leading edge of new developments and clinical applications in the ever-changing field of medical imaging.

Advanced Imaging to Look Inside the Lungs, Chest, and Middle Back

Advanced imaging enables our specialized physicians to look inside the chest, often eliminating the need for exploratory surgery.

UT Southwestern’s Chest and Thoracic Imaging Program provides patients with comprehensive imaging and diagnostic services for disorders in the lungs, chest, and middle back, such as lung cancer, suspected lung lesions, and pulmonary nodules.

Our physicians specialize in the early detection and diagnosis of diseases that affect the cardiovascular system. Their clinical experience encompasses critical care and computed tomography (CT) imaging, inpatient and outpatient imaging interpretation, and various interventional procedures.

Our team often works with UT Southwestern’s cardiovascular imaging specialists to evaluate and treat patients with pulmonary (lung) conditions.

How Chest and Thoracic Imaging Works

Our specialized radiologists use sophisticated imaging technologies such as CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the interior of the chest and evaluate organ function.

These cutting-edge imaging tools allow our physicians to make the most informed and accurate diagnoses and prescribe targeted treatments and therapies.

Chest and Thoracic Imaging Services

UT Southwestern offers chest and thoracic imaging exams that include:

• CT scan (computerized tomography)
• Chest radiography (X-rays)
• Combined positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scanning
• CT-guided biopsies and drainage
• Fluoroscopy
  
• Cardiac MR scan (magnetic resonance)

Clinical Trials

As one of the nation’s top academic medical centers, UT Southwestern offers clinical trials aimed at improving radiologic imaging.

Clinical trials can give patients access to leading-edge imaging technologies that are not yet widely available. Eligible patients who choose to participate in one of UT Southwestern’s clinical trials might benefit from imaging technologies years before they are available to the public.