Ultrasound is considered one of the most reliable diagnostic methods in modern medical practice. Its key advantages include being safe, fast, non-invasive, and low-cost. Most importantly, it emits no radiation, making it ideal for repeated use—even in pregnant women and young children. New-generation machines produce high-definition images, enabling diagnosis of numerous conditions. All ultrasound exams are performed by qualified and experienced radiologists, with 24/7 service available year-round.
Ultrasound Equipment at Hygeia:
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1 GENERAL ELECTRIC LOGIC E9
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1 GENERAL ELECTRIC LOGIC E7
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1 ACUSON NX2 SIEMENS
Types of Ultrasound:
Abdominal ultrasound – Evaluates liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, aorta, and adrenal glands. Used for abdominal pain, stones, lesions, aneurysms, etc.
Pelvic ultrasound – In women, for uterus, ovaries, bladder. In men, for prostate, seminal vesicles, and residual urine.
Transrectal ultrasound – Targets the prostate. Requires prior preparation. May be used for biopsy.
Thyroid ultrasound – Assesses thyroid morphology and nodules. No preparation needed.
Neck ultrasound – Evaluates thyroid, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and soft tissue lesions.
Breast ultrasound – Ideal for women with dense breast tissue or palpable lumps, especially as a complement to mammography.
Scrotal ultrasound – Used for testicles, epididymis, inflammation, varicocele, and torsion.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound – Helps assess joints, tendons, and soft tissue abnormalities such as inflammation or fluid accumulation.
Doppler ultrasound – Evaluates blood flow in arteries and veins. Identifies stenosis, aneurysms, and thrombosis.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy – Used for breast, thyroid, and prostate biopsies when other methods aren’t applicable. It’s a highly reliable diagnostic technique requiring preparation.
The Imaging Department at Hygeia Hospital is equipped with the advanced digital mammography system MAMMOMAT Inspiration Siemens.
Digital mammography allows for high-resolution imaging, electronic storage, and real-time processing through the PACS system, making images instantly accessible for comparison and continuous monitoring.
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breast and is recommended as the primary screening method for women over 40. It may also be used in specific cases for men. The procedure typically takes about 15–20 minutes.
Compared to analog mammography, digital mammography offers:
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lower radiation dose
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higher image quality
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image processing and storage capabilities
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quick procedure and low cost
Mammography is recommended when:
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the patient is over 40 years old
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a lump or mass is felt in the breast
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there is breast pain or skin changes
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there is a change in size or shape of the breast
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the nipple is retracted inward
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there is a family history of breast cancer
Before the exam, patients should avoid using deodorants, schedule the exam away from the final days of the menstrual cycle, and bring previous breast imaging results for comparison.
CT and MRI Imaging Services
At Hygeia Hospital, the CT and MRI Department is equipped with state-of-the-art medical imaging technology. The department operates 24/7, 365 days a year, staffed by highly qualified doctors and technicians with extensive experience in diagnostic imaging.
CT Scans
We perform CT scans for all body areas, including:
• Head, neck, chest, upper and lower abdomen, bones, and soft tissues
• Head CT and full-body angiography – used to evaluate blood vessels (e.g., brain arteries, thoracic and abdominal aorta). This scan requires contrast, is painless, safe, and lasts 10–20 seconds.
CT-Guided Interventional Procedures
Both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are available under scanner guidance.
Before Booking a CT Scan:
CT uses X-rays. If pregnant or possibly pregnant, inform staff.
Arrive 20 minutes early for administrative procedures. For abdominal scans, come 1 hour early to take oral contrast.
Bring previous CT/MRI results (if any). If done at Hygeia, they’re stored digitally.
Most CTs require iodinated IV contrast. Notify staff of any allergies or prior contrast reactions.
Patients over 70, diabetics, or those with renal issues must provide recent (last 2 months) BUN/Creatinine results.
If on Metformin, inform the staff.
MRI Scans
MRI uses magnetic fields, not radiation. Before the scan, confirm no metal implants or devices (e.g., pacemakers).
Claustrophobic or non-cooperative patients can undergo light sedation by an anesthesiologist.
Some MRIs require paramagnetic contrast. It’s generally safe; risks are rare. Special care is needed for pregnant/nursing women or those with severe renal impairment.
MRI Services Offered:
• Brain, pituitary gland, petrous bone, orbits, paranasal sinuses
• Neck soft tissues
• Cervical, thoracic, lumbar-sacral spine
• Upper/lower abdomen, retroperitoneal space
• Pelvis, MRCP
• Bones and soft tissues
• All major joints (e.g., TMJ, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, foot, ankle)
MRI is essential in diagnosing neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, offering detailed anatomical data useful for treatment planning and follow-up.
MRI is safe for younger patients and those needing repeated scans. It’s preferred when contrast CT isn’t suitable.
Diagnostic Radiology
Includes two digital X-ray machines, digital mammography, and digital panoramic dental radiology.
All digital images are stored in the PACS system for easy access and comparison.
Patients receive printed films, medical reports, and a CD with digital images.
Services Include:
• X-rays of all body parts (lungs, abdomen, head, limbs, spine)
• Contrast studies for GI and urogenital tracts (e.g., esophagus, stomach, intestines, bile ducts, IV urography, retrograde pyelography, cystography, fistulography, hysterosalpingography)
• Panoramic dental X-rays
• Digital mammography
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
DEXA assesses bone density and osteoporosis – a condition due to calcium loss, causing brittle bones.
It mostly affects post-menopausal women but can also occur in men.
Female/male ratio: 4:1
Osteoporosis Risk Factors:
• Female sex
• Age over 50
• Hormonal decline (mainly estrogen)
• Family history
• Poor nutrition (vitamin D/calcium deficiency)
• Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged immobility
• Smoking, excess meat, alcohol, caffeine
• Long-term corticosteroid use
Pediatric Imaging at Hygeia Hospital
Pediatric imaging at Hygeia Hospital is a dedicated specialty focused on diagnosing patients from newborns to children up to 16 years of age.
The service offers all modern imaging methods for children needing diagnosis, including hospitalized patients in the pediatric and neonatology units. The pediatric imaging staff closely collaborates with pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, and other pediatric subspecialists. The goal is to deliver high-quality diagnostic services while ensuring the well-being of young patients and their families.
Children are offered modern diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, diagnostic radiology, CT scans, and MRI, with a focus on minimizing or avoiding radiation exposure. When a child needs imaging services, parents can rest assured that they are in safe hands. Services are provided by an experienced and highly qualified pediatric radiologist.
Examinations are tailored to each child’s needs. Imaging devices are calibrated with specific pediatric settings. Radiation exposure is minimized as much as possible in radiographic exams. The specialized staff are trained to provide a calming and child-friendly experience to ensure accurate results in a comfortable setting.
Pediatric Ultrasound
Ultrasound is widely used and ideally suited for infants, children, and adolescents. It is a priority method in pediatric care and widely offered at Hygeia Hospital.
Ultrasound involves no radiation and has no harmful biological effects, side effects, or need for sedation.
It is especially recommended for children with abdominal, pelvic, scrotal, or joint pain, and for assessing gastroesophageal reflux.
It is valuable for evaluating the brain, spine, and hip joints in infants.
Ultrasound is the best method for evaluating the kidneys and congenital anomalies of soft tissues and internal organs.
Head and hip ultrasounds are the best screening methods for newborns.
At Hygeia Hospital in Tirana, we offer a nationally unique experience in detecting hip dysplasia or dislocation. All babies born at Hygeia undergo hip ultrasound between 6–8 weeks of age.
Early diagnosis and non-invasive treatment can prevent serious consequences and long-term disability.
Fast and convenient imaging allows for timely surgical correction of anomalies that could otherwise affect the child’s long-term health.
Types of Pediatric Ultrasound
• Abdominal: Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, pylorus, spleen, kidneys, blood vessels, lymph nodes, intestines, appendix, bladder, uterus, ovaries
• Pelvic: Bladder, uterus, and ovaries in girls; prostate in boys
• Neck: Thyroid, parathyroid, salivary glands, soft tissues, lymph nodes
• Head (transfontanel): Brain and structures through the fontanel (while open)
• Doppler: Major blood vessels to the brain, limb arteries and veins
• Soft tissues: Axillary region, regional lymph nodes, chest wall, thigh, inguinal region, muscles
• Joints: Hips in infants (dislocation), joint fluid in children with walking pain
• Joint Doppler: Evaluates rheumatic changes in limbs
• Breast: Assesses soft tissue changes in girls of all ages
• Axilla: Soft tissue and lymph node evaluation
• Inguinal region: Inguinal hernia in boys and girls
• Testicular: Testes in boys of all ages
Diagnostic Radiology & Fluoroscopy
X-ray exams are used mainly for lungs, bones, and abdomen, with special attention to minimizing radiation exposure in children.
Children are not small adults; equipment must be tailored to their size and sensitivity to avoid side effects.
Pediatric Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a real-time X-ray imaging technique used to visualize internal structures.
It is mainly used for evaluating the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine in children.
Fluoroscopy is especially important for performing voiding cystourethrography, used to assess vesicoureteral reflux.
