Diagnostic Services in Perugia

REMS bone densitometry (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry) is a technology for the early diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Unlike traditional DEXA densitometry, which uses X-rays, it uses ultrasound to analyse bone structure at the most clinically relevant anatomical sites: the lumbar spine and the femoral neck. The examination provides a profile of bone mineral density without exposing the patient to ionising radiation.

As it emits no X-rays, the examination can be repeated at short intervals and carried out on pregnant women, growing children and frail patients. It also analyses the micro-architectural quality of the bone and provides the Fragility Score, a parameter that estimates the risk of a fragility fracture over the following five years. The instrument automatically discards artefacts, such as calcifications or spinal osteoarthritis, that can alter the results.

Screening is recommended in particular for women in menopause or pre-menopause, adults over 50-60, those with a family history of osteoporosis or previous fractures from minor trauma, patients on prolonged treatment with corticosteroids or hormone therapy, and female athletes with the so-called female athlete triad (amenorrhoea, low energy availability and early bone fragility).

It is a dynamic diagnostic examination that studies muscles, tendons, ligaments and bursae in real time. In sports traumatology it is the first-choice examination: it allows the extent of an acute injury, such as a muscle tear, sprain or tendinopathy, to be assessed, and the formation of the muscle scar to be monitored with periodic checks before returning to activity.

It is a vascular ultrasound that studies the carotid and vertebral arteries, the vessels that carry blood to the brain. It analyses the morphology of the arterial walls and the speed of blood flow, making it possible to detect any atherosclerotic plaques early. It is indicated in preventive cardiovascular screening for patients with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of cardiovascular events.

Yes. In the 2-3 days beforehand a low-residue diet is recommended, limiting vegetables, pulses, fresh cheeses, fizzy drinks, alcohol and wholegrain baked goods. On the day of the examination you must have fasted for at least 6 hours. If the examination also covers the lower abdomen, you should finish drinking about one litre of still water one hour before, holding your urine so as to arrive with a well-distended bladder.