Advanced Diagnostics

3 Tesla MRI, coronary CT, Whole Body MRI and digital angiography systems: the technologies with which the NefroCenter Group studies organs, heart and blood vessels and guides minimally invasive procedures, at the Casa di Salute Santa Lucia in San Giuseppe Vesuviano and at the Rome American Hospital in Roma.

NefroCenter Group

Updated in October 2026

What they are for

These technologies serve to observe organs, heart and blood vessels better. 3 Tesla MRI, without ionizing radiation, helps to detect many conditions early; coronary CT studies the coronary arteries with a non-invasive examination; Whole Body MRI examines the whole body in a single session; digital angiography systems show the coronary arteries and blood vessels and guide minimally invasive procedures, with a reduced radiation dose.

The technologies

Twice the field of 1.5 Tesla

3 Tesla MRI

3 Tesla MRI uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves, without ionizing radiation. The field, twice that of 1.5 Tesla systems, gives a richer signal, for more detailed images or shorter examination times. It is used for the brain and spinal cord, spine, joints, abdomen, pelvis, heart and blood vessels.

Where it is performedCasa di Salute Santa Lucia — S. Giuseppe Vesuviano (NA)Wide bore and noise-reduction systemsRome American Hospital — RomaSiemens Magnetom Vida, 70 cm bore

Learn more about 3 Tesla MRI

The coronary arteries with a non-invasive examination

Coronary CT (cardiac CT)

Coronary CT is a CT scan dedicated to the heart: with an iodinated contrast medium it studies the coronary arteries, the heart chambers and the condition of the vessel walls. It helps the early diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis. The images are acquired very quickly, even with a high heart rate or arrhythmias. It uses ionizing radiation, at a reduced dose.

Where it is performedCasa di Salute Santa Lucia — S. Giuseppe Vesuviano (NA)Siemens SOMATOM Pro.Pulse dual-sourceRome American Hospital — RomaSiemens SOMATOM Force dual-source

Learn more about coronary CT

The whole body in a single session

Whole Body MRI

Whole Body MRI examines the whole body in a session of about 30 minutes, without radiation or contrast medium. It is a screening examination for cancer prevention, for example in the case of a family history of cancer: it does not replace targeted examinations and, if it detects an abnormality, it must be completed with specific investigations of the organ concerned.

Where it is performedRome American Hospital — RomaOn the 3 Tesla MRI

Learn more about Whole Body MRI

Minimally invasive procedures on the heart and vessels

Digital angiography systems

The angiography system is the radiological equipment used to study the coronary arteries and blood vessels: the examination uses a contrast medium and thin catheters inserted into the vessels, and shows any changes in them. The images also guide interventional cardiology procedures, at a reduced radiation dose; where clinically indicated, diagnosis and treatment take place in the same session.

Where it is performedCasa di Salute Santa Lucia — S. Giuseppe Vesuviano (NA)Two Siemens Artis Genio angiography systems

Learn more about angiography

A resource for the local community

The 3 Tesla MRI at the Casa di Salute Santa Lucia in San Giuseppe Vesuviano and at the Rome American Hospital in Roma allows more advanced diagnostic pathways, reducing times and travel to more distant centers. At Santa Lucia, the dual-source CT and the two digital angiography systems give patients technologies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Operating Units

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Diagnostic Center

Diagnostic Imaging Casa di Salute Santa Lucia

Via Aielli 109
S. Giuseppe Vesuviano - Napoli

San Giuseppe Vesuviano

Phone: 0813384111

Campania

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Diagnostic Center

Diagnostic Imaging Rome American Hospital

Via E. Longoni 69/91
Roma

Roma

Phone: 06 968 602 21

Lazio

Patients’ questions

What is the difference between 3 Tesla MRI and a 1.5 Tesla MRI?

The number indicates the strength of the magnetic field: in 3 Tesla it is twice that of 1.5 Tesla systems, the most widespread. The richer signal is used to obtain more detailed images or reduce examination times. Those who have a pacemaker, other stimulators or metal or electronic devices must report it before the examination: a preliminary assessment of their compatibility is provided.

What is Whole Body MRI for?

It is a screening examination: in a single session of about 30 minutes it performs a complete scan of the body, without radiation or contrast medium, and is aimed at cancer prevention, for example in the case of a family history of cancer. It does not replace targeted examinations: if it detects an abnormality in an organ, it must be supplemented with specific investigations.

Is contrast medium needed for coronary CT?

Yes: an iodinated contrast medium is used, which makes it possible to explore the coronary arteries and the heart chambers and to assess the condition of the vessel walls. The calcium score, which measures the calcium in the coronary arteries with a CT scan, requires an acquisition of a few seconds and no contrast medium. Both examinations use ionizing radiation.

I suffer from claustrophobia: what should I know about 3 Tesla MRI?

The 3 Tesla MRI scanners at Santa Lucia and at the Rome American Hospital have a wide bore, for a lesser feeling of claustrophobia, and noise-reduction systems; the shorter examination times are appreciated in these cases. It is advisable to report it before the examination: for severe claustrophobia there are dedicated solutions and at the Rome American Hospital anesthesia is sometimes used.

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