Radiology

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Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases within the human body. A medical doctor who specializes in radiology is known as a radiologist.

Overview

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Radiologist viewing computed tomography

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Radiologists employ a range of imaging technologies including X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine (such as positron emission tomography (PET)), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose or treat diseases. These imaging techniques provide non-invasive, painless methods for visualizing the structure and function of the human body, making it possible to diagnose diseases at their earliest, most treatable stages.

Specializations

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology involves the use of imaging technologies to guide the performance of usually minimally invasive medical procedures. These procedures often replace traditional surgery, reducing patient risk and improving outcomes. For example, angioplasty, stent placement, biopsy procedures, and tumor ablation are commonly performed under imaging guidance.

Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic radiology involves the interpretation of images to diagnose disease. Radiologists "read" the images and produce a report of their findings and impression or diagnosis. This report is then transmitted to the ordering physician, either routinely or emergently.

Role of Radiologic Technologists

The acquisition of medical images is usually carried out by a Radiographer or Radiologic Technologist. They are responsible for positioning the patient and adjusting the imaging equipment to obtain the best quality images.

Glossary of radiology

• 4DCT - A form of * CT scan that captures time as the fourth dimension, allowing for the visualization of organ movements and blood flow, often used in planning radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
• Acute radiation syndrome - A severe illness that occurs after exposure to high doses of radiation, characterized by symptoms ranging from nausea to, in extreme cases, death.
• Aidoc - An advanced * computer-aided diagnosis system that uses * AI to assist radiologists in analyzing and interpreting medical images.
• Anti-scatter grid - A device used in radiography to reduce scattered radiation, improving image contrast and quality.
• Aortopulmonary window - A region on a chest radiograph or CT scan that is important for identifying certain cardiovascular and mediastinal abnormalities.
• Bone age - An assessment of the biological and developmental maturity of a child's bones, usually determined through X-ray analysis of the hand and wrist.
• Bone scintigraphy - A * nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to visualize bones and identify abnormalities such as fractures, cancer, or infection.
• CT scan - Short for * Computed Tomography scan, a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body.
• Caldwell's view - A specific radiographic projection used in skull radiology to evaluate the frontal sinuses, orbits, and nasal cavity.
• Collimator - A device used in radiographic and radiotherapy equipment to narrow a beam of radiation, focusing it on the area of interest while minimizing exposure to adjacent tissues.
• Companion shadow - A radiographic sign often associated with pleural effusions, where the shadow of the lung edge is paralleled by a shadow of fluid.
• Computational human phantom - A digital model of the human body or parts of it used in computational simulations to study the interaction of electromagnetic fields or ionizing radiation with the body.
• Computed tomography enterography - An imaging procedure that uses CT technology and a contrast material to visualize the small intestine, often used to diagnose conditions like Crohn's disease.
• Computer-aided diagnosis - The use of computers to assist radiologists in the interpretation of medical images, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy.
• Computer-aided simple triage - A system that utilizes computer algorithms to prioritize the review of imaging studies based on the likelihood of findings that require urgent attention.
• Contrast-induced nephropathy - Kidney damage that can occur after the administration of contrast material during imaging procedures, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney problems.
• Digital X-ray radiogrammetry - A technique used to measure bone mineral density from radiographic images of the hand, useful in the assessment of osteoporosis.
• Dose area product - A measure of the total amount of radiation delivered to a patient during a radiographic procedure, factoring in both the dose and the area exposed.
• Dual X-ray absorptiometry and laser - A technology that combines DXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) with laser measurement to assess bone density and body composition with high precision.
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) - A standard imaging technology used to measure bone mineral density, critical in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.
• EOS (medical imaging) - A low-dose, bi-planar X-ray imaging system that captures simultaneous frontal and lateral images of the whole body, used particularly for assessing spinal and skeletal conditions.
• Echocardiography - An ultrasound imaging technique used to visualize the heart, assessing its structure, function, and blood flow.
• Effective dose (radiation) - A measure of the radiation dose to which a person has been exposed, taking into account the type of radiation and the sensitivity of different tissues and organs.
• Electron resonance imaging - A less common term possibly confused with * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures.
• Empty delta sign - A radiological sign seen on contrast-enhanced brain scans, indicative of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
• European Day of Radiology - An annual event celebrating the contributions of radiology to medicine, commemorating the discovery of X-rays.
• F-factor (conversion factor) - A coefficient used in radiology to convert between different units of radiation exposure, such as from air kerma to personal dose equivalent.
• Focal spot blooming - An effect observed in radiographic imaging where the focal spot of the X-ray tube appears larger due to increased exposure time or tube current, potentially affecting image resolution.
• Forensic radiology - The application of radiological techniques and imaging for legal purposes, including identification of remains, determination of cause of death, and detection of foreign objects.
• G-arm medical imaging - An advanced imaging system that combines multiple radiological technologies, including fluoroscopy and digital X-rays, in a single device, often used in surgical settings.
• GXMO - An acronym for General X-ray Machine Operator, a certification for healthcare professionals who operate X-ray equipment under the supervision of a radiologist or other licensed practitioner.
• Global radiology - Refers to the international efforts and collaborations in the field of radiology to improve access to imaging services and education around the world, particularly in underserved areas.
• Hirtz compass - A historical radiological tool used to determine the position of foreign bodies within the body by using two-dimensional X-ray images taken from different angles.
• Hounsfield scale - A quantitative scale used in computed tomography (CT) imaging to measure the radiodensity of tissues, where water has a value of 0 Hounsfield units (HU) and air is -1000 HU.
• Incidental imaging finding - An unexpected discovery found on an imaging study that was not related to the original reason for which the study was ordered.
• International Day of Radiology - Celebrated on November 8th each year to mark the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. It aims to highlight the importance of radiology in diagnosing and treating patients.
• John Thomas sign - A radiographic sign indicative of a urethral injury, seen as an abnormal positioning of a urethral catheter on pelvic X-rays.
• Limited radiology technician - A healthcare professional with certification to perform a limited range of radiographic procedures, often in specific settings like urgent care or orthopedic offices.
• Lubberts effect - A phenomenon observed in radiology where there is an apparent increase in bone density on X-rays due to overlying soft tissue, which can mimic pathological conditions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A non-invasive imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the body, particularly soft tissues.
• Mean glandular dose - The average radiation dose received by glandular breast tissue during a mammography procedure, an important consideration in assessing the risk-benefit ratio of breast cancer screening.
• Neuroimaging - The use of various imaging technologies to directly or indirectly image the structure, function, or pharmacology of the nervous system.
• Nuclear medicine - A medical specialty that uses radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT scans.
• Owl's eye appearance - A characteristic radiologic finding seen in certain conditions, such as cytomegalovirus infection, where cells have large inclusion bodies that resemble an owl's eyes.
• PI-RADS - Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System, a structured reporting scheme for evaluating the prostate for prostate cancer on MRI.
• Paediatric radiology - A subspecialty of radiology focused on the imaging and diagnosis of diseases and injuries in infants, children, and adolescents.
• Paleoradiology - The study of ancient diseases and conditions through the examination of skeletal remains, mummies, and artifacts using radiological techniques.
• Peak kilovoltage (kVp) - The maximum voltage applied across an X-ray tube, which determines the energy and penetrating power of the X-ray beam produced.
• Plesiotherapy - A form of radiation therapy where the radioactive source is placed close to the surface of the body or within a body cavity, to treat localized areas of cancer.
• Radioactive tracer - A radioactive substance used in nuclear medicine imaging and in medical research to track the movement of substances within the body.
• Radiodensity - The ability of a substance to block or attenuate X-rays, visible on radiographic images as varying levels of brightness or darkness.
• Radiogenomics - The study of how an individual's genomic information affects their response to radiation therapy, including the risk of developing side effects.
• Radiographer - A healthcare professional trained to perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, under the direction of a radiologist.
• Radiological information system (RIS) - A networked software system for managing medical imagery and associated data in radiology departments, facilitating patient scheduling, image tracking, reporting, and billing.
• Radiology - The medical specialty that uses imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the body. Techniques include X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine.
• Radioscope - An older term for a device or system used in radiography to view and analyze X-ray images, now largely replaced by digital imaging technologies.
• Rectilinear scanner - An early form of nuclear medicine imaging equipment used for scanning the thyroid gland, utilizing a moving detector to map the distribution of a radioactive tracer.
• Reed's rules - A set of criteria used to interpret the significance of lymphoid populations in bone marrow samples, often referred to in the context of hematological imaging and diagnosis.
• Reid's base line - A standard anatomical reference line used in cranial radiology, extending from the lower border of the orbit to the upper margin of the external auditory canal.
• Schuller's view - A radiographic projection angle used primarily to evaluate mastoid air cells and the middle ear space, part of the diagnostic process for conditions affecting the temporal bone.
• Stenvers projection - A specific type of radiographic projection used to visualize the internal structures of the ear, including the auditory ossicles and inner ear canals.
• Surgical planning - The process of using images from CT, MRI, or other modalities to plan the approach for surgical procedures, often involving 3D reconstruction and simulation techniques.
• Teleradiology - The transmission of radiological patient images, such as X-rays and CTs, from one location to another for the purposes of sharing studies with other radiologists and physicians.
• Thrombus perviousness - A radiological assessment of a blood clot's density and heterogeneity, particularly in the context of stroke, to evaluate the likelihood of successful endovascular treatment.
• Tomographic reconstruction - The computational process used in CT scans and other imaging modalities to generate a three-dimensional image from a series of two-dimensional projection images.
• Vaginogram - An imaging study of the vagina, often performed with contrast material, to evaluate the anatomy and function of the vagina and surrounding structures.
• Waters' view - A radiographic projection used primarily in facial radiography, especially to assess the maxillary sinus areas, orbits, and nasal septum.
• X-ray tube - A component of X-ray machines that produces X-rays. It consists of an anode and a cathode enclosed in a vacuum tube, where high-voltage electricity is used to generate X-rays.

List of Radiologists (USA)

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

US territories

• American Samoa
• Guam
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• District of Columbia

See Also

• Medical imaging
• Interventional radiology
• Radiographer