[Radiology] Introduction

Radiologists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of disease using medical imaging.
Ionising radiation is often used in imaging and treatment.

 

Subspecialties

• Interventional radiology
• Clinical oncology

 

Etymology

Latin radius, radiī = ray
Ancient Greek λογία (logia) = study

 

Investigations

1. Abdominal X-ray
2. Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
3. Chest radiograph
4. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
5. CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA)
6. Dental X-ray
7. fMRI
8. Mammography
9. Spine X-ray
10. Ultrasound scan
11. X-ray of extremity (hand, foot, etc.)

 

Imaging modalities

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• CT (Computer Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
• PET-CT (PET and CT)

 

Radiation doses from common radiological investiations

 

Identifiable abnormalities:

• Bone fracture
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
• Pleural effusion
• Cardiomegaly
• Atelectasis 
• Pulmonary fibrosis 
• Malignancy
• Cerebral oedema 
• Dementia 
• Haemorrhage
• Epidural hematoma
• Subdural hematoma
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intraventricular hemorrhage
• Hernia
• Medical device displacement
• Tuberculosis 
• Mesothelioma
• Pneumoconiosis
• Foreign body aspiration
• Foreign body ingestion
• Rectal foreign body