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Imaging and radiology

Definition

Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease.

Radiology may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. Doctors who specialize in radiology are called radiologists.

Information

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Diagnostic radiology helps health care providers see structures inside your body. Doctors that specialize in the interpretation of these images are called diagnostic radiologists. Using the diagnostic images, the radiologist or other providers can often:

• Diagnose the cause of your symptoms

• Monitor how well your body is responding to a treatment you are receiving for your disease or condition

• Screen for different illnesses, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, or heart disease

The most common types of diagnostic radiology exams include:

• Computed tomography (CT), also known as a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, including CT angiography

• Fluoroscopy, including upper GI and barium enema

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

• Mammography

• Nuclear medicine, which includes such tests as a bone scan, thyroid scan, and thallium cardiac stress test

• Plain x-rays, which includes chest x-ray

• Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging, PET scan, or PET-CT when it is combined with CT

• Ultrasound

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Interventional radiologists are doctors that use imaging such as CT, ultrasound, MRI, and fluoroscopy to help guide procedures. The imaging is helpful to the doctor when inserting catheters, wires, and other small instruments and tools into your body. This typically allows for smaller incisions (cuts).

Providers can use this technology to detect or treat conditions in almost any part of the body instead of using larger incisions and directly looking inside of your body through a scope (camera) or with open surgery.

Interventional radiologists often are involved in treating cancers or tumors, blockages in the arteries and veins, fibroids in the uterus, back pain, liver problems, and kidney problems.

The interventional radiologist will make no incision or only a very small one. You rarely need to stay in the hospital after the procedure. Most people need only moderate sedation (medicines to help you relax).

Examples of interventional radiology procedures include:

• Angiography or angioplasty and stent placement

• Embolization to control bleeding

• Cancer treatments including tumor embolization using chemoembolization or Y-90 radioembolization

• Tumor ablation with radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, or microwave ablation

• Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

• Needle biopsies of different organs, such as the lungs and thyroid gland

• Breast biopsy, guided either by stereotactic or ultrasound techniques

• Uterine artery embolization

• Feeding tube placement

• Venous access catheter placement, such as ports and PICCs

References

Mettler FA. Introduction. In: Mettler FA, ed. Essentials of Radiology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 1.

Quintana D, Salsamendi J, Kwolek K, Munera F. Interventional radiology: diagnostic and therapeutic roles. In: Asensio JA, Meredith JW, eds. Current Therapy of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:125-134.

Rosewarne DM. General notes. In: Watson N, Jones H, eds. Chapman & Nakielny's Guide to Radiological Procedures. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 1.

Spratt J. Technical aspects and applications of diagnostic radiology. In: Standring S, ed. Gray's Anatomy. 42nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 81.2.

Zeman EM, Schreiber EC, Tepper JE. Basics of radiation therapy. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 27.

Review Date: 7/1/2023

Reviewed By: Jason Levy, MD, FSIR, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.