The Evolution of Imaging Technology

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• Ever since Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen invented the
  X-ray machine, winning the Nobel Prize in Physics
  for its discovery in 1901, imaging technology has
  evolved and grown to assume a greater role in the
  practice of medicine.
• As the safety and sophistication of radiology
  imaging services improve, these advanced machines
  have changed the way medicine is practiced.
• Beyond direct, doctor-to-patient verbal
  communication, machines add an in-between layer
  of information and intelligence.1

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• Doctors determine what steps to take in order to
  diagnose and treat symptoms, often with the aid
  of one or more radiology services.
• The various radiology machines create close-up
  patient information in the form of images which
  the doctor uses to diagnose and analyze illness.
• Advanced radiology methods allow doctors to see
  further inside the mysteries of the complex human
  organism, detecting signs of trouble at a much
  earlier stage, and with more accuracy.
• Appropriate treatment can be applied before an
  illness progresses too far, often resulting in
  better health outcomes.

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• Radiology imaging services have become an
  essential tool, relied on for potentially
  life-saving benefits through services of a
  radiologist online, in second opinion diagnoses,
  and primary read diagnostics.
• Mammography and sonography are the most
  frequently used diagnostic radiology methods,
  forming a cornerstone for much of the current
  practice of womens medicine.
• Mammography is primarily a wellness screening
  method to detect breast cancer, and sonography
  (or ultrasound) uses sound waves to take pictures
  of the human body, including the fetus in
  utero."2

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• Radiology scans continue to evolve as diagnostic
  tools that reveal the bodys inner structures.
  Specialized doctorsdiagnostic radiologistsinterp
  ret the scans, playing an essential role in
  screening for illness, assessing the progress of
  a disease, or measuring the impact of a treatment
  program.
• New technologies arise, and existing ones are
  re-imagined into more effective methodologies.
• Some of the most commonly used methods today
  include X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs.

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• The X-ray image, which allowed doctors to see
  inside the human body non-invasively for the
  first time, is still used today. Doctors have
  learned more about the risks of over-exposure to
  X-rays, leading to development of more controlled
  methods and better protocols for limiting
  exposure over a patients lifetime.
• Computed Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) Scans The
  combined use of X-rays with computer technologies
  to see anatomical changes, these are often
  applied in angiography to examine the health of
  blood vessels.

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• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanning PET
  scans use nuclear medicine, injecting a small
  amount of radioactive material into the veins.
  The scan captures any metabolic changes in organs
  or tissue2, indicating the presence of cancer at
  a much earlier stage than tumor formation.
• PET/CT Scans The combination of anatomical
  information (from a CT scan), together with the
  metabolic information (from the PET Scan), gives
  a more complete, accurate picture of patient
  health.

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• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI uses a
  large magnetic field and radio waves to create
  complex images of the affected areas.
• Advantages include the total lack of radiation
  exposure or of any known side effects. A great
  disadvantage has been the discomfort felt by
  claustrophobic patients due to the small,
  enclosed, tube-like space in which the MRI is
  administered. The advent of newer, Open MRI
  machines and shorter machines has improved the
  patient experience and reduced claustrophobic
  effects.

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• Proper analysis and interpretation of
  sophisticated radiology scans is a highly
  specialized medical field with dramatic potential
  consequences for patients. Obtaining a second
  opinion analysis can be a life-saving step when
  results are inconclusive, when patients have
  reason to question their doctors diagnosis, or
  whenever serious illness is involved.
•  Studies have shown that second opinion diagnoses
  of radiology scans can reveal initial errors of
  interpretation and eliminate unnecessary
  procedures.
• The radiologist interacts directly with the
  patient, communicating difficult concepts more
  clearly, and often, improving peace of mind along
  with health outcomes.3
•  

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• MetisMD is a leading radiology services company
  that provides patients with comprehensive second
  opinion interpretations, and offers direct access
  from anywhere in the world to radiologists for
  legal and medical professionals.
• We offer independent peer review for radiology
  practices, as well as second opinion readings in
  workers compensation cases.
• At MetisMD, our dedicated doctors are committed
  to giving each patient the highest level of
  personal attention and care, in a secure online
  or on-site environment. For more information,
  please call
• 1-800-695-8191 or visit www.metismd.com.

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Sources

• 1. http//www.ea-journal.com/art2.3/The-Evolution-
  of-Medical-Imaging-Technologies.pdf
• 2. http//www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/dia
  gnostic-imaging-beam-me-up-dr-mccoy
• 3. http//archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?ar
  ticleid1108559