Ever since Wilhelm Conrad Rntgen 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

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.

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

Radiology scans continue to evolve as diagnostic

tools that reveal the bodys inner structures.
Specialized doctorsdiagnostic radiologists
interpret 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 reimagined into more effective methodologies.
Some of the most commonly used methods today
include X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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/diagnostic-imaging-beam-me-up-dr-mccoy
3. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1108559