Medical Imaging

MEDICAL IMAGING

Medical imaging is the technique and process of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues (physiology). Medical imaging reveals internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, so as to diagnose and treat disease. Medical imaging also establishes a database of normal anatomy and physiology to make it possible to identify abnormalities. 

Medical imaging remains one of the best ways to achieve that aim, being able to see what's going on inside the body without the need for surgery or other invasive procedures. Indeed, it's something we're perhaps guilty of taking for granted at times

TYPES OF MEDICAL IMAGING

Medical imaging can be used for both diagnosis and therapeutic purposes, making it one of our most powerful resources available to effectively care for our patients.

In terms of diagnosis, common imaging types include:

• CT(Computed Tomography): Refers to a computerized x-ray imaging procedure in which a narrow beam of x-rays is aimed at a patient and quickly rotated around the body, producing signals that are processed by the machine's computer to generate cross-sectional images or “slices” of the body.
• MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body.
• Ultrasound, endoscopy: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure to assess digestive (gastrointestinal) and lung diseases. A special endoscope uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of your digestive tract and chest, nearby organs such as the pancreas and liver, and lymph nodes.
• X-ray: X-rays are a very energetic form of electromagnetic radiation that can be used to take images of the human body. This type of electromagnetic radiation probably most well-known for its ability to see through a person's skin and reveal images of the bones beneath it.
• Elastography, tactile imaging: Elastography is a medical imaging modality that maps the elastic properties and stiffness of soft tissue. Tactile imaging is defined as a medical imaging modality that translates the sense of touch into a digital image.
• Thermography: Thermography is a test that uses an infrared camera to detect heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) is the type of thermography that's used to diagnose breast cancer
• Medical photography: Medical photography is primarily used to record detailed and accurate images to assist clinicians in diagnosis and monitoring of patient conditions, disease and progress. It can also be a useful tool for teaching and research purposes.
• Nuclear medicine functional imaging techniques as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
• Nuclear medicine imaging: uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers that are typically injected into the bloodstream, inhaled or swallowed.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals, a special camera and a computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. By identifying changes at the cellular level, PET may detect the early onset of disease before other imaging tests can.
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): scan is an imaging test that shows how blood flows to tissues and organs. It may be used to help diagnose seizures, stroke, stress fractures, infections, and tumors in the spine.

They each work slightly differently to create images of what's going on inside the body.

IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL IMAGING

Medical imaging is an extremely important element in medical practice in this day and age, however, not many have ever stopped to consider its true importance. Medical imaging has changed the face of the healthcare industry and allowed practitioners and scientists to learn more about the human body more than ever before.

• Technology has advanced so much that medical imaging can inform the doctor of internal problems what a basic external examination would fail to detect. Medical imaging is absolutely necessary when tracking the progress of an ongoing illness. MRI's and CT scans allow the physician to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and adjust protocols as necessary. The detailed information generated by medical imaging provides patients with better, more comprehensive care.
• Ultrasound imaging is for example, extremely important for expectant mothers. Ultrasound technology has advanced significantly over the past decade, and sonogram images are now produced with a much higher resolution, creating finely detailed images. Obstetricians thus are given vastly improved pictures of the baby's health and progress in the womb, allowing them to ascertain any issues of concern much earlier on in the pregnancy. As well as obstetrics, ultrasound is extensively used on other parts of the body including especially the soft tissues of the neck, breasts, abdomen, pelvis, and soft tissues of the extremities.
• One huge benefit of medical imaging is its function in preventative care. Evaluations such as mammography helps to detect early signs of breast cancer. The significant decrease in breast cancer fatalities worldwide has been attributed to the increase in the use of mammograms.
• In surgical procedures, medical imaging also is used by surgeons as an aid. For example, the extensive network of the sinus can be examined closely prior to the procedure through the study of a CT scan. CT scans can provide 3D images of various cross-sections of the body–images which are of absolute necessity when preparing to operate on such an area.

Medical imaging is truly a vital element of the healthcare world. It is an essential tool which physicians use to assist with diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. As technology continues to advance at a rapid rate, we will see growth in medical imaging technology as well. With scientific advancement and a continued effective use, medical imaging will continue to help with early detection of health issues, aid in easier treatment, and provide increased preventative care.