The impact of technology on diagnostic radiology

Summary

In conventional radiology the introduction of image intensifiers and television has contributed greatly to the accuracy of radiological diagnosis in a number of fields. For example in diseases of the heart and vascular system the development of sophisticated radiological methods of diagnosis has assisted in the spectacular advances in cardio-vascular surgery.

The introduction of non-invasive methods of imaging including CT scanning, diagnostic ultrasound, scintiscanning and nuclear magnetic resonance has substantially assisted in patient management.

The impact of CT scanning in diseases of the nervous system has been spectacular and it is likely that scanning by nuclear magnetic resonance will make a similar contribution. Diagnostic ultrasound has virtually replaced conventional radiography in obstetrics and its value is being established in other systems. Investigation by radioisotopes is very useful particularly in deseases affecting the lungs such as pulmonary infarction. Investigations using radioisotopes are of importance in assessing functional abnormalities of the lungs, heart, kidneys and in patients where the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is impaired.