Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are two of the highly sophisticated methods of radiological imaging. Analyzing and interpreting these images requires special knowledge and expertise. Such services may not necessarily be available during the non-working hours of the medical institution. Statim Healthcare offers remote preliminary reporting services for CT and MRI imaging by qualified and expert radiologists, which helps healthcare institutions provide better medical care.
Computed Tomography (CT):
A CT scan is performed by capturing images of the anatomy through multiple angles, using ionizing radiation. This produces thin slices of 2D images that are then reconstructed using a computerized system. The final results are high-quality 3D images, which can present the organ or the anatomical system from multiple angles. The CT preliminary reporting is further subdivided into the following categories:
Neuro CT Reporting:
A neuro CT scan covers the brain, skull, facial bones, and spine (limited). These regions are prone to several complications due to injuries, traumas, infections, etc. Some of the examples of such complications are hemorrhage (intraparenchymal, subarachnoid, subdural), infarction, edema, hydrocephalus, skull fractures, mass effect, and herniation. In emergency cases, CT is the preliminary imaging modality for conditions like trauma, stroke, and acute headache. Other CT subtypes used are non-contrast CT brain, CT angiography (CTA), CT venography (CTV), CT perfusion, etc.
Chest CT Reporting:
The chest CT consists of the lungs, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall. Under the chest CT reporting, radiologists check for abnormalities like opacities, nodules, ground-glass changes, airway caliber, and vascular filling defects. THese abnormalities can be indicative of several chest-related conditions like pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, fibrosis, tumors, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, etc. HRCT chest, CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), and contrast CT chest are some of the commonly used subtypes of chest CTs performed.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
This imaging modality consists of obtaining high-resolution 3D imaging using a strong magnetic field and radiowave pulses. It does not make use of ionizing radiation like that in x-rays and CT. MRIs are best used for soft tissues, especially those with high water content. MRI is divided into the following categories:
Spine MRI Reporting:
The spine MRI deals with the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine. The spine is one of the most crucial organs of the human body, and any complications within the spine can result in critical or life-threatening conditions. Common conditions associated with the spine are disc herniation, spinal stenosis, cord compression, and infection or tumor infiltration. The cervical spine MRI, thoracic spine MRI, lumbar spine MRI, and whole spine MRI are typically used to assess the above-mentioned conditions.
Cardiac MRI Reporting:
Cardiac MRI is used for the imaging and visualization of the heart and the supporting structures. It involves the heart myocardium, chambers, and vessels. These structures are prone to abnormalities like ejection fraction, tissue viability, scar burden, etc. To detect the abnormalities and assess the extent of damage in the cardiac system, techniques like morphological cardiac MRI and functional cardiac MRI.
Given below is the detailed procedure used in CT and MRI preliminary reporting:
Once the patient arrives at the hospital, they are referred to a physician who assesses the patient’s physical condition.
The physician records all the clinical data, such as signs and symptoms, past clinical history, etc.
After the assessment, the physician refers the patient to a radiological examination.
Based on the clinical requirement, a suitable imaging modality is selected (in this case, it may be a CT or MRI)
The selected radiological technique may or may not require additional adaptations or enhancement according to the anatomical condition.
There are certain preparatory measures required before performing a radiological examination.
These include recording the basic physical parameters, allergen testing, collection of prior interventional information, etc.
A radiology technician performs the imaging (CT or MRI) at the hospital.
The obtained images are checked for quality and accuracy of the procedure.
The CT/MRI images are sent to Statim, along with the relevant patient data for diagnostic analysis.
Based on this information, a CT or MRI radiologist is appointed for the case.
The radiologist thoroughly reviews the images for any anatomical abnormalities by correlating them with the patient’s condition and clinical data.
After the analysis and interpretation of the CT/MRI scans is complete, the radiologist prepares a preliminary report (which is generally prepared for urgent or emergency/STAT cases)
This report consists of only the information required for further medical decisions.
A finalized report is prepared after the necessary findings are communicated through the preliminary report.
The preliminary as well as final reports are electronically signed by the radiologist and encrypted to maintain credibility.
These reports are then transferred to the hospital via its RIS/PACS or a secure email delivery system.