What Subspecialty Radiology Reporting Covers?
The following categories are available under subspecialty radiology services:
X-ray
X-ray radiography is one of the most commonly used radiological imaging techniques. It consists of the use of ionizing radiation, which is exposed upon the area of interest. The radiation passing through the tissues is collected, and a 2D image is generated. X-rays are highly effective for visualizing bone and hard tissue but may not be as effective for soft tissue. Under X-ray, there are several sub-sections based on the affected anatomical area. For instance, musculoskeletal imaging might be required for bone, joint, and trauma-related studies, or chest X-rays for lung parenchyma, airways, pleura, heart size, mediastinum, and medical devices. Subspecialists can expertly identify small fractures, early degenerative changes, lung pathologies, and device placements that require experienced interpretation.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT, similar to X-rays, consists of ionizing radiation being directed on the area under evaluation from several angles. This captures the area from different angles into simple 2D formats. A computer system then rearranges these planes to form a high-quality 2D image. Under CT, neurology specialists focus on brain and spine CTs for stroke, hemorrhage, and trauma, while abdominal radiologists analyze liver, pancreas, bowel, and vascular CTs. Cardiothoracic radiologists carry out imaging for chest CTs, including pulmonary embolism and interstitial lung disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a highly sophisticated imaging modality that is useful to obtain high-quality 3D images. The area is exposed to radio-positive waves under a strong magnetic field. This causes the water molecules in the body to align in a certain manner. As these molecules then get disrupted, the energy released is then captured by the detectors. Using the data from the released energy, a fine-clarity 3D image. MRI studies have a variety of subspecialties due to their complex nature. Neuroradiologists analyze brain, spine, and head-and-neck MRIs, while musculoskeletal subspecialists report on joint, soft tissue, and sports injury tests. Abdominal and pelvic MRI is handled by radiologists specializing in the concerned area of interest.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound consists of sending high-frequency sound waves to the area under evaluation. As these sound waves are reflected back, the detectors capture the waves to visualize the anatomy of the region. Ultrasound is a unique technique due to the fact that it can help visualize the real-time movements in the body. Ultrasound consists of abdominal, pelvic, vascular, obstetric, and musculoskeletal subspecialties.