Diagnostic radiology

Diagnostic radiology is the use of various imaging modalities to aid in the diagnosis of disease.

Methods that could be used in diagnostic radiology include among other metods:

• Conventional X-ray
• Mammography: X-ray of the breast.
• Computer Tomography (CT): X-rays taken in three dimensions and computed to make a stack of two-dimensional images.
• Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): The use of a gamma-emitting nuclei such as Technesium 99m to produce a three dimensional or two-dimensional array of the object or the patient.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): The use of a positron emitting nuclei (such as Fluor 18) to produce two distinct photons each with an energy of 511 keV. These photons are detected and used to produce a three-dimensional array representing the object or the patient.

Some of the methods produce an image of the anatomy, others (most of the nuclear medicine techniques) produce an image of functionality (eg the bloodflow in the heart).

See also:

• Medical imaging