Medical imaging for an accurate diagnosis

Imaging is a branch of medicine that uses various techniques to obtain images of the interior of the human body in order to diagnose diseases and injuries.

This specialty arose from the need to primarily support the diagnosis of diseases through equipment, software, and technological applications. Today, it is an essential tool to complement the practice of medicine.

Imaging diagnosis has been fundamental to the advancement of medicine, as it allows us to visualize internal structures of the body that are impossible to assess with the naked eye.

Imaging helps physicians better identify and understand their patients' conditions, which in turn allows for more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment.

4 imaging techniques

Over time, various trends have developed in the field of imaging, here are some of them:

1. Radiology (X-rays). In its early days, techniques such as radiology were used, which used X-rays to obtain images of bones and soft tissues.
2. Computed tomography (CT). Following X-rays, computed tomography was introduced, a technique that provides cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays and software.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another important technique is magnetic resonance imaging, which generates detailed images of the body's organs and tissues using magnetic fields and radio waves. MRI is especially useful for visualizing soft tissue and, especially, for detecting tumors.
4. Ultrasound or sonography. Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a noninvasive medical tool that uses high-frequency sound waves, imperceptible to the human ear, to create real-time images of the interior of the human body.

Ultrasound also allows visualization of blood flow in blood vessels. Once the ultrasound reaches internal organs, a rebound effect occurs, which returns the ultrasound in the form of an image. These images help specialists evaluate organs, tissues, and internal structures for the correct diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions.

Ultrasound is one of the most frequently prescribed tests by specialists due to its ability to generate images in real time. It does not emit radiation and offers excellent visualization, allowing solids, liquids, and soft tissues to be distinguished.

Technological advances in tomography and ultrasound

In recent years, there have been several trends and advances in imaging. One of these is positron emission tomography (PET), which is used to diagnose and monitor certain types of cancer, evaluate heart muscle function and blood flow, and assess possible brain disorders (Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and certain types of dementia).

Among the advances in medical science is interventional radiology equipment, which allows for minimally invasive image-guided procedures.

In addition to the aforementioned equipment, nuclear medicine equipment is used, which utilizes radioactive substances called tracers. During this type of study, the tracer is deposited in those parts of the body where the highest levels of chemical activity are detected, which is the area that suggests the location of the condition.

The marker also measures blood flow, oxygen use, and changes in metabolism in a specific tissue or organ.

Ultrasound equipment has also undergone significant improvements, allowing for real-time, higher-resolution images. This is why state-of-the-art, wireless, portable equipment tailored to the specialty is now available.

5 cases in which medical imaging studies are essential

Medical images have a variety of uses and applications. Learn about some of them:

1. Precise diagnosis: Medical imaging is used to diagnose pathologies, which are referred based on the patient's symptoms. An image can immediately visualize the condition or abnormality.
2. Medical case monitoring and surveillance: The use of imaging for disease observation and control.
3. Treatment planning: Once the abnormality, size, and extent of the lesion are detected, the specialist can plan the treatment plan. In cases requiring surgical treatment, they can determine the location of the condition and, therefore, the extent of the surgery.
4. Determining treatment efficacy: Imaging is used to determine and evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies applied on a case-by-case basis, whether pharmacological or surgical.
5. Scientific and educational purposes: They are very useful for science and research, since their study and interpretation provides information on which researchers base their discovery of problems and situations that compromise health, as well as the development of new techniques, methods, procedures that contribute to prevention and timely diagnoses, as well as to identify and provide timely and effective solutions in health matters.
6. Age-related calculations: This tool allows you to determine chronological age based on the development of the body's internal structures.

A very common example is the ultrasound evaluation performed by the obstetrician, in which the study determines the fetal age and maternal gestational age.

Another common case is when a patient's chronological age needs to be determined in medical practice for legal purposes. This is achieved through radiological studies of certain parts of the body, such as the hand and wrist, and dental structure.

Currently, various medical specialties such as ophthalmology, gynecology, obstetrics, cardiovascular, abdominal, genitourinary, and others rely on a wide range of imaging studies that lead to the detection of conditions or abnormalities, for proper diagnosis and treatment through imaging that contributes to the health and well-being of the patient.

Healthcare professionals have access to numerous technological innovations and devices with excellent resolution, extensive detail, and the versatility of modern portable wireless technology devices that provide a satisfying patient experience.

An example of this is the advanced medical technology we have at MediExpert, which meets clinical needs by providing intelligent and specialized medical solutions.

Are you familiar with the compact, portable ultrasound scanners you can take anywhere, offering comfort and safety to your patients? Tell us about your specialty, and we'll help you identify the equipment that best suits your needs.