Anatomy Medical Imaging

X-ray (Radiography)

Uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to create 2D images. Dense tissues absorb more radiation and appear white; less dense tissues appear dark.

Applications of X-ray

Diagnosing bone fractures and dislocations, detecting foreign objects, identifying lung conditions (e.g., pneumonia), and dental imaging.

Advantages of X-ray

Fastest, most accessible, and least expensive first-line imaging. Simple procedure.

Disadvantages of X-ray

Limited detail for soft tissues (muscles, organs). Uses ionizing radiation (low dose).

Risks of X-ray

Minimal, but includes low-dose ionizing radiation exposure (slightly increased lifetime cancer risk, generally outweighed by diagnostic benefit). Risk is higher for children and pregnant individuals.

Cost of X-ray

Low ($100-$500) per view/exam.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

Uses X-rays taken from multiple angles to create detailed, cross-sectional, 3D images of bone and soft tissues.

Applications of CT Scan

Imaging of trauma (internal organ injury, subtle fractures), detecting blood clots, evaluating tumors, planning surgeries, and detailed views of chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Advantages of CT Scan

Very fast (ideal for emergencies), high detail for bone and soft tissue, less affected by movement than MRI.

Disadvantages of CT Scan

Uses significantly more ionizing radiation than an X-ray. Contrast dye carries risks of allergic reaction and potential kidney damage.

Cost of CT Scan

Moderate to High ($1,000-$5,000+) depending on facility and use of contrast.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed, high-resolution images of organs and soft tissues.

Applications of MRI

Detailed imaging of the brain and spinal cord, soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, cartilage), assessing tumors, and liver/abdominal masses.

Advantages of MRI

Excellent soft-tissue contrast and detail. No ionizing radiation.

Disadvantages of MRI

Slow (45 minutes or more), sensitive to patient movement, high cost, and can be difficult for claustrophobic patients.

Risks of MRI

Contraindicated for patients with certain metal implants (e.g., pacemakers) due to the strong magnet. Potential for allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast. Loud noise during the scan.

Cost (Out-of-Pocket Estimate) - Ultrasound

Low to Moderate ($300-$1,500+) depending on type and facility.

Ultrasound (Sonography)

Uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted into the body to create real-time images. No ionizing radiation.

Applications of Ultrasound

Obstetrics (fetal monitoring), abdominal organs (gallbladder, liver), heart (echocardiogram), blood vessel flow (Doppler), and guidance for biopsies.

Advantages of Ultrasound

Safe (no radiation), relatively low cost, portable, provides real-time moving images, and operator-dependent (can focus on specific areas of concern).

Disadvantages of Ultrasound

Operator-dependent (quality varies by technician/radiologist skill). Detail is limited by air (e.g., lungs or bowel gas) or bone.

Risks of Ultrasound

Minimal. There is a slight theoretical risk from thermal or cavitation effects of the sound waves, but considered very safe for diagnostic use, even in pregnancy.

Cost (Out-of-Pocket Estimate) - PET Scan

Very High ($3,000-$15,000+) depending on type and facility.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

Measures metabolic activity by injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer (usually a glucose analog) that is taken up by metabolically active cells (like cancer cells).

Applications of PET Scan

Oncology (detecting and staging cancer, monitoring treatment), finding areas of inflammation or infection, and studying brain function.

Advantages of PET Scan

Provides functional/metabolic information that structural scans (CT, MRI) cannot, excellent for identifying cancer spread throughout the body.

Disadvantages of PET Scan

High cost. Uses ionizing radiation (from the CT component and the radioactive tracer). Tracer uptake can occur in non-cancerous processes (e.g., inflammation), leading to potential false positives.

Risks of PET Scan

Ionizing radiation exposure (moderate dose). Allergic reaction to IV contrast (if PET/CT is used).

Cost (Out-of-Pocket Estimate) - Endoscopy or Colonoscopy

High ($3,000-$8,000+) as it is a procedure with facility, professional, and anesthesia fees. Often covered more completely as a screening test.

Endoscopy or Colonoscopy

An invasive procedure using a flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope or colonoscope) to directly visualize the lining of the digestive tract.

Applications of Endoscopy

Endoscopy (Upper GI): Examining the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Colonoscopy (Lower GI): Examining the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum for polyps, cancer, and inflammation.

Advantages of Endoscopy

Provides direct visualization of the lining, allows for immediate therapeutic intervention (polyp removal, stopping bleeding), and tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

Disadvantages of Endoscopy

Invasive (requires sedation/anesthesia), requires extensive bowel preparation (for colonoscopy), and a small risk of serious complications.

Risks of Endoscopy

Small risk of perforation (tearing the bowel wall) or serious bleeding, especially if a polyp is removed. Risks associated with sedation/anesthesia.