Medical Imaging Technique

Laboratory Technology (Medical) | Science Laboratory Technology

Medical imaging techniques encompass a diverse array of methods employed to visualize internal structures and functions within the human body for diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment purposes. These techniques leverage various modalities such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine to capture detailed images of organs, tissues, and physiological processes. Each modality offers distinct advantages and is utilized based on factors like the nature of the medical condition, the depth of imaging required, and patient-specific considerations. X-ray imaging, for instance, provides quick and cost-effective scans ideal for bone fractures and detecting abnormalities in the chest. In contrast, MRI offers high-resolution images with excellent soft tissue contrast, making it invaluable for diagnosing conditions like brain tumors and musculoskeletal injuries. Ultrasound, employing sound waves, is safe and non-invasive, commonly used in obstetrics for monitoring fetal development and assessing cardiac function. Nuclear medicine techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), involve the administration of radiopharmaceuticals to visualize metabolic processes and detect abnormalities at the molecular level. The continuous advancement and integration of these imaging modalities enhance diagnostic accuracy, enable minimally invasive interventions, and contribute to improved patient outcomes in modern healthcare practice.

ABSTRACT

In an ideal world, we’d be able to diagnose and treat patients without any harmful side effects. Medical imaging remains one of the best ways to achieve that aim, being able to see what’s going on inside the body without the need for surgery or other invasive procedures. Indeed, it’s something we’re perhaps guilty of taking for granted at times.

Medical imaging can be used for both diagnosis and therapeutic purposes, making it one of our most powerful resources available to effectively care for our patients.

Medical Imaging is the use of imaging modalities and processes to get pictures of the human body, which can assist diagnosis and treatment of patients. It can also be used to track any ongoing issues, and can therefore help with treatment plans.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

AIM OF THE STUDY
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
USES AND BENEFITS OF STUDY
SCOPE OF THE STUDY

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL IMAGING
HISTORY OF MEDICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL IMAGING
MODERN MEDICAL IMAGING
DEVELOPMENT OF OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
PRIVACY PROTECTION

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

MOST COMMON IMAGING TECHNIQUES

CHAPTER FOUR

COMPARISONS BETWEEN MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY
REFERENCES

Glossary

Computed tomography (CT): this is a medical imaging technique in which a computer-enhanced cross-sectional X-ray image is obtained

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): this is a medical imaging technique in which a device generates a magnetic field to obtain detailed sectional images of the internal structures of the body

Positron emission tomography (PET): this is a medical imaging technique in which radiopharmaceuticals are traced to reveal metabolic and physiological functions in tissues

ultrasonography: is application of ultrasonic waves to visualize subcutaneous body structures such as tendons and organs

X-ray: is form of high energy electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength capable of penetrating solids and ionizing gases; used in medicine as a diagnostic aid to visualize body structures such as bones

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Medical imaging is the technique and process of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues (physiology). Medical imaging seeks to reveal internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, as well as to diagnose and treat disease. Medical imaging also establishes a database of normal anatomy and physiology to make it possible to identify abnormalities. Although imaging of removed organs and tissues can be performed for medical reasons, such procedures are usually considered part of pathology instead of medical imaging.

As a discipline and in its widest sense, it is part of biological imaging and incorporates radiology which uses the imaging technologies of X-ray radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, medical ultrasonography or ultrasound, endoscopy, elastography, tactile imaging, thermography, medical photography and nuclear medicine functional imaging techniques as positron emission tomography (PET) and Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Measurement and recording techniques which are not primarily designed to produce images, such as electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and others represent other technologies which produce data susceptible to representation as a parameter graph vs. time or maps which contain data about the measurement locations. In a limited comparison, these technologies can be considered as forms of medical imaging in another discipline.

Up until 2010, 5 billion medical imaging studies had been conducted worldwide.[1] Radiation exposure from medical imaging in 2006 made up about 50% of total ionizing radiation exposure in the United States.[2]

Medical imaging is often perceived to designate the set of techniques that noninvasively produce images of the internal aspect of the body. In this restricted sense, medical imaging can be seen as the solution of mathematical inverse problems. This means that cause (the properties of living tissue) is inferred from effect (the observed signal). In the case of medical ultrasonography, the probe consists of ultrasonic pressure waves and echoes that go inside the tissue to show the internal structure. In the case of projectional radiography, the probe uses X-ray radiation, which is absorbed at different rates by different tissue types such as bone, muscle, and fat.

1.2 AIM OF THE STUDY

Medical imaging involves a multidisciplinary approach to obtain a correct diagnosis for the individual patient with an aim of providing a personalised approach to patient care. These imaging techniques can be applied as non-invasive methods to view inside the human body, without any surgical intervention. The aim of this course is to enable students to develop a basic familiarity with all the major medical imaging techniques employed in modern hospitals.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study is on different types of modern medical imaging techniques. At the end of this work the student involves shall be able to:

Understand different types of medical imaging techniques
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of medical imaging techniques.
Identified the different types of medical imaging techniques with pictures.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to know in details different types of medical imaging techniques used in this modern age.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

All of these techniques have been incredibly useful in medicine’s goal of saving lives and preventing suffering. Medical imaging techniques have had a major impact on public health over the last century. It’s changed how doctors measure, diagnose, and treat illnesses, even reducing the need for invasive procedures and surgeries. And it’s become central in dealing with a majority of illnesses and diseases, from cancer to heart disease to trauma. There is no doubt that medical imaging has increased life expectancy and improved people’s experiences of healthcare.

1.6 USES AND BENEFITS OF STUDY

Each technique is used in different circumstances. For example, radiography is often used when we want images of bone structures to look for breakages. MRI scanners are often used to take images of the brain or other internal tissues, particularly when high-resolution images are needed. Nuclear medicine is used when you need to look inside the digestive or circulatory systems, such as to look for blockages. And ultrasound is used to look at fetuses in the womb and to take images of internal organs when high resolution is not necessary.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Aside from Superman with his x-ray vision, people generally can’t look at a sick person and instantly figure out the problem. Most medical issues occur inside the body, so making a diagnosis can be a challenge. Medical imaging has made that challenge far easier over the last century. Medical imaging is the technique of producing visual representations of areas inside the human body to diagnose medical problems and monitor treatment. It has had a huge impact on public health.

There are many types of medical imaging, and more methods for imaging are being invented as technology advances. The main types of imaging used in modern medicine are radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasound. We’ll discuss these in further detail below.