ABSTRACT
The field of diagnostic radiology encompasses a wealth of imaging techniques that now are essential for evaluating and managing patients who need medical care. Imaging methods such as plain film radiography, X-ray computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to evaluate a patient’s anatomy with submillimeter spatial resolution to discern structural abnormalities and to evaluate the location and extent of disease, whereas X-ray fluoroscopy and angiography can be used to evaluate the status of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary systems. In comparison, functional imaging methods including planar scintigraphy, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) assess regional differences in the biochemical status of tissues.
