Computed Tomography (CT)
CT is an advanced imaging method that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. It provides detailed information about tissues, organs, and bone structures.
During the scan, the patient remains still for a short period while images are obtained using X-rays that rotate around the body. The procedure is generally painless and takes only a few minutes.
For some types of CT scans, fasting or drinking a specific amount of fluid may be required. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions. Metal jewelry should also be removed before the scan.
CT scans use a low dose of X-rays and are generally safe. For pregnant patients or individuals with certain health conditions, your doctor will assess the potential risks and recommend alternative imaging methods if necessary.
Contrast material helps make blood vessels, organs, or lesions appear more clearly. It can be administered orally or intravenously. Its use is generally safe, but caution is required in patients with kidney problems or allergies.
Movement can cause images to become blurry and may make it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, it is very important to remain still throughout the scan.
After the scan, the images are processed by a computer and reviewed by a radiologist. The results are usually provided to your doctor on the same day or within a few days.
While CT uses X-rays, MRI works with magnetic fields and radio waves. CT is faster for imaging bone structures and in emergency situations, whereas MRI is more effective for detailed imaging of soft tissues.
Magnetic Resonance (MR)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging method that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body. It is commonly used to examine the brain, spine, muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
During an MRI scan, the patient lies on a movable table that slides into the MRI machine and is asked to remain still throughout the scan. The machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images. The procedure is generally painless.
Depending on the area being examined, an MRI scan usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes. In some detailed examinations, the procedure may take a little longer.
During an MRI scan, rhythmic and loud noises may occur due to changes in the magnetic field as the machine operates. These sounds are normal, and patients are usually provided with headphones or earplugs to reduce discomfort.
Most MRI scans do not require any special preparation. However, metal jewelry, watches, credit cards, and other items that may be affected by the magnetic field must be removed. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to fast before the scan.
Since MRI does not use X-rays, it is generally considered a safe imaging method. However, patients with pacemakers, metal implants, or certain prostheses must inform the medical staff before the scan.
In some MRI examinations, contrast material may be used to provide clearer images of blood vessels, tumors, or inflamed tissues. This material is usually administered intravenously and allows the images to be evaluated in greater detail.
MRI images are reviewed and reported by a radiologist after the scan. The results are usually provided to your doctor on the same day or within a few days.
Digital Mammography and Tomosynthesis
Digital mammography is a modern imaging method that uses X-rays to produce images of breast tissue. It is considered one of the most effective screening methods for the early detection of breast cancer.
Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is an advanced imaging technique. It captures multiple images of the breast tissue from different angles, allowing for a more detailed and layered examination.
While digital mammography produces two-dimensional images, tomosynthesis provides three-dimensional cross-sectional images of the breast tissue. This allows for a more detailed evaluation, particularly in individuals with dense breast tissue.
During a mammogram, the breast needs to be compressed briefly. This may cause mild discomfort, but the procedure is generally short and well tolerated.
A digital mammogram is usually completed within 10–15 minutes. When tomosynthesis is used, the procedure may take slightly longer, but it is still relatively quick.
On the day of the examination, it is recommended to avoid using deodorant, powder, or cream, as these products may affect the images. Metal jewelry should also be removed during the examination.
Generally, women over the age of 40 are recommended to undergo regular mammography screening. Depending on individual risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting screening at an earlier age or having it at different intervals.
After the examination, the images are evaluated by a radiologist. The results are usually prepared on the same day or within a short period and then provided to your doctor.
Ultrasonography and Color Doppler
Ultrasonography is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and tissues in the body. Since it does not involve radiation, it is considered safe and is widely used in the diagnosis of many conditions.
Color Doppler ultrasonography is a specialized ultrasound method used to evaluate blood flow within blood vessels. Blood flow is displayed in color on the screen, providing important information about vascular blockages or circulation problems.
Ultrasonography is used to examine many areas of the body, including the abdominal organs, thyroid gland, breasts, muscles, and soft tissues. It also plays an important role in pregnancy monitoring and certain interventional procedures.
Color Doppler is particularly used to evaluate vascular diseases, varicose veins, blood vessel blockages, blood clot formation, and blood flow to organs.
During the examination, a special gel is applied to the area being examined, and a device called a probe is moved over the skin to obtain images. The procedure is generally painless and is completed in a short time.
Depending on the area being examined, fasting or having a full bladder may be required in some cases. Your doctor or healthcare professional will provide you with information about the necessary preparation.
Since ultrasonography does not involve radiation, it is considered a safe imaging method. For this reason, it can also be used safely during pregnancy.
The images are usually evaluated immediately during the examination. The radiologist's report is prepared shortly afterward and provided to your doctor.
Digital X-ray
Digital X-ray is a modern imaging method that uses X-rays to produce images of the internal structures of the body. Compared to conventional X-rays, images are obtained digitally and can be evaluated more quickly.
Digital X-rays are commonly used to evaluate bone fractures, dislocations, lung diseases, joint problems, and certain conditions affecting internal organs.
During the examination, the patient stands or lies in a specific position depending on the area being examined. X-rays are used for a short period, and the images are immediately transferred to the digital system.
A digital X-ray examination is usually completed within a few minutes. Including the preparation process, the procedure is relatively quick.
Most X-ray examinations do not require any special preparation. However, depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to remove metal jewelry, watches, or similar items.
Digital X-rays use a low dose of X-rays and are generally considered safe. However, it is important to inform the healthcare professional if you are pregnant.
With digital X-ray, images are obtained electronically and can be viewed immediately. This allows for higher image quality and a faster evaluation process.
After the examination is completed, the images can be viewed immediately on the digital system. Following evaluation by a radiologist, the results are provided to your doctor within a short period.
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
Bone densitometry is an imaging method used to measure bone mineral density. Using DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) technology, the strength of the bones can be assessed and the risk of osteoporosis can be determined.
A DEXA test is generally performed in individuals suspected of having osteoporosis, postmenopausal women, people who have used corticosteroids for a long time, or individuals at high risk of bone fractures.
The patient lies on the examination table, and the lower back and hip areas are usually scanned. Bone density is measured using low-dose X-rays, and the results are analyzed digitally.
A bone densitometry examination is usually completed within 10–15 minutes. The procedure is quick and painless.
In most cases, no special preparation is required. However, you may be asked to remove metal accessories on the day of the examination, and in some cases, you may be advised not to take calcium supplements before the scan.
A DEXA test uses a very low dose of X-rays. Therefore, it is considered a safe method and can be performed comfortably on many patients.
Bone density is evaluated using values such as the T-score and Z-score. These values indicate whether bone density is normal, low, or at a level consistent with osteoporosis.
After the scan, the obtained data is evaluated by a radiologist, and a report is prepared. The results are usually provided to your doctor within a short period.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging method that uses X-rays to provide real-time, moving images of the internal structures of the body. It is used to evaluate the function and movement of organs.
Fluoroscopy is used in many medical procedures, including gastrointestinal examinations, swallowing tests, certain orthopedic procedures, and the evaluation of vascular interventions.
During the procedure, the patient is positioned appropriately, and the relevant area of the body is viewed in real time using X-rays. In some examinations, contrast material may be used to obtain clearer images.
Contrast material helps make organs or blood vessels more clearly visible. It is frequently used to evaluate structures such as the stomach, intestines, or esophagus.
The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the type of examination being performed, but it is generally completed within 15–30 minutes.
For some fluoroscopy procedures, you may need to fast for a few hours. Depending on the method used, the healthcare staff will provide you with information about the necessary preparation before the procedure.
Fluoroscopy is a method that uses X-rays, but the dose used during the procedure is carefully controlled. When performed for medically necessary reasons, it is considered a safe imaging method.
The images obtained during the procedure are evaluated by a radiologist, and a report is prepared. The results are usually provided to your doctor within a short period.
Dental X-ray
Orthopantomography is a panoramic dental X-ray method that allows the upper and lower jaws and all teeth to be evaluated in a single image. It is frequently used by dentists for diagnosis and treatment planning.
This imaging method is used in many situations, including the detection of impacted teeth, jawbone diseases, tooth root infections, orthodontic evaluations, and dental implant planning.
During the examination, the patient stands or sits in front of the device, and the jaw is stabilized. The device makes a short rotation around the head to create a panoramic image of the entire jaw structure.
The examination is usually completed within a few minutes. The actual image acquisition takes only a few seconds.
Generally, no special preparation is required. However, you may be asked to remove metal jewelry, earrings, glasses, or removable dental prostheses during the examination.
The dose of X-rays used in dental X-rays is very low. Therefore, when performed for medically necessary reasons, it is considered safe.
Orthopantomography provides a comprehensive view of the position of the teeth, jaw structure, and developmental status. Therefore, it plays an important role in orthodontic treatment planning.
The images are obtained digitally and are available immediately. After being evaluated by a dentist or radiologist, the results are shared within a short period.
Volumetric Dental CT
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), also known as Dental CT, is an advanced imaging method that provides three-dimensional images of the teeth, jawbones, and surrounding tissues. It is particularly used for implant planning and detailed examination of the jaw structure.
Dental CT is used in many situations, including implant planning, evaluation of impacted teeth, jawbone diseases, orthodontic treatment planning, and the examination of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
During the scan, the patient remains still inside the device while it makes a short rotation around the head to obtain three-dimensional images. The procedure is quick and is usually completed within a few minutes.
The image acquisition time usually ranges from 10–30 seconds. Including the preparation process, the examination is completed within a few minutes.
Generally, no special preparation is required. However, you may be asked to remove metal jewelry, earrings, glasses, or removable dental prostheses during the scan.
Dental CT uses a low dose of X-rays, and modern devices are designed to minimize radiation exposure. Therefore, it is a method that can be safely performed when medically necessary.
While a conventional dental X-ray produces two-dimensional images, dental CT provides three-dimensional images of the teeth and jaw structures. This allows for a more detailed and accurate evaluation.
The images are obtained digitally immediately after the scan. They are reviewed by a radiologist or dentist and reported within a short period.
Advanced Artificial Intelligence Applications
Artificial intelligence in radiology refers to the use of advanced software and algorithms that assist in the analysis of medical images. These systems can help detect abnormalities in images more quickly and accurately.
Artificial intelligence supports doctors by analyzing data obtained from X-rays, MRI, CT, and other imaging methods. It plays an important role particularly in early diagnosis, image interpretation, and reporting processes.
Artificial intelligence can analyze images more quickly, help detect small or early-stage findings, and contribute to a more efficient diagnostic process.
Artificial intelligence can assist in evaluating images for lung diseases, tumors, bone fractures, vascular diseases, and certain neurological conditions.
Yes, since artificial intelligence can analyze images quickly, it can help accelerate the reporting process in certain situations.
Artificial intelligence systems can achieve high accuracy rates because they are trained on extensive datasets. However, the definitive diagnosis and interpretation are always made by a radiologist.
