Unit One - Biologic Effects and Imaging Technologies
Welcome to RAD553 - An Introduction to Radiology.
In this first unit we will be exploring the various imaging techniques available to the clinician, and review their general application. More specifically, we will be looking at the technologies necessary to generate diagnostic images using X-ray, Computed Tomography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and MRI. Basic principles of radiation therapy will be reviewed. Included is a discussion of using Appropriateness Criteria when deciding on which modality to be used.
We will also be exploring the biologic effect of ionizing radiation on the human body. Risk benefit analysis will be discussed, including the potential harm from exposure to high frequency ultrasound and the magnetic fields and radio frequencies used in MRI.
Supplemental material in this unit include: interviews with radiologists and a detailed discussion of MRI physics by Dr. Anthony Paganini.