by Hannah Farrell
Our expert witnesses in radiology specialise in the medical imaging of the human body. They are experts in performing and interpreting numerous radiological studies including x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, coronary angiograms, and perfusion scans. Further, they are experienced in performing interventional radiological procedures such as angioplasty.
Our experts in radiology have a profound knowledge of interpreting radiological imaging in the context of clinical situations and are able to advise on possible diagnosis and raise alerts for suspicious radiological findings.
With a strong understanding of appropriate standards of care and NICE Guidelines, in addition to a thorough knowledge of treatment pathways, our Expert Witnesses in radiology can advise on causation, breach of duty, current condition, and prognosis in individuals who have undergone radiological intervention and imaging.
See below for a brief overview on radiology. Alternatively, contact an expert witness in radiology to see how they can help.
What is Radiology?
There is only limited information which can be obtained by physically examining the body, and whilst blood tests and testing of other biological fluids can give help build an excellent clinical picture, often clinicians require investigations which visually illustrate what is going on beneath the skin. With the use of radiological investigations such as x-ray, computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and ultrasound, we can produce visual images of inside the body which can be used to diagnose conditions, assess organ function, and even provide intervention.
X-Rays
X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to produce black, white, and grey images of the tissues and structures of the body. X-rays are commonly used to visualise bone, the lungs, and abdominal contents.
Computerised Tomography Scan
CT scans use a combination of X-ray images to produce a cross-sectional image of the body. consequently, they can provide a more-detailed picture than standard x-rays, producing finer detailed pictures of blood vessels and other soft tissues in the body. CT scans are commonly used to identify blood clots and blood accumulation within the body cavities for example, pulmonary emboli in the lungs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI scans used powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed cross-sectional images of tissues within the body. MRI scans are excellent at producing images of muscles, joints, and blood vessels, in addition to organs such as the brain and heart.
Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of inside the body. They are commonly used to diagnose pathology of the organs, for example, a liver cyst. Ultrasound Doppler or duplex scans are used to create a picture of fluid motion or blood flow within blood vessels, for example, visualised blood flow in the femoral artery to assess femoral artery stenosis.
Myocardial Perfusion Scan
A myocardial perfusion scan is a mode of imaging used to assess blood flow within the myocardium (heart muscle). It may also be known as a nuclear stress test and can be performed at rest or whilst a person exercises (exercise stress test). The scan highlights areas of non-viable myocardium, for example, areas of heart muscle that have been damaged following a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Positive Emission Tomography
Positive emission tomography (PET) scans involve the injection of a radioactive substance into the body, which accumulates in various tissues. The scan shows where there is increased uptake of the radioactive substance and illustrates how the cells in this part of the body are functioning. PET scans are commonly used to identify areas metastases in cancer patients.