By: AMFS Board Certified Radiologist
Radiologists are physicians who specialize in diagnostic imaging and are specificallytrained to be consultants. A radiologist has undergone at least five years of residencytraining which is equal in time to most surgical training programs including general andorthopedic surgery and longer than many other programs such as emergency medicine,obstetrics/gynecology, and primary care. Experienced radiologists have interpretedhundreds of thousands of X-ray, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), andmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and are certified by the American Board ofRadiology only after passing both written and oral examinations.
Don't Believe Everything You Read
Radiologist’s reports are interpretations and opinions of imaging exams, not objectiveresults like laboratory tests. The report is ideally performed in conjunction with clinicalhistory, physical exam, and laboratory results, but even given perfect conditionsradiologists may disagree with one another whether a finding is a tumor, infection, bleed,or even a more complex combination such as a bleeding tumor. Or, another radiologistmay believe that the “finding” was simply a normal physiologic variant. The report is notimmutable fact; it is the opinion of a radiologist, and opinions can vary so if in doubt,have another radiologist review the images for an independent interpretation.
To Err is Human
Radiologists make mistakes just like everyone else; radiologists can misinterpret findingsor miss them altogether, most commonly nasal bone fractures and soft tissue contusionsseen on head CT for assault. Aside from inherent differences in opinion, the fact isradiologists can err, either perceptually (the finding was not seen) or conceptually (thefinding was seen but interpreted incorrectly). The good news is images can be reviewed,reinterpreted, and correlated with the original report, so if there is any consideration of apossible error, have an expert radiologist take another look.
Image quality can vary significantly which can affect diagnostic accuracy. The mostadvanced scanner-software combinations produce images that look like the newest highdefinition TV, but others might look like an old fuzzy TV set from the 1950s.Furthermore, images can be affected by artifacts from any number of sources includingsurgical implants, jewelry, or even motion artifact from breathing. For instance, a verycommon artifact in the brain can be mistaken for subdural bleeding. A radiologist is inthe best position to comment on image quality and artifacts which may limitinterpretation or even be misinterpreted as pathology.
Timing is Everything
Experienced radiologists have reviewed an enormous number of images which generatesa vast internal database; radiologists have the best chance to assess the timing ofpathology such as fractures, strokes, and bleeds by comparing the images to this hugeinternalized database of experience. Timing of pathology is rarely easy, but radiologistshave the best chance to predict if an event occurred in the last day, week, or month; infact in many cases an active bleed can be seen on CT!
Do the Right Thing
Radiologists should follow guidelines developed by the American College of Radiologyregarding such things as ambient light levels, monitor resolution and luminance, andcertain components of the reports themselves such as differential diagnosis andsuggestions for further imaging. Furthermore, mammography is federally regulated byFDA under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). If there have beendeviations from these standard guidelines, a radiologist can tell you.
The Final Word
An expert radiologist’s experience in diagnostic imaging can be an invaluable asset, particularly in evaluating image quality and report accuracy. If there are any questions regarding imaging appropriateness, image quality, or the report or recommendations,consulting an expert radiologist can significantly clarify and strengthen your position.