Medical Radiology: Current Progress

Recently, medical radiology has undergone significant improvements in patient management due to advancements in image acquisition by the last generation of machines, data processing, and the integration of artificial intelligence. In this way, cardiovascular imaging is one of the fastest-growing radiological subspecialties. In this study, a compressive review was focused on addressing how and why CT and MR have gained a I class indication in most cardiovascular diseases, and the potential impact of tissue and functional characterization by CT photon counting, quantitative MR mapping, and 4-D flow. Regarding rectal imaging, advances in cancer imaging using diffusion-weighted MRI sequences for identifying residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and [18F] FDG PET/MRI were provided for high-resolution anatomical and functional data in oncological patients. The results present a large overview of the approach to the imaging of diffuse and focal liver diseases by US elastography, contrast-enhanced US, quantitative MRI, and CT for patient risk stratification. Italy is currently riding the wave of these improvements. The development of large networks will be crucial to create high-quality databases for patient-centered precision medicine using artificial intelligence. Dedicated radiologists with specific training and a close relationship with the referring clinicians will be essential human factors.

Automated summary

Recently, advancements in image acquisition, data processing, and artificial intelligence have greatly improved patient management in medical radiology. Cardiovascular imaging is experiencing rapid growth due to these improvements. This study focuses on the reasons and impact behind the I class indication of CT and MR in most cardiovascular diseases, as well as the potential of CT photon counting, quantitative MR mapping, and 4-D flow in tissue and functional characterization. Additionally, advances in rectal imaging for cancer identification and high-resolution data in oncological patients were discussed. The study also highlights the importance of database development and the role of specialized radiologists in patient-centered precision medicine.