Teleradiography

What is Teleradiography?

Teleradiography refers to the use of electronic and internet services to transfer radiological images for analysis and interpretation of these images. Sometimes, on-site radiologists may not be available at healthcare facilities. The actual radiological examination is generally performed by a technician.

After the radiological test is performed, the images are checked for quality and compliance with the imaging protocols. These images are then sent to a licensed radiology expert via the internet. Typically, major institutions have PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)/ RIS (Radiology Information System) facilities to transfer radiological images. These systems are specialized to image management and transfer, while maintaining their quality even after transfer. Apart from these, transfer of radiology images can also be sent using a secure email delivery system.

After the transfer of the diagnostic images, the radiologist analyses and interprets the images. The patient’s clinical data is also sent along with the images, as this information is crucial to form a correct conclusion. After forming a diagnosis, the radiologist prepares a detailed report encompassing the diagnostic findings and further recommendations. This report can only be signed by a licensed radiologist. The signed report is then sent back to the healthcare institution using the above-mentioned transfer tools.

What is Teleradiography for X-ray Image Report:

X-ray radiography is a widely used imaging method that makes use of ionizing radiation to detect abnormalities. The ionizing radiation is directed onto a specific body part. As the X-rays interact with the tissues, they absorb some amount of radiation. The residual radiation passes through the tissues and is then captured by the detectors. Each type of tissue (or lack of any matter) absorbs a different level of ionizing radiation. It produces grayscale images that depict the two-dimensional anatomy of the area under observation.

Due to its simple and rapid procedure, X-ray radiography is widely used in emergency/STAT situations. During these conditions, teleradiography allows healthcare institutions to remotely transfer the X-ray images and obtain diagnosis in a timely manner.

Conditions to Diagnose

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Fractures

Dislocations

Subluxations

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoporosis

Bone tumors (primary and metastatic)

Osteomyelitis

Bone cysts

Stress fractures

Scoliosis

Kyphosis

Lordosis

Chest / Thoracic Conditions

Pneumonia

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Lung collapse (Atelectasis)

Pleural effusion

Pneumothorax

Pulmonary edema

Lung masses or nodules

Interstitial lung disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Cardiomegaly

Rib fractures

Abdominal Conditions

Intestinal obstruction

Bowel perforation (free air under diaphragm)

Paralytic ileus

Fecal impaction

Abdominal calcifications

Radiopaque foreign bodies

Gallstones (calcified)

Kidney stones (radiopaque)

Spinal Conditions

Vertebral fractures

Degenerative disc disease

Spondylosis

Spondylolisthesis

Spinal alignment abnormalities

Vertebral infections

Vertebral tumors

Dental & Maxillofacial Conditions

Dental caries

Periapical abscess

Impacted teeth

Jaw fractures

Temporomandibular joint disorders

Maxillofacial tumors

Sinusitis (maxillary sinus)

Pediatric Conditions

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Rickets

Growth plate injuries

Congenital skeletal anomalies

Child abuse–related fractures

Foreign Bodies & Devices

Ingested foreign bodies

Inhaled foreign bodies

Orthopedic implants assessment

Catheter and tube positioning

Pacemaker and prosthetic device evaluation

Breast Imaging (Mammography – X-ray Based)

Breast calcifications

Breast masses

Breast cancer

Fibrocystic breast disease

Vascular & Soft Tissue Findings

Vascular calcifications

Soft tissue calcifications

Gas in soft tissues

Soft tissue foreign bodies

What is Teleradiography for CT Scan Report:

Computed Tomography (CT) is a radiological method which produces high-resolution diagnostic images. It is similar to X-ray radiography as it utilizes ionizing radiation to produce 3-dimensional images. In a CT scan, the X-rays are directed on a specific body part from multiple angles. This process creates several thin slices of 2D images from multiple views.

Using teleradiography, a large number of individual 2D image slices can be stored and transferred at the same time. Radiologists can access these slices remotely, and reconstruct the 3D images. Electronic transfer of data and remote analysis enables fast-tracked image assessment from remotely-operating radiologists. It also makes the follow-up processes after a CT scan more smooth.

Conditions to Diagnose

Head & Brain Conditions

Intracranial hemorrhage

Ischemic stroke

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Epidural hematoma

Subdural hematoma

Brain contusions

Brain tumors

Hydrocephalus

Cerebral edema

Skull fractures

Sinusitis

Spine & Musculoskeletal Conditions

Vertebral fractures

Spinal canal stenosis

Disc herniation

Spondylolisthesis

Spinal tumors

Spinal infections

Complex joint fractures

Pelvic fractures

Bone tumors

Osteomyelitis

Chest / Thoracic Conditions

Pulmonary embolism

Lung cancer

Pulmonary nodules

Pneumonia

Interstitial lung disease

Pleural effusion

Pneumothorax

Aortic aneurysm

Aortic dissection

Mediastinal masses

Chest trauma

Cardiovascular Conditions

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery calcification

Cardiac masses

Pericardial effusion

Aortic pathology

Vascular malformations

Abdominal Conditions

Appendicitis

Bowel obstruction

Bowel perforation

Inflammatory bowel disease

Abdominal tumors

Liver cirrhosis

Liver abscess

Pancreatitis

Pancreatic tumors

Splenic injury

Abdominal trauma

Genitourinary Conditions

Kidney stones

Hydronephrosis

Renal tumors

Polycystic kidney disease

Urinary tract obstruction

Bladder tumors

Prostatic enlargement

Adrenal tumors

Vascular Conditions

Arterial stenosis

Venous thrombosis

Aneurysms

Vascular occlusions

Active internal bleeding

Vasculitis

Oncology (Staging & Follow-up)

Primary tumors

Metastatic disease

Lymphadenopathy

Tumor staging

Treatment response assessment

Trauma & Emergency Conditions

Head injury

Polytrauma

Internal organ injury

Active hemorrhage

Retroperitoneal hematoma

ENT & Facial Conditions

Facial bone fractures

Sinus disease

Temporal bone fractures

Orbital fractures

Nasal bone fractures

Pediatric Conditions

Congenital anomalies

Pediatric tumors

Abdominal emergencies

Hydrocephalus

Trauma-related injuries

What is Teleradiography for MRI Report:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a highly sophisticated process that produces high-quality 3D images. It does not make use of radiation, like that in X–ray and CT studies, making it a relatively safe imaging method. It consists of using radiowave pulses under a strong magnetic field. MRI detects the movement of water molecules in different tissues. Hence, it is an excellent tool to visualize soft tissues and those tissues with high water content.

Using teleradiography, MRI images can be stored and observed through high resolution monitors and transferred via sophisticated delivery systems. Generally, MRI scans are sent to oncology, neurology, or musculoskeletal specialists.

Conditions to Diagnose

Brain & Central Nervous System

Brain tumors

Multiple sclerosis

Acute ischemic stroke

Intracranial hemorrhage

Epileptogenic lesions

Hydrocephalus

Brain infections

Cerebral abscess

Neurodegenerative disorders

Congenital brain anomalies

Spine & Spinal Cord

Intervertebral disc herniation

Spinal cord compression

Spinal tumors

Syringomyelia

Spinal infections

Degenerative disc disease

Spinal stenosis

Vertebral marrow lesions

Trauma-related spinal injuries

Musculoskeletal & Soft Tissue

Ligament tears

Tendon injuries

Muscle tears

Meniscal injuries

Cartilage defects

Osteonecrosis

marrow edema

Soft tissue tumors

Sports-related injuries

Head & Neck

Acoustic neuroma

Pituitary adenoma

Orbital tumors

Salivary gland tumors

Neck masses

Temporomandibular joint disorders

Cardiovascular (Cardiac MRI / MR Angiography)

Cardiomyopathies

Myocarditis

Congenital heart disease

Cardiac masses

Pericardial disease

Aortic aneurysm

Vascular malformations

Abdominal & Pelvic

Liver tumors

Focal nodular hyperplasia

Cirrhosis complications

Pancreatic tumors

Pancreatitis

Adrenal lesions

Renal masses

Pelvic masses

Female Pelvic Conditions

Uterine fibroids

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Ovarian tumors

Congenital uterine anomalies

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Male Pelvic Conditions

Prostate cancer

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Prostatitis

Seminal vesicle pathology

Breast MRI

Breast cancer

Multifocal disease

Implant evaluation

High-risk screening lesions

Pediatric & Congenital Disorders

Congenital anomalies

Developmental brain disorders

Pediatric tumors

Spinal dysraphism

Oncology (Staging & Follow-up)

Primary tumors

Metastatic disease

Tumor recurrence

Treatment response assessment

Vascular & MR Angiography

Intracranial aneurysms

Arteriovenous malformations

Arterial stenosis

Venous thrombosis

Vasculitis

What is Teleradiography for Ultrasound Report:

Ultrasound is a technique used to observe anatomical structures without the use of radiation. Ultrasound is performed by directing high-frequency sound waves onto the area of interest. As these sound waves hit the internal structures, they are reflected back. Each type of tissue (blood, bone, fat, etc.) reflects a unique frequency of sound waves. These reflected waves are then captured by a detector which converts the received waves into electrical signals. Using these signals, a signal converter transforms the electrical signals into digital images.

USing ultrasound imaging, radiologists can observe the real time movements in the body. As it does not consist of any radiation exposure, ultrasound is an ideal method to diagnose conditions in compromised groups such as pregnant women.

For ultrasound imaging, rather than the live scans, images and cine loops are transferred using teleradiography. However, this process is not very simple and it requires high-skill on the radiologist’s part. Although teleradiography is not commonly used for ultrasound for primary diagnostic purposes, it is important for audits and secondary reporting. The main ultrasound types reported using teleradiology consist of obstetrics, abdomen, and vascular Doppler ultrasound.

Conditions to Diagnose

Abdominal Conditions

Gallstones

Cholecystitis

Fatty liver

Liver cirrhosis

Liver cysts

Liver abscess

Ascites

Splenomegaly

Pancreatitis

Pancreatic pseudocyst

Genitourinary Conditions

Kidney stones

Hydronephrosis

Renal cysts

Polycystic kidney disease

Urinary bladder stones

Bladder tumors

Prostatic enlargement

Prostatic abscess

Obstetric Ultrasound

Intrauterine pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

Fetal growth restriction

Placenta previa

Placental abruption

Multiple pregnancy

Fetal congenital anomalies

Oligohydramnios

Polyhydramnios

Gynecological Conditions

Uterine fibroids

Adenomyosis

Endometrial thickening

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian tumors

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Vascular & Doppler Studies

Deep vein thrombosis

Varicose veins

Arterial stenosis

Peripheral arterial disease

Portal hypertension

Renal artery stenosis

Cardiac (Echocardiography)

Valvular heart disease

Cardiomyopathies

Congenital heart disease

Pericardial effusion

Cardiac masses

Heart failure

Breast & Soft Tissue

Breast cysts

Breast abscess

Breast tumors

Lipomas

Soft tissue masses

Hematomas

Pediatric & Neonatal Conditions

Developmental dysplasia of hip

Infantile pyloric stenosis

Intussusception

Hydrocephalus

Congenital abdominal anomalies

Thyroid & Neck

Thyroid nodules

Goiter

Thyroiditis

Parathyroid adenoma

Cervical lymphadenopathy

Scrotal & Testicular Conditions

Testicular torsion

Epididymitis

Orchitis

Hydrocele

Varicocele

Testicular tumors

Emergency & Trauma (FAST)

Hemoperitoneum

Hemopericardium

Pleural effusion

Pneumothorax