Benefits of Modern Imaging Techniques in Medicine

Relevance. For more than 100 years, medical practice has used imaging methods to observe pathological changes localized in the human body. The first method was radiography, which became popular among doctors, but later it turned out that high radiation exposure increases the incidence of tumor diseases, which is why standards for permissible radiation doses were developed for patients and radiologists. The introduction of radiocontrast agents also had contraindications that should be taken into account. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiography methods have significantly increased the diagnostic capabilities of instrumental methods. The purpose of this review is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of modern imaging methods in medicine. Methods. To achieve the purpose of the review, a literature search was conducted in Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Results. 1) The main indication for the X-ray method is visualization of bone structures. 2) X-ray contrast methods are optimal for studying hollow organs and blood vessels. 3) The advantage of MRI is the ability to visualize soft tissue well. 4) CT helps to reconstruct the spatial architecture of organs. 5) Ultrasound allows you to observe the condition of the embryo and fetus, as well as internal organs.