research paper about radiologic technology

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Research (Wash D C)
• v.2021; 2021

Recent Development in X-Ray Imaging Technology: Future and Challenges

1 MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China

2 Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China

Xianning Xu

Xiaofeng chen, zhongzhu hong, xiaowang liu, qiushui chen.

3 Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou 350108, China

Huanghao Yang

X-ray imaging is a low-cost, powerful technology that has been extensively used in medical diagnosis and industrial nondestructive inspection. The ability of X-rays to penetrate through the body presents great advances for noninvasive imaging of its internal structure. In particular, the technological importance of X-ray imaging has led to the rapid development of high-performance X-ray detectors and the associated imaging applications. Here, we present an overview of the recent development of X-ray imaging-related technologies since the discovery of X-rays in the 1890s and discuss the fundamental mechanism of diverse X-ray imaging instruments, as well as their advantages and disadvantages on X-ray imaging performance. We also highlight various applications of advanced X-ray imaging in a diversity of fields. We further discuss future research directions and challenges in developing advanced next-generation materials that are crucial to the fabrication of flexible, low-dose, high-resolution X-ray imaging detectors.

1. Introduction

X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation with a wavelength ranging from 0.01 to 10 nm [ 1 , 2 ]. When X-rays travel through a matter, they are transmitted, absorbed, or scattered. The processes of scattering and absorption depend on the attenuation ability of the matter and are governed by Lambert-Beer's Law (eq. ( 1 )):

where I is the intensity of transmitted X-ray photons, I o is the initial intensity of X-ray photons, μ is the linear attenuation coefficient, and d is the thickness of the matter [ 3 – 6 ]. The attenuation ability is dominated by a combination of the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and Rayleigh scattering [ 7 ]. Their ratios are determined by both the nature of the matter and the energy of incident X-rays. Typically, in a low-energy X-ray region, X-ray photons are mainly absorbed by the object through the photoelectric effect, while the Compton scattering is dominant in low- Z materials and high-energy photons [ 8 , 9 ].

The excellent penetration ability of X-rays has made X-ray imaging a powerful medical imaging modality [ 10 ]. The advances in X-ray imaging have stimulated the progress in diagnostic radiography technologies, physically describing the skeleton, including fractures, luxation, bone disease, and the location of foreign matters [ 11 , 12 ]. Such imaging information is particularly useful for guiding the surgery [ 13 ]. Apart from the medical applications, X-ray imaging is further extensively used for nondestructive industrial and safety inspection [ 14 ]. Undoubtedly, the development of X-ray imaging for over a century has promoted the advancement of a wide range of disciplines from fundamental researches to practical applications.

An X-ray imaging system typically comprises an X-ray generator and an X-ray imaging detector ( Figure 1(a) , left panel) [ 15 ]. The X-ray generator is made of two electrodes sealed into an evacuated chamber. Once powered on, the cathode made of tungsten filament can produce energic electrons through a thermionic effect when it is heated to 2200°C by the electric current. When an accelerating voltage is applied, X-rays are produced during energy changes of fast-moving electrons when they collide and interact with the anode material under a vacuum. The lost energies are converted into bremsstrahlung and characteristic X-rays. Typically, 80% of the X-ray photons emitted by the diagnostic X-ray generator are bremsstrahlung [ 16 , 17 ]. The output X-ray spectrum is affected by accelerating voltage, filament heating voltage and current, and cathode materials.

(a) Schematic illustration of an X-ray imaging system. The system constitutes an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector with a signal processing system. X-ray beam produced by the X-ray generator passes through the object (e.g., patient's chest) to arrive at the X-ray detector, followed by the signal processing to produce a visible image. (b) The development of X-ray radiography with the evolution of X-ray detectors. The development can be mainly divided into film-screen radiography and digital radiography. The film-screen radiography converts a latent X-ray pattern into a visible image through tedious chemical processing, whereas digital radiography goes through a series of signal conversions to obtain the X-ray image. ADC: analog-to-digital conversion; DAC: digital-to-analog conversion; AI: artificial intelligence; ML: machine learning; DB: big data.

The X-ray imaging system converts the X-ray photons transmitted from the object into a visible image that can be used for evaluating the internal structures. The X-ray detector is placed behind objects to record the transmitted X-rays for producing an X-ray pattern ( Figure 1(a) , right panel). This pattern is subsequently converted into a visible two-dimensional (2D) radiographic image or three-dimensional radiographic image through tomography. Finally, the contrast-based X-ray images are generated based on the attenuation difference of the objects within the matter towards X-rays [ 18 – 20 ].

In this review, we give a detailed overview of the recent development of X-ray imaging technologies, including film-screen radiography and digital radiography, according to the evolution of X-ray detectors in the imaging system. In each section, we start with a description of the structure of the device and the corresponding working principle. The advantages and disadvantages of each X-ray imaging system are further discussed. This review is ended with a perspective on the further development direction of X-ray radiography.

2. Film-Screen Radiography

2.1. substrate materials.

The first X-ray image was taken by a radiographic plate several months after the X-rays discovered by Röntgen, where the finger bones and the ring of his wife were clearly imaged [ 24 ]. The radiography manifested its original application in medical diagnosis and was further used for the identification of jewelry and art collection and nondestructive detection of metallic objects in the industry soon. Although photographic plate-based X-ray detectors made of a glass plate coated with a thick layer of light-sensitive emulsion show great promise in radiography, they are fragile, heavy, expensive, and difficult for operation and storage.

The challenges in radiographic plates promoted the development of substitutive substrate materials with flexibility, portability, transparency, and relative thinness. The photographic film consisting of cellulose nitrate and emulsion was first developed to replace the glass plate. Since the cellulose nitrate was flammable, nonflammable cellulose triacetate materials such as polyester materials were used for X-ray film instead [ 25 ].

2.2. X-Ray Film and Cassette

As illustrated in Figure 2(a) , the X-ray cassette has a flat, lightproof metal box consisting of an intensifying screen and a radiographic film. The top protective layer made of opaque carbon fiber shows nearly no radiation absorption. The back layer of the cassette utilizing a thin layer of lead with an atomic number of 82 is designed to avoid potential backscattered radiation from the transmitted X-rays [ 21 ]. The X-ray film consists of the protective layer, emulsion, adhesive, and polymer substrate. The substrate is coated with a thick layer of photosensitive emulsion on both sides to increase the X-ray absorption for mitigating blurring. Typically, the emulsion layer is made of innumerable silver-halide compounds mixed with gelatin material [ 26 , 27 ]. However, the sensitivity of X-ray imaging is very limited when the emulsion is directly exposed to X-rays, and this is largely attributed to its low X-ray absorption efficiency.

Film-screen radiography system. (a) Scheme of an X-ray film cassette and profiles of intensifying screen and X-ray film. The lightweight film cassette made of metal materials features a carbon fiber protective shield, intensifying screens, X-ray film, and a back panel. (b) The comparison of X-ray film direct exposure to X-rays (left) with that of X-ray film in combination with a scintillators screen. (c) X-ray absorption spectra of gadolinium oxysulphide (GOS, red), calcium tungsten (CaWO 4 , orange), and X-ray emission spectra of 60 kV (sky blue) and 100 kV (dark blue) X-rays. The atomic number of rare-earth elements ranges from 57 to 70 with the K -edge between 39 and 61 keV. (d) Upon X-ray irradiation, the free silver ions aggregate in negatively charged sensitivity centers to acquire an electron, forming the latent image region. (e) The latent image in the film was converted into the visible image through photochemical processing including development, fixation, washing, and drying. (f) The characteristic curve of the film-screen system in response to X-ray exposure, which can be divided into three parts including the toe region (blue), the straight-line region (yellow), and the shoulder region (red). Notably, base plus fog is the background intensity of the unexposed film produced by accident light irradiation. The optical intensity is a function of X-ray exposure plotted on a logarithmic scale. (a) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 21 ], copyright 2013 Author . (c) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 22 ], copyright 2008 Elsevier Ltd . (f) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 23 ], copyright 2019 Elsevier Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd .

2.3. Intensifying Screen and Its Composition

Although silver halide crystals can be directly exposed by the X-rays, a high dosage of X-rays with a risk of irradiation damage is required for qualified X-ray imaging. To reduce the radiation dose, a fluorescent intensifying screen made of scintillators was introduced for converting X-rays into ultraviolet to visible (UV-Vis) light to sensitize the radiographic film [ 28 ]. Figure 2(b) indicates that a radiographic film coupling with an intensifying screen substantially decreases the X-ray exposure as compared to exposing the radiographic film directly. Of which, 95% of the silver halide crystals are efficiently reduced via the visible light produced by intensifying screen, and the remaining are reduced by the direct interaction with X-rays.

The scintillators act as the energy mediator for intensifying screens, and thus their performance plays a significant role in determining image quality. Over the decades, high-quality scintillators are developed to reduce X-ray exposure. Calcium tungstate (CaWO 4 ), a class of scintillator emitting blue light under X-ray exposure, is utilized for X-ray energy conversion by Thomas Edison thanks to its strong X-ray stopping power and high X-ray scintillation efficiency. However, the absorption coefficiency of CaWO 4 is not optically matched to the spectra at 60-100 keV X-rays, as demonstrated in Figure 2(c) [ 22 ]. The development of scintillators with improved absorption in low X-ray energy is desired. Rare-earth-activated materials with high atomic numbers in the range from 57 to 70 ( K -edges between 39 and 61 keV) exhibit high X-ray attenuation and scintillation efficiency, such as lanthanum bromide oxide, lanthanum oxysulfide, and GOS. A rare-earth-based scintillating screen has a low radiation dosage of about 2-3 times less than the CaWO 4 screen with superior X-ray image quality.

2.4. Chemical Processing for the Radiographic Film

The chemical process to capture an X-ray image using a radiographic film involves the formation of a latent image and then developing an X-ray image [ 29 , 30 ]. Silver-halide crystals have a cubic phase structure with lattice points occupied by negatively charged bromide (or iodide) ions and positively charged silver ions. The silver halides absorb the photon energy of visible light or X-rays and release electrons to form electron-hole pairs, and the released electrons combine with silver ions in the photosensitive center composed of defects (point defects, dislocations, etc.) in the crystals to produce neutral silver atoms. As a result, silver atoms accumulate to form photosensitive spots, thereby forming a latent image ( Figure 2(d) ).

After the X-ray film exposure, it was chemically processed to obtain a visible image that can be displayed by transillumination on an appropriate view box for further evaluation. As shown in Figure 2(e) , this processing involves development, fixation, washing, and drying. [ 31 ]. During a typical development process, electrons from the developer migrate to sensitized grains and convert the silver ions into black silver particles to form a visible image on the film. After leaving the developer solution, the unexposed silver bromide on the film is dissolved and removed in the fixer solution containing acetic acid and sodium thiosulfate. At the same time, sodium sulfite and aluminum chloride in the fixer solution are used as a preservative and a hardener, respectively. Finally, the processed film is washed to remove the fixer solution through a water bath and dried in a chamber in which the hot air is circulating [ 32 ].

2.5. Characteristic Curve of a Radiographic Film

The performance of an X-ray film is strongly related to the radiation exposure on a logarithm scale. Contrast is the difference in luminance or color, making an object distinguishable. For a specific radiographic film, the contrast depends on the design of the film, the amount of exposure, and the chemical processing conditions. As described in Figure 2(f) , there are three different regions in the characterization curve including the toe region (blue), straight-line region (yellow), and shoulder region (red) from the bottom to the top. The toe and shoulder regions with shallow slopes correspond to underexposure and overexposure, respectively. The overexposed image in the shoulder region implies that the silver ions have been reduced to silver atoms, whereas the image will be underexposed and generally useless in the toe region. The normal exposure region is the nearly straight-line portion where a well-exposed image is produced (with a density between 0.5 and 2.75) [ 23 ].

3. Computed Radiography

3.1. substitution of film-screen radiography by computed radiography.

Although conventional film-screen radiography has contributed extraordinarily to medical diagnosis and industrial inspection since 1895, it suffered from several limitations, including complicated chemical processing, low automatic processing efficiency, high costs of film materials, time and labor consumption, inconvenient images storage and communications, and environmental pollution [ 33 – 35 ]. To this end, digital radiography was developed to replace film-screen radiography. This new technology involves using a digital detector to convert X-ray patterns into digital signals which are subsequently processed and displayed on the screen for observation. It mainly comprises imaging acquisition, laser stimulation, electric signal processing, image display, postprocessing, storage, and communication components [ 36 ]. In addition, when compared with film-screen radiography (FSR, blue dotted line), computed radiography shows an improved linear exposure range (10 4  : 1), suggesting a wide range of radiation exposure ( Figure 3(a) ) [ 37 , 38 ].

Computed radiography and its imaging mechanism. (a) The characteristic exposure curve of film-screen radiography (FSR, blue dotted line) and computed radiography (CR, red line). The film-screen radiography shows a linear exposure range of 10 : 1, and the digital radiography shows a linear exposure of 10 4  : 1. (b) Schematic diagram showing a typical computed radiography reader system and the corresponding image readout process. (c) Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the imaging plate (I). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the structured (III) and unstructured (II) phosphors. (d) X-ray absorption spectra of thallium-doped cesium iodide (CsI: Tl, green), terbium-doped gadolinium oxysulphide (GOS: Tb, orange), and europium-doped barium fluobromide (BaFBr: Eu 2+ , blue) as a function of X-ray photon energy. (e) The physical process of photostimulation using BaFBr: Eu 2+ phosphors. It can be divided into two steps, including radiation storage (light yellow) and photostimulated luminescence (light blue). The X-rays penetrating the object are absorbed by phosphors, creating a lot of electron-hole pairs, which subsequently migrate to emitting centers or are captured by metastable energy traps. Electrons and holes in the metastable energy traps absorb low-energy laser irradiation to overcome the energy barrier, escaping from the traps, followed by recombination at emitting centers to generate photostimulated luminescence. (a, b) are reprinted with permission from ref. [ 38 ], copyright 2007 Elsevier Ltd . (d) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 41 ], copyright 2007 American College of Radiology .

3.2. Image Readout Process of Computed Radiography

Computed radiography, firstly introduced by Fujifilm in 1983, is a technology on the basis of recording the latent image in a photostimulable phosphor-contained imaging plate through laser-light stimulation [ 39 , 40 ]. A computed radiography system mainly comprises two components, including an imaging plate and a computed radiography reader. They are designed to store the latent image of the X-ray attenuation pattern in the imaging plate and to read out the stored latent image through the reader, respectively. On a separate note, the computed radiography reader (point-scan, laser flying spot) consists of a set of subcomponents, such as the stimulating laser source, reflecting mirror, light collection guide, and photomultiplier tubes (PMT) [ 38 ].

During a computed radiographic imaging process, an X-ray attenuation pattern transmitted from the object is stored in photostimulable phosphors embedded into the imaging plate, leaving a latent image [ 42 ]. Then, a laser raster scanning can be used to read out the stored imaging information through releasing the photostimulated luminescence using photomultiplier tubes. Thereafter, in situ generated luminescence signals were converted to electric signals for generating high-quality images by an analog-to-digital converter ( Figure 3(b) ). The imaging plate can be repeatedly used by removing the residual energy within the phosphors through intense laser light [ 43 ]. However, the residual energy in the imaging plate cannot be completely erased since it is hard to release all the trapped energy in phosphors by a laser scanning. It is essential to extend the erasure time and increase the erasure cycle to eliminate all the residual energy for further use.

3.3. The Composition of the Imaging Plate and the Property of Phosphors

In computed radiography, an imaging plate is used to replace the intensifying screen and photographic film. As shown in Figure 3(c) , the protective layer on both sides prevents the imaging plate from being scratched, ensuring the durability of the imaging plate and allowing laser transmission. The phosphors layer, which can store the latent image, is made of phosphors mixed with a polymer binder. The electroconductive layer prevents the image quality from degrading by static electricity. The support layer in the middle endowed the imaging plate with a certain mechanical strength. The backscatter radiation is blocked by the light shield layer with a lead backing.

Regarding the phosphors within the imaging plate, there are three prerequisites: first, the emission of the phosphors is required to overlap with the maximum quantum efficiency wavelength of the photomultiplier; second, the irradiated phosphors should exhibit a fast response to the laser scanning for fast imaging; third, no significant signal deterioration for at least 8 h is required for practical use. However, there are almost no phosphors that can simultaneously satisfy the above three aspects at the same time. Among them, BaFX: Eu 2+ ( X = Cl, Br, or I) phosphor family has been extensively studied. Although RbBr: Tl + and CsBr: Eu 2+ can also be used as phosphors in imaging plates benefitting from their easy preparation in the form of a needle-like structure array, the quick latent image loses (tens of seconds) limit their further use for computed radiography systems ( Figure 3(c) , (I)).

The commercial materials for the phosphor layer are BaFBr: Eu 2+ and CsBr: Eu 2+ ( Figure 3(c) , (II)). Trace amounts of Eu 2+ activators are doped to replace Ba 2+ ions in the crystal to form the luminescent centers. Such a doping treatment can alter the structure and consequently the physical properties of the photostimulated phosphors [ 44 , 45 ]. As compared with the rare-earth-based materials used in the screen system, BaFBr: Eu 2+ shows efficient X-ray absorption in the range from 35 to 50 keV because of low K -edge absorption of barium, as presented in Figure 3(d) . Beyond this range, either GOS:Tb phosphors or CsI: Tl phosphors display better performance, allowing their widespread application in indirect flat-panel X-ray detectors or optically coupled digital radiography systems [ 41 , 46 ].

3.4. The Mechanism of Photostimulated Luminescence

The possible energy transfer mechanism inside the photostimulated phosphors is illustrated in Figure 3(e) . The in situ generated electron-hole pair concentration within phosphors is proportional to the absorbed radiation energy of the host lattice. In addition, X-ray patterns transmitted from the object could interact with halide ions to displace them into interstitial host sites, thus creating halide ion vacancies and interstitials. Electrons and holes are captured by traps, leading to the formation of latent images. Subsequently, the electrons and holes can spontaneously escape from the traps at ambient conditions, resulting in the gradual deterioration of the storing energies. When the scanning laser light is applied, the carriers trapped in the defects absorb enough energy from stimulation light to overcome the energy barrier, moving freely in the crystal until the occurrence of recombination to release their energy to luminescence centers (e.g., Eu 2+ ) accompanied by emitting the light-stimulated luminescence. At last, the carriers still trapped should be effectively excited to empty residual energy to prevent the generation of a ghost image in the next use [ 47 , 48 ].

4. Flat-Panel Detector-Based Radiography

4.1. the origin of flat-panel-based digital radiography.

With the advancement of photolithography and microelectronic fabrication technology, large-area, flat-panel-based digital radiography was developed in the early 1990s [ 49 ]. Digital radiography technology converts the incident X-ray photons into electrical charges and reads the images using photoelectric conversion arrays, displaying a faster readout time than computed radiography [ 50 ]. Low-dose, real-time X-ray imaging using flat-panel detectors has been widely used for clinical diagnosis, including chest X-rays, dental X-rays, mammography, and lumbar spine X-rays. Digital radiography is also used in industrial inline nondestructive inspection, such as high-resolution analysis of circuit boards for solder joint porosity measurements and defects detection. Moreover, digital radiography has been widely used in X-ray security scanners in train stations and airports for the screening of dangerous goods and prohibited items.

The charge-coupled device-based detector appeared in 1990 was the first large-area flat-panel-based radiography. A charge-coupled device is made of metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors as a light-sensitive sensor for recording images. In general, a large number of charge-coupled devices are coupled to create a detector array for large-area detection. The incident X-ray photons can be converted into visible luminescence by scintillators (e.g., CsI: Tl, and GOS: Tb). Next, the luminescence is directed to the charge-coupled device array using an optical lens system ( Figure 4(a) ) [ 51 , 52 ]. However, the optical lens system can reduce the number of photons reaching the charge-coupled device arrays, which may result in low quantum efficiency and high image noise, and thus lead to poor image quality. Meanwhile, the optical coupling may also cause geometric distortions and light scattering and consequently a reduced imaging spatial resolution. Besides, high-working temperatures give rise to signal noise within the charge-coupled device itself, deteriorating the image quality. Although the electric cooling charge-coupled device could alleviate this effect, it has an unacceptably high cost. In addition, the size limitation of the charge-coupled device and the optical coupling method make it rigid to fabricate a large-area X-ray detector [ 53 ].

Flat-panel-based digitized radiography and the technical factors influencing imaging quality. (a) Schematic illustration of an optical len-coupled indirect conversion digitized radiography system based on a charge-coupled device. The incident X-rays are converted into UV-Vis light by the scintillators and further into electric signals after being focused by an optical lens and directed to the charge-coupled device array. (b) The schematic illustration of the internal construction of a flat-panel detector (middle panel), which could be classified into indirect conversion flat-panel detector (left panel) and direct conversion flat-panel detector (right panel) based on the X-ray energy conversion modality. For indirect conversion, X-rays transmitting through the scintillator (purple) are converted into UV-Vis light, which is further converted into an electrical charge by the pixelated amorphous silicon photodiodes ( α -Si; violet), whereas X-ray photons are directly converted into electrical charge in a direct conversion detector. TFT: thin-film transistor. (c) The schematic diagrams (left panel) and line spread function (right panel) of the unstructured and structured scintillators. The X-ray-induced visible luminescence in the unstructured scintillators exhibits a severe scattering in all directions to reduce the imaging spatial resolution, resulting in a wide line spread function. The structured scintillators consist of phosphors in a needle-like structure in favor of reducing the lateral scattering of light, contributing to a narrow line spread function. (d) Comparison of the modulation transfer function (MTF) for direct conversion flat-panel detector (red) and indirect conversion flat-panel detector (blue). (e) Relationships between image quality parameters, including detective quantum efficiency (DQE), modulation transfer function (MTF), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and Wiener spectra, and physical image measurements, including contrast, resolution, and noise. Panel (a) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 51 ], copyright 2007 RSNA . Panel (c) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 56 ], copyright 2011 American Institute of Physics . Panel (e) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 57 ], copyright 2008 Elsevier Ltd .

4.2. Evolution of Thin-Film Transistor Array-Based Digital Radiography

By contrast, flat-panel detectors with large-area photoelectric arrays allow the integration with an X-ray energy conversion layer and thin-film transistor (TFT) array-based electronic readout layer [ 54 ]. Unlike charge-coupled devices with coupling optical lenses systems, TFT-based flat-panel X-ray detector is capable of achieving low-dose, real-time X-ray imaging through coupling an energy transfer layer and large-area pixelated TFT arrays ( Figure 4(b) , middle panel)), becoming popular for applications in angiography, radiography, and mammography. According to the difference in the pathway of converting X-ray radiation to charge carriers, flat-panel X-ray detectors are categorized into indirect conversion systems and direct conversion systems [ 55 ].

4.2.1. Direct Conversion X-Ray Detector

Direct conversion X-ray flat-panel detector is fabricated by depositing a layer of X-ray-sensitized materials onto pixelated TFT arrays capable of directly converting X-ray photons into electrical charges that allow being transferred to thin-film transistors ( Figure 4(b) , right panel) [ 58 ]. The most commonly used photoconductor material is amorphous selenium ( α -Se) fabricated by evaporation at high temperatures [ 59 ]. Upon X-ray irradiation, the α -Se photoconductor can absorb the X-ray energy and convert it into charge carriers which are proportional to the incident X-ray photons. The hole-electron pairs generated in the photoconductor travel along the field lines parallelly with limited lateral diffusion because of the electric field applied in the α -Se. Holes can be collected by the positive bias electrode, whereas electrons can be collected by collection electrodes. The charges are stored on the storage capacitor and then are subsequently read out by thin-film transistors. Each pixel is effectively separated by the field-shaping in the α -Se layer, contributing to a high-quality X-ray image [ 60 ].

4.2.2. Indirect Conversion X-Ray Detector

Indirect conversion flat-panel X-ray detector is made of a layer of scintillator thin-film on the top for X-ray energy conversion, pixelated amorphous silicon ( α -Si) photodiode arrays adjacent to scintillators, and a TFT array ( Figure 4(b) , left panel) [ 61 ]. When X-ray irradiates the flat-panel X-ray detectors, X-ray photons are converted into visible luminescence by scintillators and subsequently converted into electric charges by the α -Si photodiode arrays. Eventually, the electric charges are recorded by a TFT array [ 62 ].

The most widely used scintillators are CsI: Tl with a thickness of 150-600  μ m and terbium-doped GOS: Tb [ 63 , 64 ]. The scintillators deposited in indirect flat-panel X-ray detectors can be either unstructured or structured thin-film layers. For the unstructured scintillators, such as GOS: Tb powder crystals (turbid phosphors), the emitted light traveling in the materials may spread to the neighboring pixels, resulting in a reduced spatial resolution. This matter could be overcome by utilizing structure scintillators, like CsI: Tl consisting of discrete and parallel “needles” with 5-10  μ m wide [ 65 ]. In this case, the X-ray-excited luminescence only travels along with the fiber-like crystal to the photodiodes, which improves the spatial resolution, making unstructured scintillators superior to that achieved by the structured scintillators, as illustrated in Figure 4(c) [ 56 , 66 , 67 ].

4.3. Primary Physical Parameters of X-Ray Imaging

A high-quality digital radiographic image is important for accurate testing and diagnosis. The X-ray imaging quality can be evaluated by three primary parameters, including spatial resolution, contrast, and noise ( Figure 4(e) ). The physical parameters are generally evaluated by measurements of Wiener spectra (WS), modulation transfer function (MTF), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) [ 57 ].

4.3.1. Spatial Resolution

The ability to distinguish adjacent details in an object and its related sharpness can be defined by spatial resolution. For digital systems, the spatial resolution relates to the pixel size in the matrix, which is crucial to achieving a high spatial resolution for digital X-ray imaging [ 68 ]. This parameter could be measured using a narrow slit, a sharp-edged object, and a bar test pattern. In most cases, a line spread function is used for narrow slit imaging. For instance, α -Se-based direct conversion flat-panel X-ray detectors exhibit better imaging spatial resolution than that of indirect conversion flat-panel detectors since the former has nearly no light scattering.

4.3.2. Contrast

The contrast is another key parameter used for evaluating X-ray imaging quality. It refers to the relative brightness of two positions in an X-ray image by measuring the characteristic exposure curve of an X-ray imaging system. For producing a useful image, the contrast is described by a dynamic range of an X-ray detector in response to various X-ray dose exposure. When compared with screen-film radiography, digital radiography exhibits a much wider and linear dynamic range, reducing the risk of overexposure or underexposure. Moreover, the differences between specific tissues (e.g., bones and soft tissue) could be reflected in one image through post-processing without further exposure [ 69 ].

4.3.3. Noise

The noise signals originating from various sources (e.g. collection element, coupling element, capture element, etc.) are characterized by the variations of signals in an X-ray image of a uniform object [ 70 ]. The noise of an X-ray detector is important for determining image quality. The factor of Wiener spectra (WS) is used to measure the noise variation of an X-ray image, indicative of the functional relationship between spatial frequency and the corresponding noise.

4.3.4. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

The spatial resolution of an X-ray imaging detector can be measured by the MTF. More specifically, the MTF is used to convert the values of object contrast into contrast intensity levels of an X-ray image [ 71 ]. As mentioned above, due to the limited lateral scattering, the MTF for direct conversion flat-panel X-ray detectors is obviously higher than that measured by the typical indirect conversion flat-panel X-ray detectors, as presented in Figure 4(d) .

4.3.5. Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE)

DQE is currently used as the standard measurement to evaluate image quality in radiography and assess the efficiency of an X-ray imaging detector in detecting X-ray photons [ 72 ]. Remarkably, the DQE takes into consideration the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the system noise. The DQE indicates the performance of the X-ray imaging detector in terms of X-ray imaging quality and the X-ray radiation dose. The DQE for digital radiography is higher than that for conventional screen-film radiography, indicating that digital radiography can convert a higher proportion of incident radiation into image signals compared to conventional screen-film radiography. In particular, the DQE for CsI: Tl-based indirect flat-panel detector could reach 40-45% at 0.5 lp/mm, while that for computed radiography is generally less than 30% at 0.5 lp/mm.

5. Computed Tomography (CT)

5.1. the development of three-dimensional (3d) radiography.

Regarding projection radiography, a large proportion of the depth information is lost since all structural details from a 3D object are projected on a 2D plane X-ray detector, producing an overlapped radiographic image, which will lead to misinterpretation of the internal structures. Fortunately, a new technique named CT was developed to overcome this limitation in the 1970s [ 73 ]. As shown in Figure 5(a) , series of projection images are acquired from various angles to generate tomographic images. A 3D image is then obtained by reconstructing these tomographic images using computer algorithms [ 74 , 75 ]. Compared with projection radiography, CT can provide comprehensive 3D anatomical reconstructions and has a greater diagnostic capability.

Demonstration of CT. (a) Schematics illustrating the working principle of CT scanning and imaging. The collimated X-ray photons penetrating through the object are recorded using an X-ray detector, which is positioned opposite to the X-ray generator. In a typical CT scanning, the solid-state detectors rotate around the object in synchrony with an X-ray generator to produce a series of 2D projection images. Subsequently, the 2D slice images are obtained after reconstruction with filtered back projection. Eventually, a 3D tomographic image is reconstructed through computer algorithms. (b) The structure of dual-energy CT (i) and multienergy CT (ii). The dual-energy CT or multienergy CT is equipped with two- or multi-X-ray generators, which allow simultaneous acquisition of images under two- or multienergy level X-rays in a single scan. (c) The development history of CT. The evolution of CT has gone through seven generations. (d) Combined diagnosis of CT and an artificial intelligence algorithm deep convolutional neural network (CNN) on four sectioned chest images. CT images are used as input data for the CNN model; subsequently, the output images (right panel) are presented as the heat maps, where red indicates a high risk of COVID-19 infection. (e) The reconstructed 3D porous structure of six coal samples. The pore size distribution, pore volume, porosity, and permeability data could be obtained. (f) The 3D X-ray images showing the volume fraction of organelles (bottom panel) and the nuclear membrane (top panel). L: lysosomes; M: mitochondria; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; V: vesicles; E: external. (d) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 76 ], copyright 2020 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature America, Inc . (f) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 77 ], copyright 2010 Nature America, Inc .

The first applicable CT scanner, consisting of an X-ray generator and two collimated sodium iodide crystals-photomultiplier detectors, was invented by Godfrey N. Hounsfield in 1968. Hounsfield was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to CT. From then on, seven generations of the CT have developed, including updating the shape of X-ray source from pencil to cone, increasing the number of imaging slices and detectors, and changing the scanning mode from rotation and translation to helical scanning ( Figure 5(c) ).

The first CT scanner uses a rotate/translate system equipped with an X-ray generator with a pinhole collimator to produce the collimated X-rays (i); the second-generation CT scanner incorporates an X-ray generator, which could produce a narrow, fan-shaped X-ray beam, and increases the X-ray sensor number (ii); the third-generation scanner involves a fan-shaped X-ray beam with an angle ranging between 40 and 60 degrees, which enable scanning the object in a rotated modality (iii); the fourth-generation CT system employs a rotating X-ray tube and a stationary, closed X-ray detector ring to alleviate the ring artifacts produced by the third generation (iv); the fifth-generation CT scanner is composed of no moving parts, and the electron beam is directed around the target ring, allowing for all stationary instrumentation (v); the addition of a slip ring stimulated the development of six-generation CT (vi); the seventh-generation CT scanner consists of a multiple detector array and a cone-shaped X-ray beam (vii).

More importantly, dual- and multienergy CT was allowed to be constructed by equipped dual- and multi-X-ray tubes, permitting to operate at different tube voltages to make dual and multienergy scanning possible ( Figure 5(b) ). The merits of dual- and multienergy CT lie in the fact that data sets at two different photon spectra can be obtained simultaneously upon a single scanning. Furthermore, the dual-energy algorithm can increase the contrast of bone, which is powerful to directly visualize the iodinated vessels without interference. As a result, dual-energy CT is widely used in angiography to create a virtual noncontrast image.

5.2. Application of 3D Radiography

As is presented in Figure 5(d) , medical CT scanner is extensively used to screen the size, types, location, and numbers of pulmonary nodules, which could offer an accurate assessment of the risk for further treatment. Recent studies showed that CT is valuable for the COVID-19 diagnosis [ 76 ]. CT helps to obtain the pathophysiology characters of COVID-19 infected person, such as consolidations of the lungs and bilateral/peripheral ground-glass opacities. These data provide the most intuitive and precise diagnosis information, thereby greatly enhancing diagnostic efficiency.

Apart from the medical application, CT technology is also introduced to industrial nondestructive inspection in early 1980. Industrial CT is a promising nondestructive tool for characterizing the flaws, inclusions, cracks, and insufficient fusion within the body of materials [ 78 – 80 ]. For instance, the 3D pore structure of coal samples can be obtained through CT to reproduce the precise distribution of coal pore and pore structure ( Figure 5(e) ). The heterogeneity inside different coal samples can be directly observed, providing insights into the structure-dependent attributes of coal, including gas transport, thermomechanical, and failure behaviors.

As an added benefit, the tomography technology is able to perform 3D imaging of nano- to microsized biological organisms when coupling with X-ray microscopy [ 81 – 83 ]. This combined technology enables the diffraction limit of the conventional microscope to be overcome because of using shorter wavelength X-ray photons. This feature suggests its power in elucidating the detailed structural information of in vivo or ex vivo biological samples with a cellular resolution. Note that an emerging transmission soft X-ray microscope could generate 3D cell imaging at a nanoscale resolution based on the difference in X-ray absorption between organic matter and water, filling the gap between cryoelectron tomography and fluorescence superresolution microscopy ( Figure 5(f) ) [ 77 ].

6. X-Ray Microscopy

6.1. the development of x-ray microscopy.

Optical microscopy is great of significance to study microstructures [ 84 ]. Fluorescence microscopy provides an approach to image the structures at a microscale resolution by taking advantage of site-specific fluorescence labeling. However, the imaging resolution of fluorescence microscopy is largely limited by the wavelength of UV-Vis light, as confined by Abbe or Rayleigh laws [ 85 , 86 ]. The imaging resolution can be significantly enhanced to a few angstroms using an electron beam as the incident light in transmission electron microscopy [ 87 ]. This technology shows considerable disadvantages in the observation of biological samples, especially considering the tedious sample preparation process including dehydration, formalin fixation, paraffin-embedding, and section. Besides, the poor penetration depth of electrons in biological samples has a limitation to imaging the sample thickness larger than 100 nm.

By taking advantage of the powerful penetration and nearly no scattering properties of X-rays, the emerging X-ray microscopy techniques break the penetration depth limitation of transmission electron microscopy and allow the intact sample to be imaged without specimen sectioning. The wavelength of X-ray locates at a range of 0.01-10 nm, which is suitable to be used as a light source for imaging biological objects at a very high spatial resolution. It is worth noting that the penetration ability of soft X-rays is much greater than that of electrons. Meanwhile, the water is nearly transparent to X-rays compared to organic compounds at X-ray energy located at 284–540 eV (water window), where the K absorption edges of carbon and oxygen are 284 eV and 540 eV, respectively ( Figure 6(b) ). Therefore, the development of X-ray microscopy is very useful for imaging biological specimens with improved spatial resolution under wet and normal pressure conditions ( Figure 6(a) ) [ 88 ]. Besides, the X-ray energies of 10-100 keV cover the spectroscopic features of all elements and offer the opportunity to detect elements and probe chemical bonds of an object [ 89 , 90 ].

X-ray microscopy setups and their optics. (a) X-ray and optical images of a fibroblast. The area outlined with yellow dashed in the low-magnification image (left panel) is shown at a higher magnification image by the means of X-ray microscopy (middle panel) and optical microscopy (right panel). (b) The penetration distances of X-rays and electrons in water and protein as a function of their energy. The lines from left to right represent attenuation lengths (1/ μ ) of carbon (protein) and oxygen (H 2 O) for X-rays and the mean free paths ( λ ) of H 2 O (elastic scattering), protein (elastic scattering), H 2 O (inelastic scattering), and protein (inelastic scattering), respectively. (c) A Fresnel zone plate is made of several transparent and opaque concentric circulars with radially increasing line density. The central absorbing region is responsible for suppressing the strong zero-order diffraction. (d) One-dimensional multilayer Laue lens for hard X-ray focusing. Alternating layers are fabricated by the thin-film deposition technique to implement thin thickness and ultra-high aspect ratio. (e) A Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror for hard X-ray focusing. Multilayer coatings were designed to increase the angles of operation and to perform photon energy selection. (f) Compound refractive lenses for X-ray focusing at a range of 5-40 keV. A linear array of lenses is manufactured by high-density low-atomic number materials. (g) Full-field transmission X-ray microscopy. A full-field image was projected by a microzone plate onto the X-ray detector. (h) Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy. A zone plate is used to focus coherent X-rays on the sample, whereas an X-ray-sensitive detector is used to capture X-ray images. The sample is mounted on a stage having stepping or piezoelectric driven motors to perform the raster scan. (a, b) are reprinted with permission from ref. [ 88 ], copyright 1995 Cambridge University Press . (c)–(f) are reprinted with permission from ref. [ 94 ], copyright 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited .

6.2. The Optics in X-Ray Microscopy

In the late 1940s, the invention of grazing incidence mirror optics offers a great opportunity to develop X-ray microscopy. However, the technical issues of long exposure time and insufficient spatial resolution become a major challenge for the use of X-ray microscopy. In the 1970s, the development of high-quality zone plates for high-energy X-ray focusing opens the modern era of X-ray microscopy. The high-quality X-ray focusing optics are then extensively used to increase the spatial resolution of X-ray imaging. Nowadays, X-ray optics can be well designed by combination with thin-film deposition, electron beam lithography, and nanofabrication with capabilities to improve diffractive, reflective, and refractive X-rays [ 91 ]. The Fresnel zone plates consist of several concentric rings of transparent zones and alternating opaque, as shown in Figure 6(c) [ 92 ]. The X-rays passing through the transparent sections are diffracted and subsequently generate constructive interference, focusing on a small spot. Hence, the zone plates can be used both as condenser and objective for X-ray focusing. The zone plate-based microscopy is achievable for high-resolution imaging, which is largely determined by the zone plate's outer width (Δ r N ). The smaller outer zone width can lead to a higher spatial resolution. The selection of the type of zone plate is determined by several factors including photon energy, required spatial resolution, and the number of zones. At present, a 12 nm spatial resolution has been successfully performed using the 12 nm zone plate [ 93 ].

The efficiency and resolution of hard-X-ray focusing are also achieved using a multilayer Laue lens with varied d -spacing, a multilayer coating-based 1D zone plate fabricated by magnetron sputtering [ 95 ]. As shown in Figure 6(d) , the multilayer Laue lens are tiled to meet the Bragg condition for the outer, smallest layer spacing, providing efficiency larger than conventional Fresnel zone plates. Multilayer Laue lens of a 16 nm width was used to focus 20 keV photon energy of X-rays. Recently, a focal spot size smaller than 10 nm was achieved by fabricating multilayer Laue lenses with sufficiently high numerical aperture. Besides, for 2D focusing, the two multilayer Laue lenses with different focal lengths are required to be positioned orthogonal to each other.

Reflective optics are further developed to achieve the imaging resolution of several nanometers by exploiting Kirkpatrick-Baez systems ( Figure 6(e) ). Grazing incidence reflective mirrors are capable of focusing hard X-rays and enhancing X-ray reflection efficiency. Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors are typically made from multilayers of dense metals or hard silicon carbide coated on silicon crystals with near atomic roughness. The efficiency of the Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror is constrained by the shape and surface roughness.

Since the refractive indices of all materials for X-rays are always slightly less than ones in vacuum and air, conventional optical refractive lenses are not available for X-ray focusing. In addition, an appropriate curvature radius and a double concave shape are essential for X-ray focusing lenses, as illustrated in Figure 6(f) . In 1996, compound refractive lenses were designed using parabolic concave lenses [ 96 ]. To reduce X-ray absorption and increase compound refractive lenses' efficiency, compound refractive lenses are typically made of high-density, low- Z materials, such as lithium, boron, silicon, carbon, beryllium, or aluminum. Advantages in simple manufacture, low cost, small size, easy alignment, and tunable focal length make the compound refractive lenses great promise in hard X-ray focusing.

6.3. General X-Ray Microscopy Modes

Current state-of-art X-ray microscopy includes full-view transmission X-ray microscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy [ 97 , 98 ]. The full-view transmission X-ray microscopy is similar in principle to that of optical bright-field microscopy. X-rays travel through the focusing optics to irradiate the sample, and the transmitted X-rays are magnified by a zone plate to provide a magnified projection onto the detector [ 94 ]. As shown in Figure 6(g) , the central stopper coupled with an order sorting aperture is applied to filtrate a certain portion of X-rays which is not in the first-order diffraction. The sample is placed near the spot of the first-order diffraction. The X-rays penetrating out from the samples are magnified using the microzone plates as an objective, projecting onto the X-ray detector. The imaging resolution of the full-view transmission X-ray microscopy depends on the outer zone width (Δ r N ) of the zone plate, imaging geometry, and illumination coherence. Since the quick acquisition of a 2D projection image, a 3D image is reconstructed by many 2D projection images from different angles of the sample.

The scanning transmission X-ray microscopy is another technology suitable for imaging the local scale structure. Figure 6(h) shows the schematic setup of the scanning transmission X-ray microscopy. A coherent part of X-rays from a monochromator passes through the zone plate to produce a diffraction-limited focal spot, and then the transmitted X-rays are detected. As a result, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy image is reconstructed since the sample is scanned in 2D perpendicular to the optical axis. The imaging resolution is determined by several factors, including the quality of focusing lenses, the precision of instrumental setup, and the coherence of X-rays. The imaging resolution can be improved by a higher-order focusing zone plate, while the detection efficiency will be reduced. One key advantage of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy is its easy extension to multisignal, simultaneous detection in combination with X-ray scattering, diffraction, fluorescence, or electron emission yield [ 99 ].

7. Material Opportunity for X-Ray Imaging

The rapid development in materials science offers a great opportunity to revolutionize the future of X-ray imaging technology. Over the past decades, scintillator materials, which can convert high-energy radiation into UV-Vis photons, are critical to high-performance X-ray imaging. In the early stage, CaWO 4 and ZnS powders were widely used for X-rays imaging. After the 1940s, scintillator crystals (e.g. NaI: Tl, CsI: Tl, and Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 ) were gradually used for fabricating high-performance X-ray detectors such as commercial flat-panel detectors. However, conventional scintillators are synthesized through a solid-state method at high temperatures, resulting in large crystals that are unsuitable for manufacturing large-area, flexible X-ray detectors.

Recently, solution-processed materials have been developed for advancing next-generation X-ray imaging technologies with low cost, high sensitivity, and flexibility. In particular, perovskites, featuring tunable bandgap, high photoluminescence quantum yields, narrow emission, and high charge-carrier mobility, have emerged as promising materials in photovoltaic devices, luminescence displays, and radiation detection [ 100 – 103 ]. The heavy atom-contained perovskites with efficient X-ray absorption show great potential in X-ray imaging applications. Lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals can generate multicolor radioluminescence upon X-ray irradiation [ 104 ]. The solution-processable and easily scalable CsPbBr 3 nanocrystals are synthesized to fabricate large-area flat-panel X-ray detectors ( Figure 7(a) ). In addition, CsPbBr 3 nanosheets synthesized at room temperature can be assembled into a uniform and dense thin film as an X-ray scintillating screen for high-resolution radiography [ 105 ]. Although indirect conversion-based X-ray detectors are most popular in practical applications, they generally suffer from a relatively low spatial resolution due to the optical crosstalk among neighboring pixels.

Perovskites-based X-ray detectors. (a) Schematic illustration of the perovskite nanocrystals-based flat-panel detector by coating a layer of CsPbBr 3 nanoscintillators onto a commercial pixelated α -silicon thin-film-transistor (TFT) panel. (b) Schematic of a flexible perovskite X-ray detector (left) and I-V curves of the flexible device under X-ray irradiation (right). (c) Scheme illustrating the fabrication of Si-integrated MAPbBr 3 single crystals. (d) Diagram of an X-ray detector based on 2D RP perovskite p-i-n thin-film. (e) Photography of a bulk (NH 4 ) 3 Bi 2 I 9 single crystal (left) and X-ray sensitivity measurement of (NH 4 ) 3 Bi 2 I 9 single-crystal device in the direction parallel and perpendicular to the (001) plane (right). (a) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 104 ], copyright 2018 Springer Nature Limited . (b) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 20 ], 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim . (c) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 60 ], copyright 2017 Macmillan Publishers Limited . (d) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 107 ], copyright 2020 American Association for the Advancement of Science . (e) is reprinted with permission from ref. [ 110 ], copyright 2019 Springer Nature Limited .

X-ray imaging detectors based on direct conversion present the advantages of a high signal-to-noise ratio and high resolution since the X-ray-generated charges can be directly collected by pixelated arrays [ 106 ]. Liu et al. fabricated a flexible X-ray detector using solution-processable perovskite nanocrystals by an inexpensive inkjet printing method ( Figure 7(b) ) [ 20 ]. Tsai et al. put forward an ultrasensitive X-ray detector by fabricating Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) layered perovskites in a fully depleted p-i-n architecture ( Figure 7(d) ) [ 107 ]. In 2015, Yakunin et al. reported that perovskite crystals of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3 ) were developed to achieve indirect X-ray detection with strong X-ray absorption and high sensitivity [ 108 ]. Compared to the commercial direct conversion X-ray detectors using amorphous selenide as a photoconductor, perovskites which feature low-cost, defect-tolerance, solution-processibility, and tunable bandgap hold great promise for X-ray imaging, which is presented in Figure 7(c) [ 60 , 109 ]. Despite their great progress, lead-halide perovskites suffer from the issues of poor long-term stability, and the toxicity of lead composition is harmful to the environment and human health. The diversity in substitution strategies offers the structural and functional flexibility to synthesize lead-free perovskites ( Figure 7(e) ) [ 110 ]. As such, 2D and zero-dimensional perovskites are further developed for achieving X-ray detection through tailoring ionic radius, chemical composition, and coordination environment based on the classical structure of ABX 3 perovskites [ 111 ]. Recent studies have shown that many heavy atom-contained double perovskites have merits of efficient X-ray absorption, short decay time, and high stability, ideal for X-ray imaging [ 106 , 112 , 113 ].

Another focus of recent research is developing flexible X-ray detectors that are applicable to 3D X-ray imaging of irregularly shaped objects. Very recently, lanthanide-doped fluoride materials prepared by wet chemical methods were developed for high-resolution, flexible X-ray luminescence extension imaging. These materials prolonged radioluminescence and X-ray memory after the stoppage of the X-ray source, making it possible to fabricate flexible X-ray detectors [ 114 ]. After rational surface coating, the persistent luminescence intensity was enhanced by 6.5-fold, suggesting that the surface passivation can efficiently block the pathway of energy quenching by defects on the surface. The X-ray energy trapping capability and solution processibility allow fabricating the flexible X-ray detectors through embedding the nanoscintillators into the soft substrate, which is promising for portable X-ray devices, point-of-care radiography, and nondestructive testing in special conditions [ 115 ].

Apart from the inorganic scintillators, metal-free organic scintillators display great potential in large-area and flexible X-ray detectors, by taking advantage of flexibility, solution-processability, transparency, and ease to large-area fabrication. To date, the scientific community mainly focuses on developing lanthanide-doped materials, perovskites, and metal organic frames [ 116 ]. Considering that organic scintillators composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen elements show a relatively low X-ray attenuation coefficient, the radioluminescence of organic scintillators can be brightened by introducing heavy atoms (such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine) to turn on the triplet excitons [ 117 ]. Overall, the emerging advanced materials present opportunities for promoting X-ray imaging technology with low-dose, high-resolution, and portability, and the performance of X-ray imaging can be improved in the terms of device physics, materials, and manufacturing methods.

8. Conclusion and Perspectives

X-ray imaging technology has been rapidly developed for various applications since 1895, offering new opportunities to scientific and industrial communities. Considering the fundamental and technical advances of X-ray detectors, we have summarized various X-ray working mechanisms that are crucial for specialized applications. The contrast-based X-ray imaging using a screen-film scintillation screen is a classical technique that greatly advances noninvasive medical imaging. The emergence of computed radiography has led to the technological evolution for digital X-ray imaging with more precise and instant information, while its separated readout mechanism suffers from technical limitations such as a high radiation dose and nondynamic imaging. Since the pioneering study in the 1990s, flat-panel X-ray detectors have been most prominent for achieving real-time digital radiography, which is popularly used in hospitals and industries in place of traditional computed radiography. In further development, CT integrating advanced helical scanning techniques and image reconstruction techniques is capable of providing comprehensive 3D structure information, which is a well-established cardiac, pectoral, and encephalopathic imaging modality with widespread acceptance and application.

Despite great efforts and tremendous achievements made in the past decades, the field of X-ray imaging is still in search of low-dose, high-resolution, large-area, flexible X-ray detectors. A low radiation dose used for X-ray imaging is an important technical consideration that people are always pursuing. One important aspect is to search advanced X-ray energy converting materials, which are critical for achieving efficient X-ray scintillating to increase the sensitivity of X-ray detectors. To date, the most efficient scintillators are limited to bulk CsI: Tl and GOS: Tb phosphors, while suffering from the drawbacks such as harmful scintillation decay, harsh synthesis process, and unsatisfied light yields. Another challenge that X-ray imaging faces are achieving a high spatial resolution for practical radiography due to the optical crosstalk on the transistor and the low sensitivity of the X-ray detectors. The combination of a high-efficiency X-ray converting layer and metasurface technology may be a promising strategy. In addition to the general considerations described above, one of the tremendous interesting directions is to develop large-area and flexible X-ray imaging detectors for potential applications in dental X-ray inspections, imaging of irregular objects, portable X-ray testing, and so on. The recent development outlined in this review is expected to stimulate future investigations for next-generation X-ray imaging technologies.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Key Research & Development Program of China (2020YFA0709900, 2020YFA0210800), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21635002, 62134003, 22027805, 21705025, 22077101, 22104016), the Major Project of Science and Technology of Fujian Province (2020HZ06006), the Joint Research Funds of Department of Science & Technology of Shaanxi Province and Northwestern Polytechnical University (2020GXLH-Z-008, 2020GXLH-Z-021), Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo (202003N4065), Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi (2020ZDLGY13-04), China-Sweden Joint Mobility Project (51811530018), the Special Funded Project of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2021T140117), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China (2021ZZ128).

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Authors' Contributions

Xiangyu Ou, Xue Chen, and Xianing Xu contributed equally to this work.

radiologic technology Recently Published Documents

Total documents.

• Latest Documents
• Most Cited Documents
• Contributed Authors
• Related Sources
• Related Keywords

Study Habits and Their Effects with the Academic Performance of Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology Students

This study aimed at investigating the effects of students' study habits on their academic performance in professional and general education subjects. To attain this aim, the researcher used a sample of thirty-two (32) students from the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology program under the College of Allied Medical Sciences for the academic year 2019–2020 of a university in Bulacan. The researcher used the descriptive-correlational method of research, which utilized a standardized questionnaire as the primary data gathering technique. Results of the regression analysis indicate that all eight (8) variables of study habits are correlated with academic performance (professional subjects and general education subjects) of the students to a varying extent, as shown by the non-zero B coefficients. The results of the analysis of variance of the regression of study habits on the academic performance of the students revealed an F ratio of 0.939 and 0.900 with an associate probability equal to 0.505 and 0.533, respectively. Since the p-values are greater than alpha, the null hypothesis (Ho) cannot be rejected. It may be safely concluded that the study habits of the students did not produce significant combined effects on the academic performance of the students. Conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were offered.

New solutions for automated image recognition and identification: challenges to radiologic technology and forensic pathology

Predictors of success on the credentialing examination in radiography for first- and non-first-generation students.

Background: Identifying predictors of student success is fundamental across higher education in the United States, particularly for historically underserved first-generation students. In radiologic technology programs, the literature suggests that variables prior to and during matriculation in these programs affects scores on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination in Radiography. However, the evidence in this area has not considered the educational patterns for first-generation students. Purpose: This study sought to improve our understanding about how select student background characteristics and experiences prior to and during the years enrolled in radiologic technology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) affect scores on the ARRT credentialing examination in radiography, especially for first-generation students. Method: The researchers surveyed graduates from radiologic technology programs in 2018 and 2019 who attempted the radiography credentialing examination in these two years. Results: A total of 286 cases were included in the analysis, which revealed different patterns and effects of predictor variables on credentialing examination scores for first- and non-first-generation students. Whereas 10 variables prior to and during matriculation affected examination scores for first-generation students, only 8 did for their non-first-generation peers. Conclusion: Identifying predictors of success in radiologic technology programs helps professionals in these programs design environments that provide opportunities for students to enhance their chances to be successful on the Radiography exam, especially first-generation students.

Radiologic Technology Clinical Manual

A framework for predicting radiologic physics achievement among radiologic technology students.

Radiologic Physics is one of the most challenging professional subjects in the Radiologic Technology (RT) field. It encompasses a wide range of physics concept, calculations, and real-life imaging practices. As observed, most of the students failed in this subject, leading to students dropping out early in the course. To circumvent this daunting issue, a framework for predicting the subject’s achievement should be developed using various tenets of learning strategies and management. This study aims to explore a framework that can predict Radiologic Physics achievement among RT students. Subjects were 954 Radiologic Physics students (480 males and 474 females) randomly selected from 12 Radiologic Technology schools in the Philippines. Their ages ranged from 18 to 22 years (mean age 19.5, SD 2.4). Seven instruments were used to collect data for the study: Physics Learning Strategies Scale, Inventory of Students Attitude Towards Radiologic Physics; Class Involvement Scale; Teacher-Directed Activities Scale; Parental Influence towards Academic Success Scale, and Radiologic Physics Achievement Test. Path analysis was utilized to identify the best fitting framework. The best fitting framework explained 92% of Radiologic Physics achievement variance. Cognitive and metacognitive learning strategies, attitudes towards Radiologic Physics, class involvement, teacher-directed activities, and parental influence exerted a positive effect on Radiologic Physics achievement. Teacher-directed activities, parental influence, and attitudes towards the subject had a positive impact towards cognitive learning strategies. Moreover, teacher-directed activities and parental influence exerted a positive effect on class involvement while parental influence had a positive impact on metacognitive learning strategies. Teacher-direct activities, attitudes towards the subject, and parental influence contributed indirectly to achievement via cognitive learning strategies. Teacher-directed activities contributed indirectly to achievement via class involvement. Finally, parental influence contributed indirectly to achievement via metacognitive learning strategies and class involvement. A framework for predicting Radiologic Physics achievement among RT students could be used to understand the performance of students and innovate learning strategies in the RT education.

Structural Models of Self-Efficacy of Filipino Radiologic Technology Educators, Current Learners, and Prospective Students in the Senior High School

This study aims to explore three different structural models of self-efficacy for Filipino Radiologic Technology educators, current learners, and prospective students in the senior high school. Subjects were 256 Radiologic Technology educators (102 males and 154 females) and 2,451 Radiologic Technology students (1,525 males and 926 females), randomly selected from 22 Radiologic Technology schools in the Philippines. A total of 4,263 prospective Radiologic Technology students from the 30 senior high schools in the Philippines were also sampled as respondents. Six instruments were used to measure help-seeking, self-esteem, social support, motivation, self-regulation, and self-efficacy. Path analysis was utilized to identify the best fitting model. The best fit models of self-efficacy for Filipino Radiologic Technology educators and learners showed that help-seeking, self-esteem, social support, motivation, and self-regulation positively influenced self-efficacy, with social support exerting the greatest causal effect. The best fit model of self-efficacy for prospective Radiologic Technology students from senior high school reported that social support completely mediates the effects of help-seeking, self-esteem, motivation, and self-regulation on self-efficacy. The study highlights different results that could be arrived depending on whether future researchers decide to use the self-efficacy models for Filipino Radiologic Technology educators, current learners, and prospective students in the senior high school. The provision of highly supportive environment for Radiologic Technology educators, current learners, and prospective students in the senior high school is essential to increase self-efficacy, thereby improving their capabilities to hurdle the challenges in the academic milieu.

National Radiologic Technology Licensure Examination Performance: Predicting Success using Discriminant Analysis

This study was designed to identify variables that might be used as predictors for success on the national Radiologic Technology licensure examination. The census sample consisted of 2,036 graduates of a baccalaureate Radiologic Technology program in 2016, 2017, and 2018 from 24 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. The investigators examined 12 variables to determine their predictive value for the national Radiologic Technology licensure examination success. Grades in all year levels of Radiologic Technology course were the four best predictors. Results of the discriminant analysis identified seven significant predictor variables leading to successful classification of 99.9 percent of all the passing graduates and 99.8 percent of the failing graduates in the national Radiologic Technology licensure examination. The use of this discriminant function to identify high-risk students has the advantage of early identification of failing. The large amount of 92 percent variance in the national RT licensure examination accounted for in this study may substantiate the claim of high accuracy of the discriminant function used. This is the first study to discriminate passing from failing graduates in the national RT licensure examination based on the selected predictor variables and the astounding precision of classifying graduates is a remarkable result for HEIs included in the analysis.

Adjustment to college and academic performance: Insights from Filipino college freshmen in an allied health science course

This paper aims to know the relationship between the level of adjustment to college and academic performance of first year Radiologic Technology students of a higher education institution in the Philippines. A descriptive-correlational study using survey questionnaire was employed to 132 respondents who were chosen through stratified random sampling and Slovin’s formula. Standard questionnaires were used to gather data on the demographic profile and level of adjustment of the respondents while the academic performance was measured through the Weighted Point Average (WPA) requested from the school’s Registrar. Results showed that the majority of the respondents are female (53.8%), belong to middle income class (34.8%), were from STEM (59.1%) and travel between one kilometer and 10 kilometers to school (34.1%). The study reported a moderate level of adjustment and a 2.63 overall WPA of students. Test of difference showed that there is significant difference in the academic adjustment and academic strand taken during SHS (p<0.05); and in the institutional attachment and proximity of house to school (p<0.05). Bivariate correlation among variables revealed that there is no significant relationship between the level of adjustment to college and academic performance of first year Radiologic Technology students College (p>0.05).

Interprofessional Education Perceptions of Dental Assisting and Radiologic Technology Students Following a Live Patient Experience

Export citation format, share document.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

•  We're Hiring!
•  Help Center

Radiologic Technology

• Most Cited Papers
• Most Downloaded Papers
• Newest Papers
• Save to Library
• Last »
• Radiology Follow Following
• Radiology Diagnostic Follow Following
• Radiological Follow Following
• Radiography Follow Following
• Makalah Radiologi Follow Following
• Diagnostic Radiography Follow Following
• Image Quality Follow Following
• Ecological Economics Follow Following
• Shoulder Follow Following
• Environmental Sciences Follow Following

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• Academia.edu Publishing
•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Radiology Research Paper Topics

Radiology research paper topics encompass a wide range of fascinating areas within the field of medical imaging. This page aims to provide students studying health sciences with a comprehensive collection of radiology research paper topics to inspire and guide their research endeavors. By delving into various categories and exploring ten thought-provoking topics within each, students can gain insights into the diverse research possibilities in radiology. From advancements in imaging technology to the evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and the impact of radiological interventions, these topics offer a glimpse into the exciting world of radiology research. Additionally, expert advice is provided to help students choose the most suitable research topics and navigate the process of writing a research paper in radiology. By leveraging iResearchNet’s writing services, students can further enhance their research papers with professional assistance, ensuring the highest quality and adherence to academic standards. Explore the realm of radiology research paper topics and unleash your potential to contribute to the advancement of medical imaging and patient care.

100 Radiology Research Paper Topics

Radiology encompasses a broad spectrum of imaging techniques used to diagnose diseases, monitor treatment progress, and guide interventions. This comprehensive list of radiology research paper topics serves as a valuable resource for students in the field of health sciences who are seeking inspiration and guidance for their research endeavors. The following ten categories highlight different areas within radiology, each containing ten thought-provoking topics. Exploring these topics will provide students with a deeper understanding of the diverse research possibilities and current trends within the field of radiology.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Diagnostic Imaging Techniques

• Comparative analysis of imaging modalities: CT, MRI, and PET-CT.
• The role of artificial intelligence in radiological image interpretation.
• Advancements in digital mammography for breast cancer screening.
• Emerging techniques in nuclear medicine imaging.
• Image-guided biopsy: Enhancing accuracy and safety.
• Application of radiomics in predicting treatment response.
• Dual-energy CT: Expanding diagnostic capabilities.
• Radiological evaluation of traumatic brain injuries.
• Imaging techniques for evaluating cardiovascular diseases.
• Radiographic evaluation of pulmonary nodules: Challenges and advancements.

Interventional Radiology

• Minimally invasive treatments for liver tumors: Embolization techniques.
• Radiofrequency ablation in the management of renal cell carcinoma.
• Role of interventional radiology in the treatment of peripheral artery disease.
• Transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Evaluation of uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroids.
• Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: Efficacy and complications.
• Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: Long-term outcomes.
• Interventional radiology in the management of deep vein thrombosis.
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Imaging considerations.
• Emerging techniques in interventional oncology.

Radiation Safety and Dose Optimization

• Strategies for reducing radiation dose in pediatric imaging.
• Imaging modalities with low radiation exposure: Current advancements.
• Effective use of dose monitoring systems in radiology departments.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on radiation dose optimization.
• Optimization of radiation therapy treatment plans: Balancing efficacy and safety.
• Radioprotective measures for patients and healthcare professionals.
• The role of radiology in addressing radiation-induced risks.
• Evaluating the long-term effects of radiation exposure in diagnostic imaging.
• Radiation dose tracking and reporting: Implementing best practices.
• Patient education and communication regarding radiation risks.

Radiology in Oncology

• Imaging techniques for early detection and staging of lung cancer.
• Quantitative imaging biomarkers for predicting treatment response in solid tumors.
• Radiogenomics: Linking imaging features to genetic profiles in cancer.
• The role of imaging in assessing tumor angiogenesis.
• Radiological evaluation of lymphoma: Challenges and advancements.
• Imaging-guided interventions in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Assessment of tumor heterogeneity using functional imaging techniques.
• Radiomics and machine learning in predicting treatment outcomes in cancer.
• Multimodal imaging in the evaluation of brain tumors.
• Imaging surveillance after cancer treatment: Optimizing follow-up protocols.

Radiology in Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Imaging modalities in the evaluation of sports-related injuries.
• The role of imaging in diagnosing and monitoring rheumatoid arthritis.
• Assessment of bone health using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
• Imaging techniques for evaluating osteoarthritis progression.
• Imaging-guided interventions in the management of musculoskeletal tumors.
• Role of imaging in diagnosing and managing spinal disorders.
• Evaluation of traumatic injuries using radiography, CT, and MRI.
• Imaging of joint prostheses: Complications and assessment techniques.
• Imaging features and classifications of bone fractures.
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of soft tissue injuries.

Neuroradiology

• Advanced neuroimaging techniques for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Imaging evaluation of acute stroke: Current guidelines and advancements.
• Role of functional MRI in mapping brain functions.
• Imaging of brain tumors: Classification and treatment planning.
• Diffusion tensor imaging in assessing white matter integrity.
• Neuroimaging in the evaluation of multiple sclerosis.
• Imaging techniques for the assessment of epilepsy.
• Radiological evaluation of neurovascular diseases.
• Imaging of cranial nerve disorders: Diagnosis and management.
• Radiological assessment of developmental brain abnormalities.

Pediatric Radiology

• Radiation dose reduction strategies in pediatric imaging.
• Imaging evaluation of congenital heart diseases in children.
• Role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of pediatric oncology.
• Imaging of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
• Evaluation of developmental hip dysplasia using ultrasound and radiography.
• Imaging features and management of pediatric musculoskeletal infections.
• Neuroimaging in the assessment of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Radiological evaluation of pediatric respiratory conditions.
• Imaging techniques for the evaluation of pediatric abdominal emergencies.
• Imaging-guided interventions in pediatric patients.

Breast Imaging

• Advances in digital mammography for early breast cancer detection.
• The role of tomosynthesis in breast imaging.
• Imaging evaluation of breast implants: Complications and assessment.
• Radiogenomic analysis of breast cancer subtypes.
• Contrast-enhanced mammography: Diagnostic benefits and challenges.
• Emerging techniques in breast MRI for high-risk populations.
• Evaluation of breast density and its implications for cancer risk.
• Role of molecular breast imaging in dense breast tissue evaluation.
• Radiological evaluation of male breast disorders.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on breast cancer screening.

Cardiac Imaging

• Imaging evaluation of coronary artery disease: Current techniques and challenges.
• Role of cardiac CT angiography in the assessment of structural heart diseases.
• Imaging of cardiac tumors: Diagnosis and treatment considerations.
• Advanced imaging techniques for assessing myocardial viability.
• Evaluation of valvular heart diseases using echocardiography and MRI.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of cardiomyopathies.
• Role of nuclear cardiology in the assessment of cardiac function.
• Imaging evaluation of congenital heart diseases in adults.
• Radiological assessment of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Imaging-guided interventions in structural heart diseases.

Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging

• Evaluation of hepatobiliary diseases using imaging techniques.
• Imaging features and classification of renal masses.
• Radiological assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Imaging evaluation of pancreatic diseases: Challenges and advancements.
• Evaluation of pelvic floor disorders using MRI and ultrasound.
• Role of imaging in diagnosing and staging gynecological cancers.
• Imaging of abdominal and pelvic trauma: Current guidelines and techniques.
• Radiological evaluation of genitourinary disorders.
• Imaging features of abdominal and pelvic infections.
• Assessment of abdominal and pelvic vascular diseases using imaging techniques.

This comprehensive list of radiology research paper topics highlights the vast range of research possibilities within the field of medical imaging. Each category offers unique insights and avenues for exploration, enabling students to delve into various aspects of radiology. By choosing a topic of interest and relevance, students can contribute to the advancement of medical imaging and patient care. The provided topics serve as a starting point for students to engage in in-depth research and produce high-quality research papers.

Radiology: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

Introduction: Radiology plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, providing valuable insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. As a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, radiology offers a wide range of research opportunities for students in the health sciences. This article aims to explore the diverse spectrum of research paper topics within radiology, shedding light on the current trends, innovations, and challenges in the field.

Radiology in Diagnostic Imaging : Diagnostic imaging is one of the core areas of radiology, encompassing various modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Research topics in this domain may include advancements in imaging techniques, comparative analysis of modalities, radiomics, and the integration of artificial intelligence in image interpretation. Students can explore how these technological advancements enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and optimize radiation exposure.

Interventional Radiology : Interventional radiology focuses on minimally invasive procedures performed under image guidance. Research topics in this area can cover a wide range of interventions, such as angioplasty, embolization, radiofrequency ablation, and image-guided biopsies. Students can delve into the latest techniques, outcomes, and complications associated with interventional procedures, as well as explore the emerging role of interventional radiology in managing various conditions, including vascular diseases, cancer, and pain management.

Radiation Safety and Dose Optimization : Radiation safety is a critical aspect of radiology practice. Research in this field aims to minimize radiation exposure to patients and healthcare professionals while maintaining optimal diagnostic image quality. Topics may include strategies for reducing radiation dose in pediatric imaging, dose monitoring systems, the impact of artificial intelligence on radiation dose optimization, and radioprotective measures. Students can investigate how to strike a balance between effective imaging and patient safety, exploring advancements in dose reduction techniques and the implementation of best practices.

Radiology in Oncology : Radiology plays a vital role in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment response assessment in cancer patients. Research topics in this area can encompass the use of imaging techniques for early detection, tumor characterization, response prediction, and treatment planning. Students can explore the integration of radiomics, machine learning, and molecular imaging in oncology research, as well as advancements in functional imaging and image-guided interventions.

Radiology in Neuroimaging : Neuroimaging is a specialized field within radiology that focuses on imaging the brain and central nervous system. Research topics in neuroimaging can cover areas such as stroke imaging, neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumors, neurovascular disorders, and functional imaging for mapping brain functions. Students can explore the latest imaging techniques, image analysis tools, and their clinical applications in understanding and diagnosing various neurological conditions.

Radiology in Musculoskeletal Imaging : Musculoskeletal imaging involves the evaluation of bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders. Research topics in this area can encompass imaging techniques for sports-related injuries, arthritis, musculoskeletal tumors, spinal disorders, and trauma. Students can explore the role of advanced imaging modalities such as MRI and ultrasound in diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal conditions, as well as the use of imaging-guided interventions for treatment.

Pediatric Radiology : Pediatric radiology focuses on imaging children, who have unique anatomical and physiological considerations. Research topics in this field may include radiation dose reduction strategies in pediatric imaging, imaging evaluation of congenital anomalies, pediatric oncology imaging, and imaging assessment of developmental disorders. Students can explore how to tailor imaging protocols for children, minimize radiation exposure, and improve diagnostic accuracy in pediatric patients.

Breast Imaging : Breast imaging is essential for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Research topics in this area can cover advancements in mammography, tomosynthesis, breast MRI, and molecular imaging. Students can explore topics related to breast density, imaging-guided biopsies, breast cancer screening, and the impact of artificial intelligence in breast imaging. Additionally, they can investigate the use of imaging techniques for evaluating breast implants and assessing high-risk populations.

Cardiac Imaging : Cardiac imaging focuses on the evaluation of heart structure and function. Research topics in this field may include imaging techniques for coronary artery disease, valvular heart diseases, cardiomyopathies, and cardiac tumors. Students can explore the role of cardiac CT, MRI, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography in diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions. Additionally, they can investigate the use of imaging in guiding interventional procedures and assessing treatment outcomes.

Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging : Abdominal and pelvic imaging involves the evaluation of organs and structures within the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Research topics in this area can encompass imaging of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, genitourinary system, and pelvic floor. Students can explore topics related to imaging techniques, evaluation of specific diseases or conditions, and the role of imaging in guiding interventions. Additionally, they can investigate emerging modalities such as elastography and diffusion-weighted imaging in abdominal and pelvic imaging.

Radiology offers a vast array of research opportunities for students in the field of health sciences. The topics discussed in this article provide a glimpse into the breadth and depth of research possibilities within radiology. By exploring these research areas, students can contribute to advancements in diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. With the rapid evolution of imaging technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence, the future of radiology research holds immense potential for improving healthcare outcomes.

Choosing Radiology Research Paper Topics

Introduction: Selecting a research topic is a crucial step in the journey of writing a radiology research paper. It determines the focus of your study and influences the impact your research can have in the field. To help you make an informed choice, we have compiled expert advice on selecting radiology research paper topics. By following these tips, you can identify a relevant and engaging research topic that aligns with your interests and contributes to the advancement of radiology knowledge.

• Identify Your Interests : Start by reflecting on your own interests within the field of radiology. Consider which subspecialties or areas of radiology intrigue you the most. Are you interested in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, radiation safety, oncology imaging, or any other specific area? Identifying your interests will guide you in selecting a topic that excites you and keeps you motivated throughout the research process.
• Stay Updated on Current Trends : Keep yourself updated on the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and emerging trends in radiology. Read scientific journals, attend conferences, and engage in discussions with experts in the field. By staying informed, you can identify gaps in knowledge or areas that require further investigation, providing you with potential research topics that are timely and relevant.
• Consult with Faculty or Mentors : Seek guidance from your faculty members or mentors who are experienced in the field of radiology. They can provide valuable insights into potential research areas, ongoing projects, and research gaps. Discuss your research interests with them and ask for their suggestions and recommendations. Their expertise and guidance can help you narrow down your research topic and refine your research question.
• Conduct a Literature Review : Conducting a thorough literature review is an essential step in choosing a research topic. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the existing body of knowledge, identify research gaps, and build a strong foundation for your study. Analyze recent research papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to radiology to identify areas that need further investigation or where controversies exist.
• Brainstorm Research Questions : Once you have gained an understanding of the current state of research in radiology, brainstorm potential research questions. Consider the gaps or controversies you identified during your literature review. Develop research questions that address these gaps and contribute to the existing knowledge. Ensure that your research questions are clear, focused, and answerable within the scope of your study.
• Consider the Practicality and Feasibility : When selecting a research topic, consider the practicality and feasibility of conducting the study. Evaluate the availability of resources, access to data, research facilities, and ethical considerations. Assess the time frame and potential constraints that may impact your research. Choosing a topic that is feasible within your given resources and time frame will ensure a successful and manageable research experience.
• Collaborate with Peers : Consider collaborating with your peers or forming a research group to enhance your research experience. Collaborative research allows for a sharing of ideas, resources, and expertise, fostering a supportive environment. By working together, you can explore more complex research topics, conduct multicenter studies, and generate more impactful findings.
• Seek Multidisciplinary Perspectives : Radiology intersects with various other medical disciplines. Consider exploring interdisciplinary research topics that integrate radiology with fields such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, or orthopedics. By incorporating multidisciplinary perspectives, you can address complex healthcare challenges and contribute to a broader understanding of patient care.
• Choose a Topic with Clinical Relevance : Select a research topic that has direct clinical relevance. Focus on topics that can potentially influence patient outcomes, improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize treatment strategies, or enhance patient safety. By choosing a clinically relevant topic, you can contribute to the advancement of radiology practice and have a positive impact on patient care.
• Seek Ethical Considerations : Ensure that your research topic adheres to ethical considerations in radiology research. Patient privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent should be prioritized when conducting studies involving human subjects. Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines and regulations specific to radiology research and ensure that your study design and data collection methods are in line with these principles.

Choosing a radiology research paper topic requires careful consideration and alignment with your interests, expertise, and the current trends in the field. By following the expert advice provided in this section, you can select a research topic that is engaging, relevant, and contributes to the advancement of radiology knowledge. Remember to consult with mentors, conduct a thorough literature review, and consider practicality and feasibility. With a well-chosen research topic, you can embark on an exciting journey of exploration, innovation, and contribution to the field of radiology.

How to Write a Radiology Research Paper

Introduction: Writing a radiology research paper requires a systematic approach and attention to detail. It is essential to effectively communicate your research findings, methodology, and conclusions to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. In this section, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to write a successful radiology research paper. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your paper is well-structured, informative, and impactful.

• Define the Research Question : Start by clearly defining your research question or objective. It serves as the foundation of your research paper and guides your entire study. Ensure that your research question is specific, focused, and relevant to the field of radiology. Clearly articulate the purpose of your study and its potential implications.
• Conduct a Thorough Literature Review : Before diving into writing, conduct a comprehensive literature review to familiarize yourself with the existing body of knowledge in your research area. Identify key studies, seminal papers, and relevant research articles that will support your research. Analyze and synthesize the literature to identify gaps, controversies, or areas for further investigation.
• Develop a Well-Structured Outline : Create a clear and well-structured outline for your research paper. An outline serves as a roadmap and helps you organize your thoughts, arguments, and evidence. Divide your paper into logical sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ensure a logical flow of ideas and information throughout the paper.
• Write an Engaging Introduction : The introduction is the opening section of your research paper and should capture the reader’s attention. Start with a compelling hook that introduces the importance of the research topic. Provide background information, context, and the rationale for your study. Clearly state the research question or objective and outline the structure of your paper.
• Conduct Rigorous Methodology : Describe your research methodology in detail, ensuring transparency and reproducibility. Explain your study design, data collection methods, sample size, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and statistical analyses. Clearly outline the steps you took to ensure scientific rigor and address potential biases. Include any ethical considerations and institutional review board approvals, if applicable.
• Present Clear and Concise Results : Present your research findings in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Use tables, figures, and charts to visually represent your data. Provide accurate and relevant statistical analyses to support your results. Explain the significance and implications of your findings and their alignment with your research question.
• Analyze and Interpret Results : In the discussion section, analyze and interpret your research results in the context of existing literature. Compare and contrast your findings with previous studies, highlighting similarities, differences, and potential explanations. Discuss any limitations or challenges encountered during the study and propose areas for future research.
• Ensure Clear and Coherent Writing : Maintain clarity, coherence, and precision in your writing. Use concise and straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon or excessive technical terms that may hinder understanding. Clearly define any acronyms or abbreviations used in your paper. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and flows smoothly into the next.
• Citations and References : Properly cite all the sources used in your research paper. Follow the citation style recommended by your institution or the journal you intend to submit to (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago). Include in-text citations for direct quotes, paraphrased information, or any borrowed ideas. Create a comprehensive reference list at the end of your paper, following the formatting guidelines.
• Revise and Edit : Take the time to revise and edit your research paper before final submission. Review the content, structure, and organization of your paper. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. Ensure that your paper adheres to the specified word count and formatting guidelines. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusion: Writing a radiology research paper requires careful planning, attention to detail, and effective communication. By following the tips provided in this section, you can write a well-structured and impactful research paper in the field of radiology. Define a clear research question, conduct a thorough literature review, develop a strong outline, and present your findings with clarity. Remember to adhere to proper citation guidelines and revise your paper before submission. With these guidelines in mind, you can contribute to the advancement of radiology knowledge and make a meaningful impact in the field.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

Introduction: At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges faced by students in the field of health sciences when it comes to writing research papers, including those in radiology. Our writing services are designed to provide you with expert assistance and support throughout your research paper journey. With our team of experienced writers, in-depth research capabilities, and commitment to excellence, we offer a range of services that will help you achieve your academic goals and ensure the success of your radiology research papers.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team consists of expert writers who hold advanced degrees in various fields, including radiology and health sciences. They possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective areas, allowing them to deliver high-quality and well-researched papers.
• Custom Written Works : We understand that each research paper is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific requirements. Our writers craft custom-written research papers that align with your research objectives, ensuring originality and authenticity in every piece.
• In-Depth Research : Research is at the core of any high-quality paper. Our writers conduct comprehensive and in-depth research to gather relevant literature, scientific articles, and other credible sources to support your research paper. They have access to reputable databases and libraries to ensure that your paper is backed by the latest and most reliable information.
• Custom Formatting : Formatting your research paper according to the specified guidelines can be a challenging task. Our writers are well-versed in various formatting styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. They ensure that your paper adheres to the required formatting standards, including citations, references, and overall document structure.
• Top Quality : We prioritize delivering top-quality research papers that meet the highest academic standards. Our writers pay attention to detail, ensuring accurate information, logical flow, and coherence in your paper. We conduct thorough editing and proofreading to eliminate any errors and improve the overall quality of your work.
• Customized Solutions : We understand that every student has unique research requirements. Our services are tailored to provide customized solutions that address your specific needs. Whether you need assistance with topic selection, literature review, methodology, data analysis, or any other aspect of your research paper, we are here to support you at every step.
• Flexible Pricing : We strive to make our services affordable and accessible to students. Our pricing structure is flexible, allowing you to choose the package that suits your budget and requirements. We offer competitive rates without compromising on the quality of our work.
• Short Deadlines : We recognize the importance of meeting deadlines. Our team is equipped to handle urgent orders with short turnaround times. Whether you have a tight deadline or need assistance in a time-sensitive situation, we can deliver high-quality research papers within as little as three hours.
• Timely Delivery : Punctuality is a priority for us. We understand the significance of submitting your research papers on time. Our writers work diligently to ensure that your paper is delivered within the agreed-upon timeframe, allowing you ample time for review and submission.
• 24/7 Support : We provide round-the-clock support to address any queries or concerns you may have. Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions related to our services, order status, or any other inquiries you may have.
• Absolute Privacy : We prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. Rest assured that all your personal information and research paper details are handled with the utmost discretion. We adhere to strict privacy policies to protect your identity and ensure confidentiality throughout the process.
• Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform that allows you to easily track the progress of your order. You can stay updated on the status of your research paper, communicate with your assigned writer, and receive notifications regarding the completion and delivery of your paper.
• Money Back Guarantee : We are committed to your satisfaction. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with the delivered research paper, we offer a money back guarantee. Our aim is to ensure that you are fully content with the final product and receive the value you expect.

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges students face when it comes to writing research papers in radiology and other health sciences. Our comprehensive range of writing services is designed to provide you with expert assistance, customized solutions, and top-quality research papers. With our team of experienced writers, in-depth research capabilities, and commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic endeavors. Place your order with iResearchNet and experience the benefits of our professional writing services for your radiology research papers.

Unlock Your Research Potential with iResearchNet

Are you ready to take your radiology research papers to the next level? Look no further than iResearchNet. Our team of expert writers, in-depth research capabilities, and commitment to excellence make us the perfect partner for your academic success. With our range of comprehensive writing services, you can unlock your research potential and achieve outstanding results in your radiology studies.

Why settle for average when you can have exceptional? Our team of expert degree-holding writers is ready to work with you, providing custom-written research papers that meet your specific requirements. We delve deep into the world of radiology, conducting in-depth research and crafting well-structured papers that showcase your knowledge and expertise.

Don’t let the complexities of choosing a research topic hold you back. Our expert advice on selecting radiology research paper topics will guide you through the process, ensuring that you choose a topic that aligns with your interests and has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field of radiology.

It’s time to unleash your potential and achieve academic excellence in your radiology studies. Place your trust in iResearchNet and experience the exceptional quality and support that our writing services offer. Let us be your partner in success as you embark on your journey of writing remarkable radiology research papers.

Take the first step towards elevating your radiology research papers by contacting us today. Our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any inquiries and guide you through the ordering process. Don’t settle for mediocrity when you can achieve greatness with iResearchNet. Unlock your research potential and exceed your academic expectations.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

Radiologic Technology

Skip to main page content

• CURRENT ISSUE
• Institution: Google Indexer

Current Issue : May-June 2024

Select an issue from the archive.

September 2005 - May-June 2024

Search for Articles

Asrt members please log in here. if you have already logged in, you do not need to log in again..

• Instructions to authors
• Subscriptions
• About the journal
• Editorial Board
• Email alerts
• Advertising

Radiologic Technology is published by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Copyright © 2024 by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists

• Print ISSN: 0033-8397

Head Start Your Radiology Residency [Online] ↗️

• Radiology Thesis – More than 400 Research Topics (2022)!

Please login to bookmark

Introduction

A thesis or dissertation, as some people would like to call it, is an integral part of the Radiology curriculum, be it MD, DNB, or DMRD. We have tried to aggregate radiology thesis topics from various sources for reference.

Not everyone is interested in research, and writing a Radiology thesis can be daunting. But there is no escape from preparing, so it is better that you accept this bitter truth and start working on it instead of cribbing about it (like other things in life. #PhilosophyGyan!)

Start working on your thesis as early as possible and finish your thesis well before your exams, so you do not have that stress at the back of your mind. Also, your thesis may need multiple revisions, so be prepared and allocate time accordingly.

Tips for Choosing Radiology Thesis and Research Topics

Keep it simple silly (kiss).

Retrospective > Prospective

Retrospective studies are better than prospective ones, as you already have the data you need when choosing to do a retrospective study. Prospective studies are better quality, but as a resident, you may not have time (, energy and enthusiasm) to complete these.

Choose a simple topic that answers a single/few questions

Original research is challenging, especially if you do not have prior experience. I would suggest you choose a topic that answers a single or few questions. Most topics that I have listed are along those lines. Alternatively, you can choose a broad topic such as “Role of MRI in evaluation of perianal fistulas.”

You can choose a novel topic if you are genuinely interested in research AND have a good mentor who will guide you. Once you have done that, make sure that you publish your study once you are done with it.

Get it done ASAP.

In most cases, it makes sense to stick to a thesis topic that will not take much time. That does not mean you should ignore your thesis and ‘Ctrl C + Ctrl V’ from a friend from another university. Thesis writing is your first step toward research methodology so do it as sincerely as possible. Do not procrastinate in preparing the thesis. As soon as you have been allotted a guide, start researching topics and writing a review of the literature.

At the same time, do not invest a lot of time in writing/collecting data for your thesis. You should not be busy finishing your thesis a few months before the exam. Some people could not appear for the exam because they could not submit their thesis in time. So DO NOT TAKE thesis lightly.

Do NOT Copy-Paste

Reiterating once again, do not simply choose someone else’s thesis topic. Find out what are kind of cases that your Hospital caters to. It is better to do a good thesis on a common topic than a crappy one on a rare one.

Books to help you write a Radiology Thesis

Event country/university has a different format for thesis; hence these book recommendations may not work for everyone.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Gupta, Piyush (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 206 Pages - 10/12/2020 (Publication Date) - Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd. (Publisher)

In A Hurry? Download a PDF list of Radiology Research Topics!

Sign up below to get this PDF directly to your email address.

100% Privacy Guaranteed. Your information will not be shared. Unsubscribe anytime with a single click.

List of Radiology Research /Thesis / Dissertation Topics

• State of the art of MRI in the diagnosis of hepatic focal lesions
• Multimodality imaging evaluation of sacroiliitis in newly diagnosed patients of spondyloarthropathy
• Multidetector computed tomography in oesophageal varices
• Role of positron emission tomography with computed tomography in the diagnosis of cancer Thyroid
• Evaluation of focal breast lesions using ultrasound elastography
• Role of MRI diffusion tensor imaging in the assessment of traumatic spinal cord injuries
• Sonographic imaging in male infertility
• Comparison of color Doppler and digital subtraction angiography in occlusive arterial disease in patients with lower limb ischemia
• The role of CT urography in Haematuria
• Role of functional magnetic resonance imaging in making brain tumor surgery safer
• Prediction of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction by uterine artery Doppler
• Role of grayscale and color Doppler ultrasonography in the evaluation of neonatal cholestasis
• Validity of MRI in the diagnosis of congenital anorectal anomalies
• Role of sonography in assessment of clubfoot
• Role of diffusion MRI in preoperative evaluation of brain neoplasms
• Imaging of upper airways for pre-anaesthetic evaluation purposes and for laryngeal afflictions.
• A study of multivessel (arterial and venous) Doppler velocimetry in intrauterine growth restriction
• Multiparametric 3tesla MRI of suspected prostatic malignancy.
• Role of Sonography in Characterization of Thyroid Nodules for differentiating benign from
• Role of advances magnetic resonance imaging sequences in multiple sclerosis
• Role of multidetector computed tomography in evaluation of jaw lesions
• Role of Ultrasound and MR Imaging in the Evaluation of Musculotendinous Pathologies of Shoulder Joint
• Role of perfusion computed tomography in the evaluation of cerebral blood flow, blood volume and vascular permeability of cerebral neoplasms
• MRI flow quantification in the assessment of the commonest csf flow abnormalities
• Role of diffusion-weighted MRI in evaluation of prostate lesions and its histopathological correlation
• CT enterography in evaluation of small bowel disorders
• Comparison of perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (PMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) in post radiotherapy treated gliomas to detect recurrence
• Role of multidetector computed tomography in evaluation of paediatric retroperitoneal masses
• Role of Multidetector computed tomography in neck lesions
• Estimation of standard liver volume in Indian population
• Role of MRI in evaluation of spinal trauma
• Role of modified sonohysterography in female factor infertility: a pilot study.
• The role of pet-CT in the evaluation of hepatic tumors
• Role of 3D magnetic resonance imaging tractography in assessment of white matter tracts compromise in supratentorial tumors
• Role of dual phase multidetector computed tomography in gallbladder lesions
• Role of multidetector computed tomography in assessing anatomical variants of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis.
• magnetic resonance spectroscopy in multiple sclerosis
• Evaluation of thyroid nodules by ultrasound elastography using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging
• Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Intractable Epilepsy
• Evaluation of suspected and known coronary artery disease by 128 slice multidetector CT.
• Role of regional diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of intracranial gliomas and its histopathological correlation
• Role of chest sonography in diagnosing pneumothorax
• Role of CT virtual cystoscopy in diagnosis of urinary bladder neoplasia
• Role of MRI in assessment of valvular heart diseases
• High resolution computed tomography of temporal bone in unsafe chronic suppurative otitis media
• Multidetector CT urography in the evaluation of hematuria
• Contrast-induced nephropathy in diagnostic imaging investigations with intravenous iodinated contrast media
• Comparison of dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging and single photon emission computed tomography in patients with little’s disease
• Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in Bowel Lesions.
• Role of diagnostic imaging modalities in evaluation of post liver transplantation recipient complications.
• Role of multislice CT scan and barium swallow in the estimation of oesophageal tumour length
• Malignant Lesions-A Prospective Study.
• Value of ultrasonography in assessment of acute abdominal diseases in pediatric age group
• Role of three dimensional multidetector CT hysterosalpingography in female factor infertility
• Comparative evaluation of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) virtual tracheo-bronchoscopy and fiberoptic tracheo-bronchoscopy in airway diseases
• Role of Multidetector CT in the evaluation of small bowel obstruction
• Sonographic evaluation in adhesive capsulitis of shoulder
• Utility of MR Urography Versus Conventional Techniques in Obstructive Uropathy
• MRI of the postoperative knee
• Role of 64 slice-multi detector computed tomography in diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injury in blunt abdominal trauma.
• Sonoelastography and triphasic computed tomography in the evaluation of focal liver lesions
• Evaluation of Role of Transperineal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Urinary Stress incontinence in Women
• Multidetector computed tomographic features of abdominal hernias
• Evaluation of lesions of major salivary glands using ultrasound elastography
• Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in female urinary incontinence
• MDCT colonography and double-contrast barium enema in evaluation of colonic lesions
• Role of MRI in diagnosis and staging of urinary bladder carcinoma
• Spectrum of imaging findings in children with febrile neutropenia.
• Spectrum of radiographic appearances in children with chest tuberculosis.
• Role of computerized tomography in evaluation of mediastinal masses in pediatric
• Diagnosing renal artery stenosis: Comparison of multimodality imaging in diabetic patients
• Role of multidetector CT virtual hysteroscopy in the detection of the uterine & tubal causes of female infertility
• Role of multislice computed tomography in evaluation of crohn’s disease
• CT quantification of parenchymal and airway parameters on 64 slice MDCT in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Comparative evaluation of MDCT  and 3t MRI in radiographically detected jaw lesions.
• Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography, colour Doppler sonography and low dose computed tomography in acute appendicitis
• Ultrasonography , magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) in assessment of pediatric biliary lesions
• Multidetector computed tomography in hepatobiliary lesions.
• Evaluation of peripheral nerve lesions with high resolution ultrasonography and colour Doppler
• Multidetector computed tomography in pancreatic lesions
• Multidetector Computed Tomography in Paediatric abdominal masses.
• Evaluation of focal liver lesions by colour Doppler and MDCT perfusion imaging
• Sonographic evaluation of clubfoot correction during Ponseti treatment
• Role of multidetector CT in characterization of renal masses
• Study to assess the role of Doppler ultrasound in evaluation of arteriovenous (av) hemodialysis fistula and the complications of hemodialysis vasular access
• Comparative study of multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT and contrast-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of hepatic mass lesions
• Sonographic spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis
• Diagnosis & staging of liver fibrosis by ultrasound elastography in patients with chronic liver diseases
• Role of multidetector computed tomography in assessment of jaw lesions.
• Role of high-resolution ultrasonography in the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid lesions
• Radiological evaluation of aortic aneurysms in patients selected for endovascular repair
• Role of conventional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging tractography in evaluation of congenital brain malformations
• To evaluate the status of coronary arteries in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation using 256 multirow detector CT scan
• A comparative study of ultrasonography and CT – arthrography in diagnosis of chronic ligamentous and meniscal injuries of knee
• Multi detector computed tomography evaluation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and correlation with severity of disease
• Diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in chemoradiotherapeutic response evaluation in cervical cancer.
• High resolution sonography in the evaluation of non-traumatic painful wrist
• The role of trans-vaginal ultrasound versus magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis & evaluation of cancer cervix
• Role of multidetector row computed tomography in assessment of maxillofacial trauma
• Imaging of vascular complication after liver transplantation.
• Role of magnetic resonance perfusion weighted imaging & spectroscopy for grading of glioma by correlating perfusion parameter of the lesion with the final histopathological grade
• Magnetic resonance evaluation of abdominal tuberculosis.
• Diagnostic usefulness of low dose spiral HRCT in diffuse lung diseases
• Role of dynamic contrast enhanced and diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of endometrial lesions
• Contrast enhanced digital mammography anddigital breast tomosynthesis in early diagnosis of breast lesion
• Evaluation of Portal Hypertension with Colour Doppler flow imaging and magnetic resonance imaging
• Evaluation of musculoskeletal lesions by magnetic resonance imaging
• Role of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of neoplastic and inflammatory brain lesions
• Radiological spectrum of chest diseases in HIV infected children High resolution ultrasonography in neck masses in children
• with surgical findings
• Sonographic evaluation of peripheral nerves in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Role of perfusion computed tomography in the evaluation of neck masses and correlation
• Role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of knee joint lesions
• Role of ultrasonography in evaluation of various causes of pelvic pain in first trimester of pregnancy.
• Role of Magnetic Resonance Angiography in the Evaluation of Diseases of Aorta and its Branches
• MDCT fistulography in evaluation of fistula in Ano
• Role of multislice CT in diagnosis of small intestine tumors
• Role of high resolution CT in differentiation between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules in children
• A study of multidetector computed tomography urography in urinary tract abnormalities
• Role of high resolution sonography in assessment of ulnar nerve in patients with leprosy.
• Pre-operative radiological evaluation of locally aggressive and malignant musculoskeletal tumours by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
• The role of ultrasound & MRI in acute pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ultrasonography compared to computed tomographic arthrography in the evaluation of shoulder pain
• Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.
• The Role of Extended field-of-view Sonography and compound imaging in Evaluation of Breast Lesions
• Evaluation of focal pancreatic lesions by Multidetector CT and perfusion CT
• Evaluation of breast masses on sono-mammography and colour Doppler imaging
• Role of CT virtual laryngoscopy in evaluation of laryngeal masses
• Triple phase multi detector computed tomography in hepatic masses
• Role of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosis and treatment of female infertility
• Role of ultrasound and color Doppler imaging in assessment of acute abdomen due to female genetal causes
• High resolution ultrasonography and color Doppler ultrasonography in scrotal lesion
• Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography with colour Doppler vs low dose computed tomography in salivary gland disease
• Role of multidetector CT in diagnosis of salivary gland lesions
• Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in obstructive jaundice: A prospective study
• Evaluation of varicose veins-comparative assessment of low dose CT venogram with sonography: pilot study
• Role of mammotome in breast lesions
• The role of interventional imaging procedures in the treatment of selected gynecological disorders
• Role of transcranial ultrasound in diagnosis of neonatal brain insults
• Role of multidetector CT virtual laryngoscopy in evaluation of laryngeal mass lesions
• Evaluation of adnexal masses on sonomorphology and color Doppler imaginig
• Role of radiological imaging in diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma
• Comprehensive imaging of renal masses by magnetic resonance imaging
• The role of 3D & 4D ultrasonography in abnormalities of fetal abdomen
• Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and characterization of brain tumors in correlation with conventional MRI
• Role of diffusion weighted MRI imaging in evaluation of cancer prostate
• Role of multidetector CT in diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer
• Role of multidetector computed tomography in the evaluation of paediatric retroperitoneal masses.
• Comparative evaluation of gastric lesions by double contrast barium upper G.I. and multi detector computed tomography
• Evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver disease using ultrasound elastography
• Role of MRI in assessment of hydrocephalus in pediatric patients
• The role of sonoelastography in characterization of breast lesions
• The influence of volumetric tumor doubling time on survival of patients with intracranial tumours
• Role of perfusion computed tomography in characterization of colonic lesions
• Role of proton MRI spectroscopy in the evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy
• Role of Doppler ultrasound and multidetector CT angiography in evaluation of peripheral arterial diseases.
• Role of multidetector computed tomography in paranasal sinus pathologies
• Role of virtual endoscopy using MDCT in detection & evaluation of gastric pathologies
• High resolution 3 Tesla MRI in the evaluation of ankle and hindfoot pain.
• Transperineal ultrasonography in infants with anorectal malformation
• CT portography using MDCT versus color Doppler in detection of varices in cirrhotic patients
• Role of CT urography in the evaluation of a dilated ureter
• Characterization of pulmonary nodules by dynamic contrast-enhanced multidetector CT
• Comprehensive imaging of acute ischemic stroke on multidetector CT
• The role of fetal MRI in the diagnosis of intrauterine neurological congenital anomalies
• Role of Multidetector computed tomography in pediatric chest masses
• Multimodality imaging in the evaluation of palpable & non-palpable breast lesion.
• Sonographic Assessment Of Fetal Nasal Bone Length At 11-28 Gestational Weeks And Its Correlation With Fetal Outcome.
• Role Of Sonoelastography And Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography In Evaluation Of Lymph Node Metastasis In Head And Neck Cancers
• Role Of Renal Doppler And Shear Wave Elastography In Diabetic Nephropathy
• Evaluation Of Relationship Between Various Grades Of Fatty Liver And Shear Wave Elastography Values
• Evaluation and characterization of pelvic masses of gynecological origin by USG, color Doppler and MRI in females of reproductive age group
• Radiological evaluation of small bowel diseases using computed tomographic enterography
• Role of coronary CT angiography in patients of coronary artery disease
• Role of multimodality imaging in the evaluation of pediatric neck masses
• Role of CT in the evaluation of craniocerebral trauma
• Role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of spinal dysraphism
• Comparative evaluation of triple phase CT and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in patients with liver cirrhosis
• Evaluation of the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery disease in patients evaluated by coronary angiography for suspected CAD
• Assessment of hepatic fat content in fatty liver disease by unenhanced computed tomography
• Correlation of vertebral marrow fat on spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted MRI imaging with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
• Comparative evaluation of CT coronary angiography with conventional catheter coronary angiography
• Ultrasound evaluation of kidney length & descending colon diameter in normal and intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses
• A prospective study of hepatic vein waveform and splenoportal index in liver cirrhosis: correlation with child Pugh’s classification and presence of esophageal varices.
• CT angiography to evaluate coronary artery by-pass graft patency in symptomatic patient’s functional assessment of myocardium by cardiac MRI in patients with myocardial infarction
• MRI evaluation of HIV positive patients with central nervous system manifestations
• MDCT evaluation of mediastinal and hilar masses
• Evaluation of rotator cuff & labro-ligamentous complex lesions by MRI & MRI arthrography of shoulder joint
• Role of imaging in the evaluation of soft tissue vascular malformation
• Role of MRI and ultrasonography in the evaluation of multifidus muscle pathology in chronic low back pain patients
• Role of ultrasound elastography in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions
• Role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in evaluating dilated common bile duct in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease.
• Comparative study of CT urography & hybrid CT urography in patients with haematuria.
• Role of MRI in the evaluation of anorectal malformations
• Comparison of ultrasound-Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging findings in rheumatoid arthritis of hand and wrist
• Role of Doppler sonography in the evaluation of renal artery stenosis in hypertensive patients undergoing coronary angiography for coronary artery disease.
• Comparison of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of sacroiliitis in ankylosing spondylitis.
• Mr evaluation of painful hip
• Role of MRI imaging in pretherapeutic assessment of oral and oropharyngeal malignancy
• Evaluation of diffuse lung diseases by high resolution computed tomography of the chest
• Mr evaluation of brain parenchyma in patients with craniosynostosis.
• Diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in dilated cardiomyopathy
• Role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of early carcinoma prostate
• Role of magnetic resonance imaging in white matter diseases
• Role of sonoelastography in assessing the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.
• Role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of carotid and femoral intima-media thickness in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease
• Role of H1 MRI spectroscopy in focal bone lesions of peripheral skeleton choline detection by MRI spectroscopy in breast cancer and its correlation with biomarkers and histological grade.
• Ultrasound and MRI evaluation of axillary lymph node status in breast cancer.
• Role of sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating chronic lateral epicondylitis.
• Comparative of sonography including Doppler and sonoelastography in cervical lymphadenopathy.
• Evaluation of Umbilical Coiling Index as Predictor of Pregnancy Outcome.
• Computerized Tomographic Evaluation of Azygoesophageal Recess in Adults.
• Lumbar Facet Arthropathy in Low Backache.
• “Urethral Injuries After Pelvic Trauma: Evaluation with Uretrography
• Role Of Ct In Diagnosis Of Inflammatory Renal Diseases
• Role Of Ct Virtual Laryngoscopy In Evaluation Of Laryngeal Masses
• “Ct Portography Using Mdct Versus Color Doppler In Detection Of Varices In
• Cirrhotic Patients”
• Role Of Multidetector Ct In Characterization Of Renal Masses
• Role Of Ct Virtual Cystoscopy In Diagnosis Of Urinary Bladder Neoplasia
• Role Of Multislice Ct In Diagnosis Of Small Intestine Tumors
• “Mri Flow Quantification In The Assessment Of The Commonest CSF Flow Abnormalities”
• “The Role Of Fetal Mri In Diagnosis Of Intrauterine Neurological CongenitalAnomalies”
• Role Of Transcranial Ultrasound In Diagnosis Of Neonatal Brain Insults
• “The Role Of Interventional Imaging Procedures In The Treatment Of Selected Gynecological Disorders”
• Role Of Radiological Imaging In Diagnosis Of Endometrial Carcinoma
• “Role Of High-Resolution Ct In Differentiation Between Benign And Malignant Pulmonary Nodules In Children”
• Role Of Ultrasonography In The Diagnosis Of Knee Joint Lesions
• “Role Of Diagnostic Imaging Modalities In Evaluation Of Post Liver Transplantation Recipient Complications”
• “Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Diagnosis And
• Characterization Of Brain Tumors In Correlation With Conventional Mri”
• The Role Of PET-CT In The Evaluation Of Hepatic Tumors
• “Role Of Computerized Tomography In Evaluation Of Mediastinal Masses In Pediatric patients”
• “Trans Vaginal Ultrasound And Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Female Urinary Incontinence”
• Role Of Multidetector Ct In Diagnosis Of Urinary Bladder Cancer
• “Role Of Transvaginal Ultrasound In Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility”
• Role Of Diffusion-Weighted Mri Imaging In Evaluation Of Cancer Prostate
• “Role Of Positron Emission Tomography With Computed Tomography In Diagnosis Of Cancer Thyroid”
• The Role Of CT Urography In Case Of Haematuria
• “Value Of Ultrasonography In Assessment Of Acute Abdominal Diseases In Pediatric Age Group”
• “Role Of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Making Brain Tumor Surgery Safer”
• The Role Of Sonoelastography In Characterization Of Breast Lesions
• “Ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) In Assessment Of Pediatric Biliary Lesions”
• “Role Of Ultrasound And Color Doppler Imaging In Assessment Of Acute Abdomen Due To Female Genital Causes”
• “Role Of Multidetector Ct Virtual Laryngoscopy In Evaluation Of Laryngeal Mass Lesions”
• MRI Of The Postoperative Knee
• Role Of Mri In Assessment Of Valvular Heart Diseases
• The Role Of 3D & 4D Ultrasonography In Abnormalities Of Fetal Abdomen
• State Of The Art Of Mri In Diagnosis Of Hepatic Focal Lesions
• Role Of Multidetector Ct In Diagnosis Of Salivary Gland Lesions
• “Role Of Virtual Endoscopy Using Mdct In Detection & Evaluation Of Gastric Pathologies”
• The Role Of Ultrasound & Mri In Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• “Diagnosis & Staging Of Liver Fibrosis By Ultraso Und Elastography In
• Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases”
• Role Of Mri In Evaluation Of Spinal Trauma
• Validity Of Mri In Diagnosis Of Congenital Anorectal Anomalies
• Imaging Of Vascular Complication After Liver Transplantation
• “Contrast-Enhanced Digital Mammography And Digital Breast Tomosynthesis In Early Diagnosis Of Breast Lesion”
• Role Of Mammotome In Breast Lesions
• “Role Of MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) In Assessment Of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries”
• “Prediction Of Pre-eclampsia And Fetal Growth Restriction By Uterine Artery Doppler”
• “Role Of Multidetector Row Computed Tomography In Assessment Of Maxillofacial Trauma”
• “Role Of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Assessment Of Neoplastic And Inflammatory Brain Lesions”
• Role Of Diffusion Mri In Preoperative Evaluation Of Brain Neoplasms
• “Role Of Multidetector Ct Virtual Hysteroscopy In The Detection Of The
• Uterine & Tubal Causes Of Female Infertility”
• Role Of Advances Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences In Multiple Sclerosis Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy In Multiple Sclerosis
• “Role Of Conventional Mri, And Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography In Evaluation Of Congenital Brain Malformations”
• Role Of MRI In Evaluation Of Spinal Trauma
• Diagnostic Role Of Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging In Neck Masses
• “The Role Of Transvaginal Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Diagnosis & Evaluation Of Cancer Cervix”
• “Role Of 3d Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tractography In Assessment Of White Matter Tracts Compromise In Supra Tentorial Tumors”
• Role Of Proton MR Spectroscopy In The Evaluation Of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
• Role Of Multislice Computed Tomography In Evaluation Of Crohn’s Disease
• Role Of MRI In Assessment Of Hydrocephalus In Pediatric Patients
• The Role Of MRI In Diagnosis And Staging Of Urinary Bladder Carcinoma
• USG and MRI correlation of congenital CNS anomalies
• HRCT in interstitial lung disease
• X-Ray, CT and MRI correlation of bone tumors
• “Study on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of X-Rays for cases of pulmonary tuberculosis under RNTCP”
• “Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the characterization of female adnexal  pathology”
• “CT angiography of carotid atherosclerosis and NECT brain in cerebral ischemia, a correlative analysis”
• Role of CT scan in the evaluation of paranasal sinus pathology
• USG and MRI correlation on shoulder joint pathology
• “Radiological evaluation of a patient presenting with extrapulmonary tuberculosis”
• CT and MRI correlation in focal liver lesions”
• Comparison of MDCT virtual cystoscopy with conventional cystoscopy in bladder tumors”
• “Bleeding vessels in life-threatening hemoptysis: Comparison of 64 detector row CT angiography with conventional angiography prior to endovascular management”
• “Role of transarterial chemoembolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma”
• “Comparison of color flow duplex study with digital subtraction angiography in the evaluation of peripheral vascular disease”
• “A Study to assess the efficacy of magnetization transfer ratio in differentiating tuberculoma from neurocysticercosis”
• “MR evaluation of uterine mass lesions in correlation with transabdominal, transvaginal ultrasound using HPE as a gold standard”
• “The Role of power Doppler imaging with trans rectal ultrasonogram guided prostate biopsy in the detection of prostate cancer”
• “Lower limb arteries assessed with doppler angiography – A prospective comparative study with multidetector CT angiography”
• “Comparison of sildenafil with papaverine in penile doppler by assessing hemodynamic changes”
• “Evaluation of efficacy of sonosalphingogram for assessing tubal patency in infertile patients with hysterosalpingogram as the gold standard”
• Role of CT enteroclysis in the evaluation of small bowel diseases
• “MRI colonography versus conventional colonoscopy in the detection of colonic polyposis”
• “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of anteroposterior diameter of the midbrain – differentiation of progressive supranuclear palsy from Parkinson disease”
• “MRI Evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament tears with arthroscopic correlation”
• “The Clinicoradiological profile of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with prognostic evaluation using MR sequences”
• “Role of MRI in the evaluation of pelvic floor integrity in stress incontinent patients” “Doppler ultrasound evaluation of hepatic venous waveform in portal hypertension before and after propranolol”
• “Role of transrectal sonography with colour doppler and MRI in evaluation of prostatic lesions with TRUS guided biopsy correlation”
• “Ultrasonographic evaluation of painful shoulders and correlation of rotator cuff pathologies and clinical examination”
• “Colour Doppler Evaluation of Common Adult Hepatic tumors More Than 2 Cm  with HPE and CECT Correlation”
• “Clinical Relevance of MR Urethrography in Obliterative Posterior Urethral Stricture”
• “Prediction of Adverse Perinatal Outcome in Growth Restricted Fetuses with Antenatal Doppler Study”
• Radiological evaluation of spinal dysraphism using CT and MRI
• “Evaluation of temporal bone in cholesteatoma patients by high resolution computed tomography”
• “Radiological evaluation of primary brain tumours using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging”
• “Three dimensional colour doppler sonographic assessment of changes in  volume and vascularity of fibroids – before and after uterine artery embolization”
• “In phase opposed phase imaging of bone marrow differentiating neoplastic lesions”
• “Role of dynamic MRI in replacing the isotope renogram in the functional evaluation of PUJ obstruction”
• Characterization of adrenal masses with contrast-enhanced CT – washout study
• A study on accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
• “Evaluation of median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome by high-frequency ultrasound & color doppler in comparison with nerve conduction studies”
• “Correlation of Agatston score in patients with obstructive and nonobstructive coronary artery disease following STEMI”
• “Doppler ultrasound assessment of tumor vascularity in locally advanced breast cancer at diagnosis and following primary systemic chemotherapy.”
• “Validation of two-dimensional perineal ultrasound and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in pelvic floor dysfunction.”
• “Role of MR urethrography compared to conventional urethrography in the surgical management of obliterative urethral stricture.”

Search Diagnostic Imaging Research Topics

You can also search research-related resources on our custom search engine .

Free Resources for Preparing Radiology Thesis

• Radiology thesis topics- Benha University – Free to download thesis
• Radiology thesis topics – Faculty of Medical Science Delhi
• Radiology thesis topics – IPGMER
• Fetal Radiology thesis Protocols
• Radiology thesis and dissertation topics
• Radiographics

Proofreading Your Thesis:

Make sure you use Grammarly to correct your spelling ,  grammar , and plagiarism for your thesis. Grammarly has affordable paid subscriptions, windows/macOS apps, and FREE browser extensions. It is an excellent tool to avoid inadvertent spelling mistakes in your research projects. It has an extensive built-in vocabulary, but you should make an account and add your own medical glossary to it.

Guidelines for Writing a Radiology Thesis:

These are general guidelines and not about radiology specifically. You can share these with colleagues from other departments as well. Special thanks to Dr. Sanjay Yadav sir for these. This section is best seen on a desktop. Here are a couple of handy presentations to start writing a thesis:

Read the general guidelines for writing a thesis (the page will take some time to load- more than 70 pages!

A format for thesis protocol with a sample patient information sheet, sample patient consent form, sample application letter for thesis, and sample certificate.

Resources and References:

• Guidelines for thesis writing.
• Format for thesis protocol
• Thesis protocol writing guidelines DNB
• Informed consent form for Research studies from AIIMS 
• Radiology Informed consent forms in local Indian languages.
• Sample Informed Consent form for Research in Hindi
• Guide to write a thesis by Dr. P R Sharma
• Guidelines for thesis writing by Dr. Pulin Gupta.
• Preparing MD/DNB thesis by A Indrayan
• Another good thesis reference protocol

Hopefully, this post will make the tedious task of writing a Radiology thesis a little bit easier for you. Best of luck with writing your thesis and your residency too!

More guides for residents :

• Guide for the MD/DMRD/DNB radiology exam!
• Guide for First-Year Radiology Residents
• FRCR Exam: THE Most Comprehensive Guide (2022)!
• Radiology Practical Exams Questions compilation for MD/DNB/DMRD !
• Radiology Exam Resources (Oral Recalls, Instruments, etc )!
• Tips and Tricks for DNB/MD Radiology Practical Exam

FRCR 2B exam- Tips and Tricks !

• FRCR exam preparation – An alternative take!
• Why did I take up Radiology?
• Radiology Conferences – A comprehensive guide!
• ECR (European Congress Of Radiology)
• European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR) – The Complete Guide!
• Radiology NEET PG guide – How to select THE best college for post-graduation in Radiology (includes personal insights)!
• Interventional Radiology – All Your Questions Answered!
• What It Means To Be A Radiologist: A Guide For Medical Students!
• Radiology Mentors for Medical Students (Post NEET-PG)
• MD vs DNB Radiology: Which Path is Right for Your Career?

DNB Radiology OSCE – Tips and Tricks

More radiology resources here: Radiology resources This page will be updated regularly. Kindly leave your feedback in the comments or send us a message here . Also, you can comment below regarding your department’s thesis topics.

Note: All topics have been compiled from available online resources. If anyone has an issue with any radiology thesis topics displayed here, you can message us here , and we can delete them. These are only sample guidelines. Thesis guidelines differ from institution to institution.

Image source: Thesis complete! (2018). Flickr. Retrieved 12 August 2018, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/cowlet/354911838 by Victoria Catterson

About The Author

Dr. amar udare, md, related posts ↓.

7 thoughts on “Radiology Thesis – More than 400 Research Topics (2022)!”

Amazing & The most helpful site for Radiology residents…

Thank you for your kind comments 🙂

Dr. I saw your Tips is very amazing and referable. But Dr. Can you help me with the thesis of Evaluation of Diagnostic accuracy of X-ray radiograph in knee joint lesion.

Wow! These are excellent stuff. You are indeed a teacher. God bless

Glad you liked these!

happy to see this

Glad I could help :).

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Radiology Updates to Your Inbox!

This site is for use by medical professionals. To continue, you must accept our use of cookies and the site's Terms of Use. Learn more Accept!

Wish to be a BETTER Radiologist? Join 14000 Radiology Colleagues !

Enter your email address below to access HIGH YIELD radiology content, updates, and resources.

No spam, only VALUE! Unsubscribe anytime with a single click.

• Alzheimer's disease & dementia
• Arthritis & Rheumatism
• Attention deficit disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Biomedical technology
• Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes
• Endocrinology & Metabolism
• Gastroenterology
• Gerontology & Geriatrics
• Health informatics
• Inflammatory disorders
• Medical economics
• Medical research
• Medications
• Neuroscience
• Obstetrics & gynaecology
• Oncology & Cancer
• Ophthalmology
• Overweight & Obesity
• Parkinson's & Movement disorders
• Psychology & Psychiatry
• Radiology & Imaging
• Sleep disorders
• Sports medicine & Kinesiology
• Vaccination
• Breast cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Colon cancer
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Lung cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Ovarian cancer
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Schizophrenia
• Skin cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Full List »

share this!

May 31, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

Cardiomyocytes study discovers new way to regenerate damaged heart cells

by Olivia Dimmer, Northwestern University

Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered a way to regenerate damaged heart muscle cells in mice, a development that may provide a new avenue for treating congenital heart defects in children and heart attack damage in adults, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation .

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS, is a rare congenital heart defect that occurs when the left side of a baby's heart doesn't develop properly during pregnancy, according to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The condition affects one in 5,000 newborns and is responsible for 23% of cardiac deaths in the first week of life.

Cardiomyocytes, the cells responsible for contracting the heart muscle, can regenerate in newborn mammals, but lose this ability with age, said Paul Schumacker, Ph.D., professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology and senior author of the study.

"At the time of birth, the cardiac muscle cells still can undergo mitotic cell division ," Schumacker said. "For example, if the heart of a newborn mouse is damaged when it's a day or two old, and then you wait until the mouse is an adult, if you look at the area of the heart that was damaged previously, you'd never know that there was damage there."

In the current study, Schumacker and his collaborators sought to understand if adult mammalian cardiomyocytes could revert to that regenerative fetal state.

Because fetal cardiomyocytes survive on glucose, instead of generating cellular energy through their mitochondria, Schumacker and his collaborators deleted the mitochondria-associated gene UQCRFS1 in the hearts of adult mice, forcing them to return to a fetal-like state.

In adult mice with damaged heart tissue, investigators observed that the heart cells began regenerating once UQCRFS1 was inhibited. The cells also began to take in more glucose, similar to how fetal heart cells function, according to the study.

The findings suggest that causing increased glucose utilization can also restore cell division and growth in adult heart cells and may provide a new direction for treating damaged heart cells, Schumacker said.

"This is a first step to being able to address one of the most important questions in cardiology: How do we get heart cells to remember how to divide again so that we can repair hearts?" said Schumacker, who is also professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care.

Building off this discovery, Schumacker and his collaborators will focus on identifying drugs that can trigger this response in heart cells without genetic manipulation .

"If we could find a drug that would turn on this response in the same way the gene manipulation did, we could then withdraw the drug once the heart cells have grown," Schumacker said. "In the case of children with HLHS, this may allow us to restore the normal thickness to the left ventricular wall. That would be lifesaving."

The approach could also be used for adults who have suffered damage due to a heart attack, Schumacker said.

"This was a big project and I'm grateful to all those involved," Schumacker said. "There were 15 Northwestern faculty members who are co-authors on the paper, so it was really a team effort."

Explore further

Feedback to editors

This self-powered sensor could make MRIs more efficient

42 minutes ago

Not eating can hinder weight loss, study in fruit flies suggests

Neuroscience research suggests ketones can enhance cognitive function and protect brain networks

2 hours ago

New research finds antidepressants may help deliver other drugs into the brain

Mediterranean diet tied to one-fifth lower risk of death in women

Scientists find new method to enhance efficacy of bispecific antibodies for solid tumors

3 hours ago

Study: The route into the cell influences the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Prenatal testing offers a window for finding a mother's cancer risk

Study shows most doctors endorsing drugs on X are paid to do so

Mobile app effective in smoking cessation, triples chance of success

Related stories.

Researchers identify immunosuppressive pathway that helps newborn hearts regenerate in mouse models

May 16, 2024

Improving models to study the human heart

May 24, 2024

Reprogramming heart muscle cells to repair damage from heart attacks

Sep 24, 2021

Researchers are upbeat about cardiac regeneration

Dec 9, 2023

Harnessing the heart regeneration ability of marsupials

Aug 22, 2022

Finding suggests ways to promote adult heart tissue regeneration

Feb 14, 2019

Recommended for you

Cause of common type of heart failure may be different for women and men

23 hours ago

Mummies study finds heart disease plagued the ancients, too

May 30, 2024

Study finds older adults hospitalized for heart failure had high risk of kidney complications

May 29, 2024

Study shows orange peel extract may improve heart health

May 28, 2024

Promising results for hyperlipidemia treatment reduce risk of cardiovascular events

Study finds blood clot risk is influenced by angle at which pulmonary veins reach the heart

Let us know if there is a problem with our content.

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Medical Xpress in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter