Image quality is an important value of all radiographic imaging procedures. Accurate measures of both image quality and patient radiation risk are needed for effective optimization of diagnostic imaging. Images are acquired for specific purposes, and the result depends on how well this task is performed. The imaging performance is mainly influenced by the imaging procedure, examined object, contrast agents, imaging system, electronic data processing, display, maintenance and the operator. Spatial resolution (sharpness), contrast resolution and sensitivity, artifacts and noise are indicators of image quality.
A high image contrast provides the discrimination between tissues of different densities.
The image resolution states the distinct visibility of linear structures, masses and calcifications.
Noise and artifacts degrade the image quality. In computed tomography (CT), high spatial resolution improves the visibility of small details, but results in increased noise. Increased noise reduces the low contrast detectability. Noise can be reduced by the use of large voxels, increased radiation dose, or an additional smoothing filter, but this type of filter increases blurring.
An image acquisition technique taking these facts into account maximizes the received information content and minimizes the radiation risk or keeps it at a low level.

See also As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

The common radionuclide used for inflammation scintigraphy is 67Ga-citrate, which accumulates in inflammatory lesions and certain neoplasms. A 67 gallium scan may include scintigrams of the whole body or a specific region, performed after i.v. injection. Additionally, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be performed. A pathological process presents itself as activity enrichment.

Interventional radiology is an area of clinical subspecialty which uses various radiology techniques (such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI procedures) to guide procedures such as a biopsy, inserting catheters, place wires, draining fluids, dilating or stenting narrowed ducts or vessels to diagnose or treat different conditions.

See also CT Guided Biopsy, Angioplasty, Coronary Angiogram and Interventional Ultrasound.

Isovist® is a nonionic x-ray contrast agent. Isovist® is suitable for intrathecal applications for example CT myelography, cisternography, the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and for use in other body cavities. Opacification is directly visible after administration of Iotrolan to the spinal subarachnoid space and various open body cavities. Isovist® flows with the CSF through the arachnoid villi into the venous blood.

Isovue® is a nonionic contrast agent with a wide range of iodine concentrations.
Isovue-370 with its highest concentration of contrast approved for CT is an excellent agent to match the speed and power of multi-detector row CT (MDCT). Prefilled syringes provide easy and efficient contrast media handling. Isovue-M® is indicated for CT myelography.

See also Contrast Media Injector, Single-Head CT Power Injector, Multi-Head Contrast Media Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.