Reading Imaging Scans Incorrectly
Imaging scans are crucial tools in modern medicine, providing detailed insights into a patient’s internal structures and helping doctors diagnose and treat various conditions. But while correct readings can improve lives, misinterpretation of these scans can lead to serious consequences for patients.
It’s important to recognize that there are legal protections in place if you’ve been harmed due to an incorrect reading of an imaging scan. To learn more, talk to a seasoned Baltimore personal injury lawyer about how to seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
Types of Imaging Scans
To address a misreading of any of the following scan types, have a conversation with a legal professional.
- X-Rays. Commonly used to detect fractures, infections, and some cancers, x-rays provide a quick overview but may not reveal detailed information about soft tissues. X-rays use radiation to create images of the body’s internal structures, particularly bones.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scans. CT scans combine multiple X-ray images to create cross-sectional views of the body. They offer more detailed images than regular X-rays and are used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including tumors, internal injuries, and complex fractures.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). With the use of powerful magnets and radio waves, MRIs produce detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. MRI scans are particularly useful for diagnosing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and joints.
- Using sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures, ultrasounds are commonly used in obstetrics to monitor the development of a fetus. They can also be used in other areas of the body, particularly to assess soft tissue conditions, such as abdominal organs and blood flow.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Scans that use a small amount of radioactive material to detect metabolic activity in the body, PET imagining is often used in oncology to evaluate cancer and assess how well treatments are working.
Misreading an imaging scan can result in a delayed diagnosis of serious conditions, such as cancer or fractures. For example, a radiologist might overlook a small tumor on a CT scan, leading to a delay in treatment that could worsen the patient’s prognosis. It is also possible for an incorrect reading to lead to inappropriate or unnecessary treatments.
Emotional Upheaval
Incorrect readings can also result in undue stress and anxiety for patients. A misdiagnosis might lead to unnecessary follow-up tests or treatments that can be physically and emotionally taxing. Patients who suffer harm due to diagnostic errors may also struggle with additional medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
A Baltimore personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding the incorrect reading, including reviewing the imaging scans, consulting with medical experts, and determining whether the error deviated from accepted medical standards.
How did a misread scan contribute to your health crisis? The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP advocate for patients’ rights and work to hold healthcare providers accountable for their mistakes, ensuring that patients receive justice and the support they need for their recovery. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
