Errors in Radiology

Diagnostic errors are important in all branches of medicine because they are an indication of poor patient care. As the number of malpractice cases continues to grow, radiologists will become increasingly involved in litigation. The aetiology of radiological error is multi-factorial. This book focuses on (1) some medico-legal aspects inherent to radiology (radiation exposure related to imaging procedures and malpractice issues related to contrast media administration are discussed in detail) and on (2) the spectrum of diagnostic errors in radiology. Communication issues between the radiologists and physicians and between the radiologists and patients are also presented. Every radiologist should understand the sources of error in diagnostic radiology as well as the elements of negligence that form the basis of malpractice litigation. Diagnostic errors are important in all branches of medicine because they are an indication of poor patient care. As the number of malpractice cases continues to grow, radiologists will become increasingly involved in litigation. Accordingly, every radiologist should understand the various sources of error in diagnostic radiology as well as the elements of negligence that form the basis of malpractice litigation.
The principal focus of this book is on the diagnostic errors that may be perpetrated when using diverse radiologic techniques in different disease settings. The full spectrum of potential errors is analyzed with the aid of high-quality illustrations and with clear guidance on their avoidance. In addition, medicolegal aspects inherent to radiology are carefully examined, with particular attention to radiation exposure due to imaging procedures and malpractice issues relating to administration of contrast media. The importance of good communication between radiologists and physicians and between radiologists and patients is also emphasized. Errors in Radiology will prove immensely valuable to both novice and more experienced radiologists.