Radiology is a field of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and, in some cases, treat disease. Most patients will be familiar with x-rays. However, there is now a wide range of imaging technology including ultrasound, contrast studies (barium swallow, barium meal), computed tomography (CT) scans, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Interventional radiology is the performance of a medical procedure which relies on the use of radiological guidance to precisely target therapy, such as cardiac angioplasty.
Usually, the tests are carried out by a radiographer or a sonographer and the results of the tests are interpreted by radiologists (a doctor who specialises in the field of radiology).
The misdiagnosis of imaging can have serious consequences. We have successfully represented clients where such mistakes have led to serious injury or death. Examples of errors which may result in a claim include:
- The misinterpretation of mammograms/ ultrasounds which result in the delayed diagnosis of breast cancer.
- The failure to correctly identify a fracture or other injury on an x-ray.
- The failure to diagnose a stroke.
- The failure to diagnose a blood clot (such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- The substandard reporting of results.
- The failure to follow-up suspicious results or to recall patients for further tests.
- The misreading/ misinterpretation of x-rays, scans and MRIs.
- The failure to diagnose a brain tumour.
- The failure to diagnose cancers.
In addition, we have also acted for patients in cases where the performance of the medical procedure using interventional radiology has resulted in serious harm or death. Examples of such cases may include:
- The treatment of uterine fibroids using uterine fibroid embolisation.
- Cardiac angioplasty.
- To prevent bleeding during some types of surgery, such as caesarean section.
- To remove stones from kidneys.