Background: The diagnosis and treatment of patients depend heavily on imaging modalities, which makes them essential to healthcare. However, as technology for imaging modalities develops and new equipment is introduced, it will become more difficult to classify and comprehend if early intervention is used.
Methodology: This was a systematic review that aimed to identify and categorize imaging modalities, assess how they function, learn how various modalities have been utilized, learn what kinds of images various modalities create, and learn about the models that are available in Uganda. Search terms will include “microscopy” "MRI," "CT," "ultrasound," "X-ray," “nuclear imaging” "PET," "SPECT," "Uganda," "diagnostic imaging," "clinical application," "image types," and "imaging models." Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) were used to combine search terms. The study employed the PRISMA methodology for reporting the findings.
Results: Based on a review of the literature, this study discovered that different imaging modalities provide diverse images that are utilized in different health care services. However, there are five primary categories into which the mode operation/principle of work (the technique used to construct images of the body at different levels) can be divided. These include;
1. X-ray imaging (Radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), mammograms, contrast X-rays, dental X-rays, and Fluoroscopy)
2. Ultrasound or Sonography (Abdominal ultrasound, Vascular ultrasound, Obstetric ultrasound, Gynecological ultrasound, fetal brain and transcranial ultrasound, Echocardiography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and trans-virginal ultrasound)
3. Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT))
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
5. Visible light medical imaging (dermatology, endoscopy, Microscopy (optical and electron microscopes, digital and video cameras (photography))
Conclusion: In medicine, imaging modalities are crucial, and new technologies are always developing to produce images of the body in different ways. X-rays, ultrasound or sonography, nuclear technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and visible light are the main tools used by the majority of these technologies. Every specific modality makes a distinct contribution to modern medicine's complete imaging capabilities, which enhance patient care and diagnostic precision.
