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Role of radiology in geriatric care

A primer for family physicians

Mark O. Baerlocher, MD
Resident in the Radiology Residency Training Program at the University of Toronto in Ontario

Murray Asch, MD and Andy Myers, MD CM
Staff radiologists in the Department of Radiology at the Lakeridge Health Corporation in Oshawa, Ont

Correspondence: Dr J. O’Brien, 506-57 Charles St W, Toronto, ON M5S 2X1; telephone 416 230-8166; e-mailobrien.jeremy{at}gmail.com

OBJECTIVE To present family physicians with the options available for diagnosing and treating a selection of common diseases in the elderly using diagnostic and interventional radiology.

QUALITY OF EVIDENCE Articles providing level I or II evidence were included in our review. Most articles presented results from randomized or other case-controlled studies.

MAIN MESSAGE Geriatric care has become a complicated, multidisciplinary effort, with the family physician often leading the team. The expanding cohort of patients is not only better informed than their predecessors, but also more demanding of better care through cutting-edge technology and treatment. Specifically, the role of radiology has expanded quickly in geriatric medicine. Because of complex clinical presentations and rising costs, it is essential for primary care physicians to understand the appropriate use of imaging and radiological intervention.

CONCLUSION There are a number of new and innovative radiological techniques and procedures available for elderly patients. This review aims to inform primary care physicians of a selected number of these techniques.

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