From the discovery of X-rays in 1895 to generative artificial intelligence. In between, over a century of innovation that has profoundly changed the way we prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. It is from this trajectory that the 52nd National Congress of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology - SIRM - began - hosted at the Allianz MiCo in Milan and concluded on 8 November, on the International Day of Radiology, which coincides with the 131st anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.
The event, among the most important for the Italian radiology community, brought together over 2,500 professionals and turned the spotlight on the theme chosen for this edition: "Not just diagnostics: let's explore the digital universe". A title that tells well how radiology is experiencing a profound transformation, destined to impact not only the quality of the images, but the entire patient care path.
From the report to the clinical decision
If for many citizens the radiologist remains the doctor who interprets a CT scan or an MRI, the reality today is very different. Increasingly, this specialist contributes directly to therapeutic decisions, works in multidisciplinary teams and participates in the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments.
"Radiology is no longer just a diagnostic discipline" – underlines Professor Nicoletta Gandolfo, President of SIRM. He adds: "The radiologist is increasingly involved in clinical pathways and contributes to the choice of the most appropriate therapeutic strategies. For the patient this means more precise diagnoses, more personalized treatments and increasingly integrated assistance".
A transformation that crosses numerous areas, from oncology to cardiovascular diseases, from emergencies to neuroradiology, themes that occupied a central part of the scientific program of the Congress.
Artificial intelligence enters everyday practice
Walking through the halls and corridors of the Congress you realize how the protagonist of this 52nd Congress is undoubtedly artificial intelligence. Not as a technology of the future, but as a tool already present in daily clinical practice.
Numerous conference sessions were dedicated to the applications of AI in reporting, image analysis, radiomics, data management and workflow optimization. Today algorithms are able to support the radiologist in the identification of suspicious lesions, in the reconstruction of images and in the processing of large quantities of data, allowing to accelerate some diagnostic processes and improve the quality of the information available.
As highlighted by the president of the Congress, Professor Roberto Grassi, "artificial intelligence represents a precious resource but also requires critical sense and adequate skills to be used correctly. The objective is not to replace the doctor, but to allow him to dedicate more time to activities with greater added value, including clinical evaluation and the relationship with the patient".
"New technologies can help the radiologist manage the enormous amount of information generated every day by diagnostic tests" – added the President Elect of SIRM, Professor Luca Brunese. Which underlines: "The true value of artificial intelligence is freeing up time and resources that can be invested in the quality of care and in dialogue with the patient."
The revolution in interventional radiology
But modern radiology is not limited to observing the human body. More and more often it intervenes directly to treat diseases. Interventional radiology represents one of the fastest growing sectors and includes minimally invasive procedures performed under radiological guidance that allow lesions, blood vessels or organs to be reached with extreme precision, reducing the need for traditional surgery in numerous clinical conditions.
The new techniques find application in oncology, vascular diseases, emergency bleeding and numerous other pathologies, offering faster recovery times and less invasiveness for patients.
"Interventional radiology demonstrates how today images can guide not only diagnosis but also treatment" – explains Grassi. "It's one of the most concrete examples of how technology can translate into real benefits for patients."
Teamwork and new skills
Another message that emerged from the Congress - and which President Gandolfo has underlined several times - concerns the importance of collaboration between all the professional figures in the radiological area. For the first time, the Congress was also opened in a structured way to healthcare radiology technicians, confirming an increasingly multidisciplinary vision of diagnostic work.
In fact, radiologists and technicians work in synergy throughout all phases of the examination, from patient preparation to image acquisition and interpretation. At the same time, the skills required of professionals are growing. In addition to clinical and technological knowledge, data management, cybersecurity, the use of algorithms and the ability to integrate information from different sources are becoming increasingly important.
Young radiologists and the future of the profession
Among the characterizing aspects of this edition was the attention dedicated to the new generations. SIRM today has over 13 thousand members and almost half are under 45 years old. The Congress reserved ample space for younger professionals through over a thousand scientific communications, 250 clinical cases, competitions between specialization schools and dedicated training moments.
A choice that reflects the need to train the radiologists of the future in a context where the demand for tests continues to grow and where technologies evolve with unprecedented speed.
Towards increasingly personalized medicine
From breast medicine to oncology, from neuroradiology to pediatric radiology, the common thread that emerged from the Congress is one: using technological innovations to build increasingly personalized treatment paths.
The goal is not just to obtain better images, but to transform data into useful clinical knowledge, advance diagnoses, guide therapies and improve patient outcomes. A challenge that involves technology, training and healthcare organisation, but which keeps the care relationship at the centre.
More than a century after the discovery of X-rays, radiology continues to reinvent itself. And today, in the era of artificial intelligence and precision medicine, it confirms its role as one of the key disciplines for the future of healthcare.
