What Are The Consequences Of Missing Findings In Medical Imaging?

Medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, nuclear scans, and ultrasounds have revolutionized modern healthcare by enabling non-invasive diagnostic methods to diagnose anatomical abnormalities. Other, more invasive imaging techniques include angiography to visualize blood vessel abnormalities. These tools are crucial for identifying and treating various medical conditions ranging from fractures to life- and limb-threatening diseases like cancer and blood vessel obstructions.

When abnormalities are missed in medical imaging, the consequences can be severe for the patient. Such errors may lead to a delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and irreversible harm. If you’re questioning whether a missed diagnosis in medical imaging constitutes medical malpractice, this article will outline the medical complications and legal considerations involved.

What Are The Medical Complications Of Missed Findings?

Missed findings in medical imaging can lead to a range of complications, which vary depending on the underlying condition and anatomic region being examined and the pathology that was overlooked. Below are some examples of how these errors might affect patients.

Cancer Misdiagnoses

Cancer is typically more treatable when it is detected in its early stages. Medical imaging is integral to spotting tumors, determining their size and extent, and assessing whether a cancer has spread. If a radiologist overlooks a mass, misinterprets its significance, or fails to recommend follow-up imaging, the patient may experience some or all of the following:

• Delayed treatment: Cancer may progress to a more advanced stage, potentially requiring more aggressive and less effective therapies.
• Decreased survival rates: Late-stage cancers often have poorer prognoses than those detected at an early stage.
• Increased physical suffering: Advanced cancers may lead to severe pain, organ damage, and a diminished quality of life from either the cancer itself or the intensity of the treatment required for a later stage.

Missed Cardiovascular Issues

Imaging techniques like echocardiograms, angiography, and CT angiograms are critical for diagnosing heart (coronary artery) and other blood vessel conditions such as atherosclerosis and blood arterial obstructions, aneurysms (abnormal blood vessel dilation), blood clots, heart valve abnormalities. Failure to detect these conditions can result in:

• Heart attacks or strokes: Undiagnosed blockages or clots can lead to catastrophic cardiovascular events.
• Aneurysm rupture: A missed aneurysm can rupture unexpectedly, causing internal bleeding or death.
• Progressive heart disease: Untreated heart conditions often worsen over time, leading to permanent damage to heart muscle and heart failure.

Misdiagnosed Neurological Conditions

Medical imaging is often used to diagnose strokes, brain tumors, and other neurological conditions. Missing these symptoms can lead to devastating outcomes, including:

• Permanent brain damage: Delayed treatment for strokes or brain injuries can cause irreversible damage.
• Paralysis or loss of function: Missed spinal cord abnormalities or tumors can lead to permanent disability.
• Cognitive impairment: Untreated brain conditions may cause memory loss, reduced mental capacity, or personality changes.

Orthopedic Complications

Orthopedic imaging helps diagnose fractures, joint problems, and soft tissue injuries. Missed findings can result in:

• Improper healing: Undiagnosed fractures may heal incorrectly, causing chronic pain or deformity.
• Delayed surgery: Missed joint or ligament injuries may lead to more invasive surgical interventions later.
• Chronic pain: Mismanaged injuries can result in long-term discomfort and reduced mobility.

How Do You Prove It’s Medical Malpractice?

If you believe missed findings in medical imaging have caused harm, determining whether this constitutes medical malpractice involves several considerations.

Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim

To establish a valid malpractice claim, you must demonstrate the following:

• A doctor-patient relationship existed: This confirms the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
• Negligence occurred: The radiologist or healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care. For example, by misreading a radiology study.
• Harm resulting from negligence: The missed diagnosis caused specific damages, such as worsened health outcomes, injuries, or additional medical expenses.

Expert Testimony

Medical malpractice claims typically require expert opinion and testimony to establish that the provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care. Radiology experts, generally radiologists or other specialists who perform radiology studies (e.g., cardiologists who perform cardiac catheterization), can review the imaging studies and determine whether the error was preventable and should have been prevented.

Compensation

If negligence is proven, compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses: Costs of additional treatments or surgeries, including projected future care.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work.
• Pain, suffering, and disfigurement: Emotional and physical distress caused by the harm.
• Punitive damages: In some rare cases, courts may award these to punish egregious misconduct.

Finding A Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Attorney For Your Claim

When a doctor commits an error related to medical imaging that causes injuries to a patient, the patient may be able to file a claim and seek compensation for their damages. It’s crucial to find a lawyer experienced with these types of cases.

At Ross Feller Casey, we have the resources and expertise to fight for your rights and win. We have Ivy League-educated medical doctors on staff who review medical records, identify negligence, and assist our attorneys with all medical aspects of the case.  

If you or your family member has suffered medical malpractice injuries, the Ross Feller Casey legal team can help. We have a winning track record of large financial recoveries and verdicts in medical malpractice cases for patients just like you.

Call our office today for a free case evaluation. We handle all of our cases on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay anything until a financial recovery is made.