The Use of Metaverse in Radiology: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Virtual Reality and Metaverse Technologies
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The metaverse, featuring 3D and virtual reality environments, is revolutionizing medical imaging interpretation.
• It impacts the diagnosis and treatment of diseases through enhanced visualization of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and mammograms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the applications of metaverse technologies in radiology.
• To examine how these virtual environments improve the interpretation of various medical imaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted.
• English-language studies published until June 2024 focusing on metaverse applications in radiology were included.
• Data extraction was performed by three independent reviewers using a structured form.

Main Results:

• 21 studies were included out of 212 initially found; 52% were developmental research, with China leading publications.
• Significant advancements include novel diagnostic tools, integrated imaging technologies, and innovative modeling/simulation.
• MRI and CT were the most frequently studied modalities, highlighting their potential for metaverse enhancement.

Conclusions:

• The metaverse offers substantial advancements in radiology, including new diagnostic tools and simulation methods.
• Future research should focus on practical applications, patient outcomes, and clinical workflow integration.
• Optimizing metaverse integration is key to improving patient care in diagnostic imaging.