RADIOLOGY IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOMI TODAY AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

The Komi Republic is a region with a low population density. The radiology service in the republic is provided by121 general radiologists and 78 ultrasound diagnosis specialists. Thus, the staffing level of radiologists and ultrasound specialists is significantly lower comparing to the rest of the Russian Federation. Structure of radiology examsin Republic almost coincides with the rest of the Russian Federation: the first place take ultrasound examinations —53,2% (Russia — 56,8%), the second place takes plane film radiology — 40,8% (Russia — 39%), the third — computed tomography — 5% (Russia – 3,3%), magnetic resonance imaging is in fourth place — 1% (Russia – 0,9%).The optimal modes of low-dose computed tomography of the chest are identified with an average effective dose of0,575±0,160 millisievert (mSv) with minimal loss of quality. Digital mammography, ultrasound elastography andintroduction of the Bi-RADS scale, as well as digital fluorography and introduction of low-dose computed tomography of the chest to the annual preventive examination of the population at risk of lung cancer are considered as priority areas in improving the quality of early cancer diagnosis among the population of the republic. The radiologicalsociety of Komi Republic was created with 61% (123) radiologists as members. Respectively, the main objectives forthe radiology in the Republic of Komi for 2018–2019 are: increased availability of perfusion methods of acute andchronic cerebral ischemia diagnosis, implementation of the pilot project «Low-dose computed tomography organs ofthe chest», increasing the availability of magnetic resonance tomography in pediatric practice, implementation anddevelopment of telemedicine technologies in the Komi Republic and continuous advanced training of radiologists,development and improving the activities of the Komi Republican Radiological society.