Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Practice, Research, and the Next Generation.

Journal: RoFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin
Published Date: Dec 17, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiology is at the center of the digital transformation of the healthcare system. As a highly digital field, radiology is well-suited for the early implementation and critical evaluation of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). This review aims to comprehensively and distinctly present the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in radiology, focusing on clinical applications, research, and promoting young talents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This narrative review is based on selective evaluation of relevant scientific literature and publications from the last 10 years. Relevant German- and English-language articles on the digital transformation of radiology were considered, particularly those addressing digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, ethical and regulatory frameworks, and education and training. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Digitalization offers significant opportunities for radiology. In addition to advancing imaging procedures and automating image analysis with AI, digitalization optimizes workflows, enables personalized diagnostics, and fosters new care models, such as teleradiology. However, there are also key challenges: Data protection issues, a lack of standardization, insufficient validation, and regulatory hurdles are hindering its widespread implementation in hospitals. To future-proof radiology, it is essential to promote young talent and incorporate digital skills in the curriculum. KEY POINTS: · Due to its digital structure, radiology is particularly well-suited to integrating new medical technologies.. · Some AI-powered applications have been adopted in everyday clinical practice but they require further validation.. · A key task for the future is systematically training prospective radiologists in digital skills.. CITATION FORMAT: · Hoffmann E, Bannas P, Bayerl N et al. Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Practice, Research, and the Next Generation. Rofo 2025; DOI 10.1055/a-2741-9717.

Authors

  • Emily Hoffmann
    Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
  • Peter Bannas
    Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
  • Nadine Bayerl
    Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • Clemens C Cyran
    Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
  • Matthias Dietzel
    Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 3, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
  • Michel Eisenblätter
    Dept. of Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology, University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University Campus Hospital Lippe, Detmold, Germany.
  • Ingrid Hilger
    Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
  • Caroline Jung
    Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Clinic Nordfriesland, Husum, Germany.
  • Fabian Kiessling
    Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine, MEVIS, Am Fallturm 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany. [email protected].
  • Claudius Sebastian Mathy
    Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
  • Lukas Müller
    Klinik und Poliklinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland. [email protected].
  • Fritz Schick
    Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
  • Franz Wegner
    Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
  • Tobias Bäuerle
    Department of Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • Lisa Adams
    Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.

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