The Opioid Epidemic and the Role of Radiology: History, Current Status, Controversies, and Appropriately Managing Pain in the Image-Guided Procedural Arena

Abstract

Because of the enormity of the opioid epidemic, it is critical for radiologists and radiology trainees to be aware of how patients who misuse opioids may present to the emergency department and the relevant imaging findings to impact patient care efficiently and effectively. Diagnostic and interventional radiologists who perform procedures and manage patients with procedural and postprocedural pain must have a keen, current knowledge of pain management strategies to minimize the risk of their patients developing opioid addiction.