Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Safeguarding Patients’ Rights in the Digital Era

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now firmly embedded in radiology practice. From automated abnormality detection on chest radiographs to workflow optimization in triage, AI is increasingly shaping diagnostic processes. Its promise is substantial: improved efficiency, faster reporting, and better diagnostic accuracy. Yet these benefits come with risks that extend beyond technical performance. For radiologists, the critical challenge is to ensure that integration of AI into clinical practice does not compromise patients’ fundamental rights. This is not only a professional duty, but also a legal obligation. Under the recently adopted EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), hospitals and clinicians deploying “high-risk” AI systems, including most radiology applications, are required to demonstrate adequate AI literacy. Radiologists must be equipped not only to understand technical aspects but also to assess risks for patients.