When to use bold

Making a decision about when to use bold in an article is important since we know that adding bold and italics to articles reduces its readability.

There are very few examples of when to use bold in an article on Radiopaedia.org and as such, if you're unsure, it's probably worthwhile not using it.

It is worth noting that all the headings in Radiopaedia.org articles have a bold typeface, but this is achieved by using the dropdown "paragraph format" menu at the top right of the menu bar (which by default says "Normal"). Selecting headings allows styling and structure to be added to articles.

Usage

Examples of appropriate use include: 

• the introductory paragraph where the title of the article is emboldened
• headings in bulleted lists
• names in the "History and etymology" section

Introductory paragraph

The introductory paragraph should introduce the topic for discussion and include the name of the article in bold close to the start of the first sentence. 

"Pineal cysts are common incidental findings..."

Headings in bulleted lists

There are some sets of bulleted lists where the first word of the list item should be bold. This includes, but is not limited to, MRI findings, anatomical relations, staging systems. An example would be:

MRI

• T1: hypointense to surrounding tissue
• STIR: hyperintense

So, if you are unsure about whether a word should be bold, don't do it.

Names in the "History and etymology" section

Relevant names mentioned in the section on historical context (after whom a disease is named, who first described it, etc.) should be bold.

• "It was initially described by Blackman and Dandy in 1914."
• "It is named after George Quentin Chance, British radiologist who first described it in 1948."