Introducing Imaging in Medicine

Elliot K Fishman^*

Department of Radiology, 601 N Caroline St, Room 3251, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA

*Corresponding Author:

Elliot K Fishman
Department of Radiology, 601 N Caroline St Room 3251
Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
Tel: +1 410 955 5173
E-mail: efishman@jhmi.edu

Abstract

Well into the 2nd century after Roentgen’s discovery of x‑rays we continue to see an evolution in the field of medical imaging. The rapid development and continuing evolution of such modalities as computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound and PET scanning continue to have a major impact on the detection of disease and the delivery of care to manage these diseases. Whether a clinical problem is cardiac, oncologic or orthopedic in nature, imaging plays a central role in detection or exclusion of disease, as well as staging the extent of disease when present and planning management, be it medical or surgical. The impact of rapid changes in technology affect not only the radiologist but the referring physicians who are spending more time on imaging as it becomes ‘the physical examination’ of the 21st century.

Our first issue begins with a discussion by Rodney Reznek and Sidath Liyanage from Barts and The London Hospitals NHS Trust (London, UK) on the aims of and challenges faced by radiologists when planning radiotherapy [1]. The Reviews presented here focus on different areas of the clinical spectrum, for example, Hiroyuki Irie and his colleagues from Saga University (Japan) report their findings on imaging autoimmune pancreatitis [2]. Acoustic microscopy, an exciting imaging technique still in development, is reviewed by Yoshifumi Saijo from Tohoku University, (Sendai, Japan) [3]. Further to clinical and technical advancements, patient safety is considered; exposure to radiation inherently poses a risk to patients, particularly as imaging technology progresses and the use of medical imaging increases. Imaging in Medicine asked Lifeng Yu and Cynthia McCollough’s team from the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) to summarize the technical strategies that are commonly used for radiation dose management in computed tomography [4]. The views and opinions from a number of other prominent figures in the field are also featured in the Editorials and News & Views.

This issue is representative of the inclusive approach you can expect from future issues of Imaging in Medicine, and we hope that you find it informative and stimulating. The goal of Imaging in Medicine is to capture some of the excitement of this new technology from a technical as well as clinical perspective. Our aim is to be a source of critical information for the delivery of care in the complex medical environment we live in. We hope to provide a forum for the rapid dissemination of ‘mission critical information’ and that the journal will prove valuable for both potential authors and users in the radiology community and its close affiliates.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

References

1. Liyanage SH, Reznek RH: Role of the radiologist in radiotherapy planning. Imaging Med. 1(1), 3–6 (2009).
2. Irie N, Nojiri J, Kamochi N et al.: Imaging autoimmune pancreatitis. Imaging Med. 1(1), 97–102 (2009).
3. Saijo Y: Acoustic microscopy: latest developments and applications. Imaging Med. 1(1), 47–63 (2009).
4. Yu L, Liu X, Leng S et al.: Radiation dose reduction in computed tomography: techniques and future perspective. Imaging Med. 1(1), 65-84 (2009).