The use of radiation in medicine is now pervasive and routine. From their crude beginnings 100 years ago, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy have all evolved into advanced techniques, and are regarded as essential tools across all branches and specialties of medicine.The inherent properties of ionizing radiation provide many benefits, but can also cause potential harm. Its use within medical practice thus involves an informed judgment regarding the risk/benefit ratio. This judgment requires not only medical knowledge, but also an understanding of radiation itself.This work provides a global perspective on radiation risks, exposure and mitigation strategies.

Peak velocities and spatiotemporal flow patterns depend on the type of valve substitute. In the parameters measured, autograft replacements differed least from normal aortic valves.

Peri-coronary epicardial adipose tissue volume is significantly associated with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis and may be a determinant of plaque vulnerability.

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The persistence of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction after relief of chronic pressure overload of critical pulmonary valve stenosis suggests that a factor - other than increase in afterload - is involved in this physiology. Fibrosis is the most likely factor responsible for persistence of restrictive physiology as documented by late gadolinium enhancement.