Advances in Biomedical Imaging

Abstract

In the 21st century, diseases will be diagnosed and treated using increasingly less invasive, more sophisticated imaging and image-guided procedures. During the past 100 years, the field of biomedical imaging has developed from Roentgen's original discovery of the x-ray to the imaging tools of today, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and ultrasonography. The benefits of using these sophisticated noninvasive imaging tools are already evident: more accurate and timely diagnosis of disease has translated into improved patient care. Recent advances in imaging research have shown the potential to change many aspects of clinical medicine within the next decade. Major new areas of research focus on development of the molecular, functional, cellular, and genetic imaging tools of the future, aided by new information technology and image fusion/integration capabilities. Image-guided therapy is growing rapidly, with advances in computer science, technology, and noninvasive treatment methods, such as focused ultrasonography. Undoubtedly, these and other new imaging techniques will enhance the ability to accurately diagnose and recognize disease and allow understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diseases and their respective responses to therapy. Given this explosion in new technologies, the next 25 years promise to result in dramatic changes in diagnostic imaging, particularly with respect to detection and recognition of disease.

Lipid Lowering by Simvastatin Induces Regression of Human Atherosclerotic Lesions

“…2 Studies have also highlighted the important role of the media and adventitia in atherogenesis, 15 in particular in the process of remodeling. 16 Advances in imaging techniques, such as the use of ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide 17 (taken up by macrophages and scavenged into the plaque) and MR molecular imaging 18 (for the detection of metalloproteinases, apoptosis, and gene expression), may allow better characterization of the biological effects of statins.…”

Prenatal intervention for urinary obstruction and myelomeningocele

“…MRI can provide images unaffected by fetal position, maternal obesity, oligohydramnics, or overlying bowel and possibly could provide a definitive diagnosis of obstructive uropathy (33,34). MRI seems to be superior in identifying the intracranial lesions such as agenesis of the corpus callosum, cerebellar dysplasia and holoprosencephaly that can accompany myelomeningocele (35). In the future, clinical decisions may be based on analysis of chemical and molecular events with MRI (36).…”

The Mikamo Lecture 2002. Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Atherothrombosis in the New Millennium-Clinical Frontiers in Atherosclerosis Research.

“…These molecular enhancers can potentially boost the ability of noninvasive MR imaging to detect high-risk vulnerable plaque and enhance patients' risk stratification. 77,78 …”