Emerging methods in radiology

Der Radiologe, vol. 60, pp. 41–53

Abstract

Imaging modalities have developed rapidly in recent decades. In addition to improved resolution as well as whole-body and faster image acquisition, the possibilities of functional and molecular examination of tissue pathophysiology have had a decisive influence on imaging diagnostics and provided ground-breaking knowledge. Many promising approaches are currently being pursued to increase the application area of devices and contrast media and to improve their sensitivity and quantitative informative value. These are complemented by new methods of data processing, multiparametric data analysis, and integrated diagnostics. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of technological innovations that will enrich clinical imaging in the future, and to highlight the resultant diagnostic options. These relate to the established imaging methods such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET, and SPECT but also to new methods such as magnetic particle imaging (MPI), optical imaging, and photoacoustics. In addition, approaches to radiomic image evaluation are explained and the chances and difficulties for their broad clinical introduction are discussed. The potential of imaging to describe pathophysiological relationships in ever increasing detail, both at whole-body and tissue level, can in future be used to better understand the mechanistic effect of drugs, to preselect patients to therapies, and to improve monitoring of therapy success. Consequently, the use of interdisciplinary integrated diagnostics will greatly change and enrich the profession of radiologists.

Authors 7

1. Benjamin Theek Aachen Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany

2. Teresa Nolte Aachen Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany

3. Dennis Pantke Aachen Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany

4. Franziska Schrank Aachen Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany

5. Felix Gremse Aachen Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany

6. Volkmar Schulz Aachen Comprehensive Diagnostic Center Aachen (CDCA) Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Comprehensive Diagnostic Center Aachen (CDCA), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany

   Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany

7. Fabian M. Kiessling corresponding Aachen Comprehensive Diagnostic Center Aachen (CDCA) Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging Medical Faculty

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Comprehensive Diagnostic Center Aachen (CDCA), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. fkiessling@ukaachen.de

   Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany. fkiessling@ukaachen.de

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany. fkiessling@ukaachen.de

   Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany