Medical Imaging: In the NEJM "Top 11 List"
The New England Journal of Medicine calls medical imaging one of the most important medical developments of the past 1,000 years – ranking with such milestones as the discovery of anesthesia and the discovery of antibiotics. The reason: the remarkable power of medical imaging in providing physicians with sight – and insight – about human disease and physiology.
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Major Stages in the Evolution of Medical Imaging |
| DEVELOPMENT |
EXAMPLES OF TECHNOLOGY |
RESULT |
| Imaging defines the physical features and functions of internal organs |
X-ray, ultrasound, radionuclide tracers, contrast agents |
- Visualization of the disease process
- Enhanced precision of therapy
- Improved understanding of the physiology of disease
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| Imaging achieves access to the body's vessel structure, and improves ability to characterize tissue |
Contrast angiography, CT, MRI |
- Visualization of the interior of the heart and blood vessels
- Fine resolution of very small structures throughout the body
- New treatments for cancer, vascular, and cardiac diseases result from better imaging
|
| Imaging guides therapy directly |
Minimally invasive surgery; ability to guide cancer therapy over a long period |
- Reduced hospitalization
- Fewer complications and easier recoveries
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Adapted from "Looking Back on the Millennium in Medicine," by the Editors, New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 342:42-49, January 6, 2000. |
With this knowledge, physicians are able to formulate an understanding of the problem and develop treatment plans – often providing direct treatment with image-based technologies as well.
The New England Journal of Medicine identifies three overlapping stages in the evolution of medical imaging – from early discovery of X-rays, to diagnosis via the body's vascular system, to direct delivery of treatment through minimally-invasive procedures. Each underscores the contributions of imaging to modern, high-quality health care.
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