The evolution of whole-body imaging

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2010 Mar;14(1):3-13. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1248701. Epub 2010 Mar 12.

Abstract

This article reviews the evolution of whole-body imaging, discussing the history and development of radiography, nuclear medicine, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), combined PET-CT, and magnetic resonance imaging. The obstacles hindering progress toward whole-body imaging using each of these modalities, and the technical advances that were developed to overcome them, are reviewed. The effectiveness and the limitations of whole-body imaging with each of these techniques are also briefly discussed.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / history
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / history
  • Radiography / history
  • Radionuclide Imaging / history
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / history
  • Whole Body Imaging / history*